The 2012 Farm Bill: A Comparison of Senate-
Passed S. 3240 and the House Agriculture
Committee’s H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Ralph M. Chite, Coordinator
Section Research Manager
August 21, 2012
Congressional Research Service
7-5700
www.crs.gov
R42552
CRS Report for Congress
Pr
epared for Members and Committees of Congress
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Summary
Congress periodically establishes agricultural and food policy in an omnibus farm bill. The 112th
Congress faces reauthorization of the current five-year farm bill (the Food, Conservation, and
Energy Act of 2008, P.L. 110-246) because many of its provisions expire in 2012. The 2008 farm
bill contained 15 titles covering farm commodity support, horticulture, livestock, conservation,
nutrition assistance, international trade and food aid, agricultural research, farm credit, rural
development, bioenergy, and forestry, among others.
The Senate approved its version of the 2012 omnibus farm bill (S. 3240, the Agriculture Reform,
Food, and Jobs Act of 2012) by a vote of 64-35 on June 21, 2012. Subsequently, the House
Agriculture Committee conducted markup of its own version of the farm bill (H.R. 6083, the
Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2012) on July 11, 2012, and approved
the amended bill by a vote of 35-11. Floor action on the House farm bill is pending.
Within the 12 titles of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083, both farm bills would reshape the structure of farm
commodity support, expand crop insurance coverage, consolidate conservation programs, revise
the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps), and extend
authority to appropriate funds for many U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) discretionary
programs through FY2017. Among the major differences in the two farm bills is how each would
restructure the farm safety net. Both farm bills borrow conceptually from current programs, by
revising (and renaming) them to enhance price or revenue protection for producers. The House
farm bill is similar to the current mix of farm programs in that it retains producer choice between
a counter-cyclical price program and a revenue enhancement program, while the Senate farm bill
provides for a revised revenue program with a slightly higher guarantee than in the House farm
bill.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that the programs of the 2008 farm bill, if they
were to continue, would cost nearly $1 trillion over the next 10 years. Compared to this
“baseline,” the Senate-passed farm bill would reduce spending by $23.1 billion and the House
Agriculture Committee-approved farm bill would reduce it by $35.1 billion, both over the same
10-year horizon. Explaining much of the $12 billion difference in estimated savings between the
two farm bills are provisions in the nutrition title of the House bill that would affect program
eligibility for SNAP.
This report contains a more detailed summary of the major similarities and differences between
the House and Senate 2012 farm bills and also provides a side-by-side comparison of every
provision in the two farm bills and how these provisions relate to current federal law or policy.
NOTE: As of the date of publication of this report, the House Agriculture Committee had not yet
officially reported the text of H.R. 6083, as amended and approved by the committee at its July
11, 2012, markup. Hence, section numbers of the yet-to-be-reported bill are unavailable for
portions of titles (IV, V, VI, X, and XII) that were amended without any reference to the
amendment’s exact placement in the bill. This report reflects provisions of all of the adopted
amendments (as posted on the House Agriculture Committee website) and will be updated with
the appropriate section number references once the bill is reported.
Congressional Research Service
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Contents
Introduction...................................................................................................................................... 1
Budgetary Impact............................................................................................................................. 2
Title-by-Title Summaries of the House (H.R. 6083) and Senate (S. 3240) 2012 Farm Bills .......... 3
Farm Bill Title I, Commodity Programs.................................................................................... 3
Farm Bill Title II, Conservation ................................................................................................ 5
Farm Bill Title III, Trade ........................................................................................................... 6
Farm Bill Title IV, Nutrition ...................................................................................................... 6
Farm Bill Title V, Credit ............................................................................................................ 7
Farm Bill Title VI, Rural Development..................................................................................... 8
Farm Bill Title VII, Research, Extension, and Related Matters ................................................ 9
Farm Bill Title VIII, Forestry .................................................................................................... 9
Farm Bill Title IX, Energy....................................................................................................... 10
Farm Bill Title X, Horticulture................................................................................................ 10
Farm Bill Title XI, Crop Insurance.......................................................................................... 11
Farm Bill Title XII, Miscellaneous.......................................................................................... 12
Provisions of the Senate-Passed 2012 Farm Bill (S. 3240) and the House Agriculture
Committee Bill (H.R. 6083, as amended 7/11/12), Compared with Current Law...................... 14
Figures
Figure 1. Ten-Year Scores of the Senate and House 2012 Farm Bills ............................................. 2
Tables
Title I. Commodity Programs ........................................................................................................ 14
Title II. Conservation..................................................................................................................... 36
Title III. Trade................................................................................................................................ 51
Title IV. Nutrition........................................................................................................................... 59
Title V. Credit................................................................................................................................. 69
Title VI. Rural Development ......................................................................................................... 73
Title VII. Research, Extension, and Related Matters..................................................................... 84
Title VIII. Forestry......................................................................................................................... 95
Title IX. Energy ........................................................................................................................... 100
Title X. Horticulture..................................................................................................................... 107
Title XI. Crop Insurance .............................................................................................................. 114
Title XII. Miscellaneous .............................................................................................................. 121
Congressional Research Service
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Contacts
Author Contact Information......................................................................................................... 130
Acknowledgments ....................................................................................................................... 130
Congressional Research Service
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Introduction
The 112th Congress is in the midst of considering an omnibus farm bill that will establish the
direction of agricultural policy for the next several years. Many provisions of the current farm bill
(the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, P.L. 110-246) expire this year.
The Senate Agriculture Committee approved its version of the 2012 omnibus farm bill on April
26, 2012 (Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012), and officially filed the measure, S.
3240, on May 24, 2012. After the bill was filed, more than 300 amendments were proposed for
consideration on the Senate floor. By mid-June, an agreement was reached to limit the debate to
77 of the proposed amendments, of which 45 were adopted between June 19 and June 21. The
full Senate approved S. 3240, as amended, by a vote of 64-35 on June 21.
The House Agriculture Committee completed markup of its version of the farm bill (H.R. 6083,
the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2012) on July 11, 2012, and
approved the amended measure by a 35-11 vote. Nearly 100 amendments were offered for
committee consideration, of which nearly half were adopted by the committee.
Within their 12 titles, the five-year House and Senate farm bills would reshape the structure of
farm commodity support, expand crop insurance coverage, consolidate conservation programs,
revise the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly food stamps), and extend
authority to appropriate funds for many U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) discretionary
programs through FY2017.
Following are summaries of the major similarities and differences within each of the 12 titles of
the respective versions of the House Agriculture Committee-approved and Senate-passed 2012
farm bills. The summaries are followed by a comprehensive title-by-title comparison of all of the
House and Senate provisions with each other and with current law or policy.
Congressional Action on a 2012 Farm Bill
Committee
Initial Passage
Conference Agreement
Public
House Senate House Senate Report House Senate Law
7/11/2012 4/26/2012
— 6/21/2012 — — — —
Vote of
Vote of
Vote of
3511
165
6435
H.R. 6083
S. 3240
S. 3240
Source: CRS.
Congressional Research Service
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The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Budgetary Impact1
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that the programs of the 2008 farm bill, if they
were to continue, would cost nearly $1 trillion over the next 10 years. Compared to this
“baseline,” the Senate-passed farm bill, S. 3240, would reduce spending by $23.1 billion (2.3%);
and the House Agriculture Committee-approved bill, H.R. 6083, would reduce it by $35.1 billion
(-3.5%). The $23 billion 10-year reduction (or “score”) in the Senate bill is consistent with a joint
House-Senate Agriculture Committee proposal to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit
Reduction in fall 2011. The $35 billion 10-year reduction in the House bill is consistent with
reconciliation instructions in the House budget resolution for FY2013.
The net reduction in each bill is composed of some titles receiving more funding than in the past,
while other titles provide offsets for deficit reduction. Figure 1 illustrates the budgetary impacts
of changes to each title in each bill, and the following table contains the data in tabular form.
More background and detail on the budget available to write the farm bill, the CBO scores of
each bill, and other budgetary issues is available in CRS Report R42484, Budget Issues Shaping a
2012 Farm Bill.
Figure 1. Ten-Year Scores of the Senate and House 2012 Farm Bills
(change in outlays over FY2013-FY2022 in billions of dollars by farm bill title, relative to baseline)
Miscellaneous, +0.05
20
Research, +0.55
Research, +0.68
Rural Dev., +0.11
Rural Dev., +0.12
Horticulture, +0.43
Energy, +0.78
10
Horticulture, +0.36
Crop Ins., +9.52
Crop Ins., +5.04
0
Nutrition, -4.00
core
Nutrition, -16.08
s -10
Commodities, -19.43
llars
-20
n do
llio
Conservation, -6.37
Bi
Commodities, -23.58
-30
Miscellaneous, -0.32
-40
Conservation, -6.15
-50
S. 3240
H.R. 6083
Net: -$23.14 billion
Net: -$35.07 billion
Source: CRS, using CBO cost estimates of S. 3240 (July 9, 2012, at http://cbo.gov/publication/43417), and H.R.
6083 (July 26, 2012, at http://cbo.gov/publication/43486).
1 This section was written by Jim Monke, Specialist in Agricultural Policy.
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The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
2012 Farm Bill Budget: Baseline, Scores, and Proposed Outlays, by Title
(outlays in millions of dollars, 10-year total FY2013-FY2022)
CBO Score of Bill
Outlays Proposed
CBO
(change to baseline)
(Baseline + Score)
Baseline
2012 Farm Bill Titles
(outlays)
S. 3240
H.R. 6083
S. 3240
H.R. 6083
I Commodities
62,944
-19,428
-23,584
43,516 39,360
II Conservation
64,067
-6,374
-6,148
57,693 57,919
III Trade
3,442
0
0
3,442
3,442
IV Nutrition
772,109
-4,000
-16,075 768,109 756,034
V Credit
-2,665
0
0
-2,665
-2,665
VI Rural
Development
25
115
105
140
130
VII Research
214
681
546
895
760
VIII Forestry
9
9
4
18
13
IX Energy
750
780
0
1,530
750
X Horticulture
1,080
360
435
1,440
1,515
XI Crop
Insurance
90,867
5,036
9,523
95,903 100,390
XII Miscel aneous
0
-319
50
-319
50
Total
992,842 -23,140 -35,144 969,702 957,698
Source: CRS, using the CBO baseline (March 2012) and CBO cost estimates of S. 3240 (July 9, 2012, at
http://cbo.gov/publication/43417), and H.R. 6083 (July 26, 2012, at http://cbo.gov/publication/43486),
Title-by-Title Summaries of the House (H.R. 6083)
and Senate (S. 3240) 2012 Farm Bills
Farm Bill Title I, Commodity Programs2
Under both the Senate-passed (S. 3240) and House Agriculture Committee-approved (H.R. 6083)
farm bills, farm support for traditional program crops is restructured by eliminating direct
payments, the existing counter-cyclical price program, and the Average Crop Revenue Election
(ACRE) program. Authority is continued for marketing assistance loans, which provide additional
low-price protection at “loan rates” specified in current law (with an adjustment made to the
cotton loan rate). Direct payments account for most of current commodity spending and are made
to producers and landowners based on historical production of corn, wheat, soybeans, cotton, rice,
peanuts, and other “covered” crops. Some of the 10-year, $50 billion in savings associated with
the proposed elimination of direct payments would be used to offset the cost of revising farm
programs and enhancing crop insurance in Title XI. Both bills provide programs for covered
crops, except cotton, which would have its own program (see “Farm Bill Title XI, Crop
Insurance”).
2 This section was written by Dennis A. Shields (farm commodity support), Randy Schnepf (dairy), Remy Jurenas
(sugar), and Jim Monke (payment limits), all Specialists in Agricultural Policy.
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The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Both bills borrow conceptually from current programs, revising (and renaming) them to enhance
price or revenue protection for producers.
• The House bill is similar to the current mix of farm programs in that it retains
producer choice between a counter-cyclical price program (renamed Price Loss
Coverage or PLC) and a revenue program (renamed Revenue Loss Coverage or
RLC).
• For PLC, the price guarantees (“reference prices”) that determine payment levels
are increased relative to parameters in the current program to better protect
producers in a market downturn.
• For RLC, the guarantee is based on historical revenue at the county level, so
losses are more likely to be covered than under the current ACRE, which
calculates the guarantee at the state level.
• In contrast to the House bill, the Senate bill provides for only a revised revenue
program called Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC). It offers a slightly higher
guarantee than in the House bill, plus an option for farmers to select coverage at
either the county or individual farm level.3
Five disaster programs were established in the 2008 farm bill for weather-induced losses in
FY2008-FY2011. Both S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 reauthorize four programs covering livestock and
tree assistance for FY2012-FY2017. The crop disaster program from the 2008 farm bill (i.e.,
Supplemental Revenue Assistance, or SURE) is not reauthorized in either bill, but elements of it
are folded into the new ARC in the Senate bill by allowing producers to protect against farm-level
revenue losses (not included in House bill). S. 3240 also provides disaster benefits to tree fruit
producers who suffered crop losses in 2012.
Farm commodity programs have certain limits that cap payments (currently $105,000 per person)
and set eligibility based on adjusted gross income (AGI, currently $500,000 per person for
nonfarm income and $750,000 for farm income). The two bills diverge from current law and each
other, with S. 3240 reducing the farm program payment limit to $50,000 per person for ARC and
adding a $75,000 limit on loan deficiency payments (LDPs). The program payment limit under
the H.R. 6083 is $125,000 for PLC and RLC, with no limit on LDPs.4 The Senate bill changes the
threshold to be considered actively engaged and to qualify for payments, by effectively requiring
personal labor in the farming operation. Both bills also tighten limits on AGI, with a combined
AGI limit of $750,000 in S. 3240 and $950,000 in H.R. 6083.
For dairy policy, both bills contain similar, significant changes, including elimination of the dairy
product price support program, the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program, and export
subsidies. These are replaced by a new program, which makes payments to participating dairy
producers when the national margin (average farm price of milk minus average feed costs) falls
below $4.00 per hundredweight (cwt.), with coverage at higher margins available for purchase.
3 RLC makes payments to producers for each planted crop when actual countywide crop revenue is below 85% of
historical revenue (i.e., the producer absorbs the first 15% of the shortfall). In contrast, for ARC, the revenue guarantee
is set at 89% of historical revenue (i.e., the producer absorbs the first 11% of the shortfall) at either the county or farm
level (to cover more localized losses). In both cases, the government then pays for the next 10% of the loss. Any
remaining losses are backstopped by crop insurance if purchased by the producer.
4 In both the House and Senate bills, peanuts have a separate but identical payment limit as all the other covered
commodities combined.
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The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Another provision makes participating producers subject to a separate program, which reduces
incentives to produce milk when margins are low. Federal milk marketing orders have permanent
statutory authority and continue intact. However, S. 3240 (but not H.R. 6083) includes two
provisions that require more frequent reporting of dairy market information and studies on
potential changes to the federal milk marketing order system.
The sugar program is left unchanged in both bills, with an exception in the Senate bill that
advances the date (to February 1 from April 1) that USDA can increase the import quota.
Farm Bill Title II, Conservation5
The current agricultural conservation portfolio includes over 20 conservation programs. The
conservation titles of both the Senate-passed (S. 3240) and House committee-approved (H.R.
6083) farm bills reduce and consolidate the number of conservation programs while also reducing
mandatory funding more than $6 billion over the 10-year baseline.
Many of the larger existing conservation programs, such as the Conservation Reserve Program
(CRP), the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and the Conservation Stewardship
Program (CSP), are reauthorized by both bills with smaller and similar conservation programs
“rolled” into them. In response to reduced demand and as a budget saving measure, the largest
conservation program, CRP, is reauthorized with a reduced acreage enrollment cap using a step-
down approach from the current 32 million acres to 25 million by FY2017 under both bills. CRP
also is amended to include the enrollment of grassland acres similar to the Grasslands Reserve
Program (GRP), which is repealed. These grassland acres are limited to 1.5 million acres in S.
3240 and 2 million acres in H.R. 6083. EQIP, a program that assists producers with conservation
measures on land in production, is reauthorized by both bills with a 5% funding carve-out for
wildlife habitat practices (similar to the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, WHIP, which is
repealed). The Senate-passed bill reduces EQIP a total of almost $1 billion over 10 years, while
the House committee bill offers no reduction from the current $1.75 billion annually. CSP,
another working land program, is reauthorized at a reduced enrollment level under both bills:
10.348 million acres annually under S. 3240 and 9 million acres annually under H.R. 6083, down
from 12.769 million acres annually under current law.
Both bills create two new conservation programs—the Agricultural Conservation Easement
Program (ACEP) and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)—out of several of
the remaining programs. Conservation easement programs, including the Wetlands Reserve
Program (WRP), Farmland Protection Program (FPP), and GRP, are repealed and consolidated to
create ACEP. ACEP retains most of the program provisions in the current easement programs by
establishing two types of easements: wetlands easements (similar to WRP) that protect and
restore wetlands, and agricultural land easements (similar to FPP and GRP) that prevent non-
agricultural uses on productive farm or grassland. The Agricultural Water Enhancement Program
(AWEP), Chesapeake Bay Watershed program, Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative
(CCPI), and Great Lakes basin program are repealed by both bills and consolidated into the new
RCPP. RCPP uses partnership agreements with state and local governments, Indian tribes, farmer
cooperatives, and other conservation organizations to leverage federal funding and further
conservation on a regional or watershed scale.
5 This section was written by Megan Stubbs, Specialist in Agricultural Conservation and Natural Resources Policy.
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The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
The Senate-passed bill adds the federally funded portion of crop insurance premiums to the list of
program benefits that could be lost if a producer is found to produce an agricultural commodity
on highly erodible land without an approved conservation plan or qualifying exemption, or
converts a wetland to crop production. This prerequisite, referred to as conservation compliance,
has existed since the 1985 farm bill and currently affects most USDA farm program benefits, but
has excluded crop insurance since 1996. The House committee bill offers no comparable
provision.
Farm Bill Title III, Trade6
The trade title of the farm bill deals with statutes concerning U.S. international food aid and
agricultural export market development programs. Both S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 reauthorize all of
the international food aid programs, including the largest, Food for Peace Title II (emergency and
nonemergency food aid). Both bills contain amendments to current food aid law that place greater
emphasis on improving the quality of food aid products (i.e., enhancing their nutritional quality).
The Senate bill places new restrictions on the practice of monetization or selling U.S. food aid
commodities in recipient countries to raise cash to finance development projects. In this regard, S.
3240 requires implementing partners such as U.S. private voluntary organizations or cooperatives
to recover 70% of the U.S. commodity procurement and shipping costs. The Senate bill repeals
the specified dollar amounts for nonemergency food aid required in current law (the “safe box”).
In place of the safe box S. 3240 provides that nonemergency food aid be not less than 20% nor
more than 30% of funds made available to carry out the program, subject to the requirement that a
minimum of $275 million be provided for nonemergency food aid. The House bill places no
limits on the practice of monetization, other than new reporting requirements, and fixes the
amount of “safe box” nonemergency assistance at $400 million annually.
Both bills reauthorize funding for the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Export Credit
Guarantee program and various agricultural export market promotion programs. S. 3240 reduces
the value of U.S. agricultural exports that can benefit from export credit guarantees from $5.5
billion to $4.5 billion annually. The House bill retains the $5.5 billion level of guarantees. Both
bills authorize CCC funding of $200 million annually for the Market Access Program (MAP),
which finances promotional activities for both generic and branded U.S. agricultural products.
MAP had been targeted in a number of deficit reduction proposals for elimination. Authorized
CCC funding for the Foreign Market Development Program (FMDP), a generic commodity
promotion program, continues in both bills at $34.5 billion annually through F2017.
H.R. 6083 authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the position of Under Secretary of
Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services, while S. 3240 calls for a study of the trade
functions of USDA, noting that in implementing the study, the Secretary may include a
recommendation for the establishment of an Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agriculture.
Farm Bill Title IV, Nutrition7
Title IV of both S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 largely maintains the nutrition program policies and
discretionary and mandatory funding that are contained in the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 and
6 This section was written by Charles E. Hanrahan, Senior Specialist in Agricultural Policy.
7 This section was written by Randy Alison Aussenberg, Analyst in Nutrition Assistance Policy.
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The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
other nutrition program authorizing statutes. Of the changes made, many are the same in the two
bills, but the bills also differ in a number of ways, most notably in recognized cost savings
associated with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps).
CBO estimates total 10-year budget savings of $4.0 billion in the Senate bill and $16.1 billion in
the House bill.
SNAP provisions in both bills include changes to the requirements for retailers who apply for
authorization to accept SNAP and changes to some of the rules that govern participants’ and
retailers’ redemption of SNAP benefits. Both bills provide additional mandatory funding for
reducing SNAP trafficking (the sale of SNAP benefits for cash or ineligible goods), although the
Senate provides a larger amount. In terms of eligibility for SNAP and the calculation of monthly
benefit amounts, both bills identically change how a household’s receipt of Low-Income Home
Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefits affects the household’s SNAP benefit calculation.
However, the House bill also restricts categorical eligibility, repeals state performance bonuses,
and clarifies the consideration of medical marijuana expenses. The House bill also makes changes
to the nutrition assistance provided to the Northern Mariana Islands and Puerto Rico.
Both bills increase Community Food Projects grants (the Senate by $5 million and the House by
$10 million); the House bill also carves out $5 million of these grants for projects that incentivize
low-income households to purchase fruits and vegetables. Both bills increase mandatory funding
for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), the Senate by $174 million over 10 years,
and the House Committee by $270 million (according to CBO). Both bills would limit eligibility
for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) to low-income elderly participants,
phasing out eligibility for low-income pregnant and post-partum women, infants, and children.
The Senate adds discretionary authority for a Healthy Food Financing Initiative, a financing
mechanism to sustain and create food retail opportunities in communities that lack access to
healthy food; and provides $100 million (over five years) in mandatory funding for Hunger-Free
Communities Incentive Grants, which funds programs that provide incentives for SNAP
participants’ purchase of fruits and vegetables; neither of these programs are included in the
House committee’s bill.
Within the child nutrition programs, the Senate bill includes authorization and funding to
continue a whole grain pilot program and to begin a pulse crops pilot program, whereas the
House bill does not include these pilots and eliminates the “fresh” requirement in the Fresh Fruit
and Vegetable Program. Both bills include additional authorizations for farm-to-school efforts.
Farm Bill Title V, Credit8
The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (also known as the ConAct) is the permanent
statute that authorizes USDA agricultural credit and rural development programs. USDA serves
as a lender of last resort by providing direct and guaranteed loans to farmers and ranchers who are
denied direct credit by commercial lenders but have the wherewithal to repay the loan.
Both the Senate and House bills make relatively small policy changes to USDA’s credit programs.
Both bills give USDA discretion to recognize (1) alternative legal entities to qualify for farm
8 This section was written by Jim Monke, Specialist in Agricultural Policy.
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The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
loans and (2) alternatives to meet a three-year farming experience requirement; and both bills
increase the maximum size of down-payment loans.
The Senate farm bill also updates and modernizes the ConAct’s statutory language and organizes
the various programs into separate subtitles (new Subtitle A is farm loans; Subtitle B is rural
development; Subtitle C is general provisions). Generally, most of the revised ConAct provisions
are substantially the same, but are renumbered and reorganized. The Senate bill also extends the
number of years that farmers can remain eligible for direct farm operating loans, and eliminates
term limits on guaranteed operating loans.
The House bill’s credit title does not restructure the ConAct nor change any term limits
provisions. However, the House bill does create a new microloan program, increases the
percentage of a conservation loan that can be guaranteed, and adds another lending priority for
beginning farmers, among other changes.
Other non-USDA credit programs—such as the Farm Credit Act, which establishes the Farm
Credit System and Farmer Mac—could be part of the farm bill, but neither the House bill nor the
Senate addresses these programs.
Farm Bill Title VI, Rural Development9
Like Title V, discussed above, Title VI of S. 3240 is a restructuring of the ConAct, which provides
permanent authority for USDA to carry out its portfolio of rural development programs. Title VI
of H.R. 6083 makes funding authorization amendments to many existing rural development
programs (at levels mostly lower than those of the Senate bill), but generally offers no new
provisions, nor does it significantly modify current programs authorized under the ConAct and
the Rural Electrification Act. The House bill does include a new provision directing the Secretary
of Agriculture to begin collecting data on the economic effects of the projects that USDA Rural
Development funds, and directs the Secretary to develop simplified applications for funding.
The Senate bill consolidates various rural water and wastewater assistance programs and the
Community Facilities loan and grant program into a new Rural Community Program category,
and establishes criteria for which rural communities will receive priority in making loan and grant
awards. The restructuring of the ConAct also eliminates several business programs, but
consolidates many of their objectives into a broad program of Business and Cooperative
Development grants. Separately, S. 3240 provides a total of $115 million in mandatory rural
development funding, including funds for the Value-Added Producer Grant Program ($12.5
million annually for FY2014-FY2017) and the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program
($3.75 million annually for FY2014-FY2017), and $50 million in mandatory spending for
pending rural development loans and grants. The House bill contains no mandatory spending
authorization.
S. 3240 retains the definition of “rural” and “rural area” for purposes of program eligibility and
makes it the basis for all rural development programs. The definition of “rural area” for electric
and telephone programs has been eliminated, and becomes the same as for other rural programs.
The bill retains the 2008 farm bill provision permitting communities that might otherwise be
9 This section was written by Tadlock Cowan, Analyst in Natural Resources and Rural Development.
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The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
ineligible for USDA Rural Development funding to petition USDA to designate their
communities as “rural in character,” thereby making them eligible for program support. S. 3240
also eliminates the existing statutory definition of “rural” and “rural areas” for water and waste
water programs and community facilities, but permits areas currently deemed as rural to remain
eligible for these programs, unless USDA determines that they are no longer “rural in character.”
Also included in both the House and Senate bills is reauthorization of funding for programs under
the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, including the Access to Broadband Telecommunications
Services in Rural Areas Program and the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program. The
Senate bill also establishes a new grant program for the Access to Broadband
Telecommunications Services in Rural Areas Program in addition to its current loan guarantee
program. The Delta Regional Authority and the Northern Great Plains Regional Authority are
reauthorized by both bills, but the Senate bill makes various technical changes to the
organizational structure and operation of the two authorities.
Farm Bill Title VII, Research, Extension, and Related Matters10
USDA is authorized under various laws to conduct agricultural research at the federal level, and
provides support for cooperative research, extension, and post-secondary agricultural education
programs in the states. Both bills reauthorize funding for these activities for FY2013-FY2017,
subject to annual appropriations, and amend authority so that only competitive grants can be
awarded under certain programs.
In both bills, mandatory funding is increased for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative ($416
million over 10 years) and the Organic Agricultural Research and Extension Initiative ($80
million over 10 years). Also, mandatory funding is continued for the Beginning Farmer and
Rancher Development Program in both the Senate bill ($85 million) and House bill ($50 million).
New in S. 3240 is mandatory funding of $100 million to establish the Foundation for Food and
Agriculture Research, a nonprofit corporation designed to supplement USDA’s basic and applied
research activities. It will solicit and accept private donations to award grants for collaborative
public/private partnerships with scientists at USDA and in academia, nonprofits, and the private
sector.
Farm Bill Title VIII, Forestry11
General forestry legislation is within the jurisdiction of the Agriculture Committees, and past
farm bills have included provisions addressing forestry assistance, especially on private lands.
Both the Senate-passed and House Agriculture Committee-approved farm bills generally repeal,
reauthorize, and modify existing programs and provisions under two main authorities: the
Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act (CFAA), as amended, and the Healthy Forests Restoration
Act of 2003 (HFRA), as amended.
Most federal forestry programs are permanently authorized, and thus do not require
reauthorization in the farm bill. The Senate bill, however, amends several forestry assistance
10 This section was written by Dennis A. Shields, Specialist in Agricultural Policy.
11 This section was written by Megan Stubbs, Specialist in Agricultural Conservation and Natural Resources Policy.
Congressional Research Service
9
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
programs by replacing their permanent authority to receive annual appropriations of such sums as
necessary with a set level of appropriations through FY2017. The House bill also limits
permanent authority for some programs, but in fewer instances than the Senate bill. Both bills
repeal programs that have expired or have never received appropriations. Other provisions in both
bills include reauthorizing stewardship contracting, requiring revised strategic plans for forest
inventory and analysis, and adding alternatives for addressing insect infestations and disease.
Farm Bill Title IX, Energy12
An energy title first appeared in the 2002 farm bill, and was both extended and expanded by the
2008 farm bill. USDA renewable energy programs have been used to incentivize research,
development, and adoption of renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, and anaerobic
digesters. The primary focus of USDA renewable energy programs has been to promote U.S.
biofuels production and use. Cornstarch-based ethanol dominates the U.S. biofuels industry.
However, the 2008 farm bill attempted to refocus U.S. biofuels policy initiatives in favor of non-
corn feedstocks; the most critical program to this end is the Biomass Crop Assistance Program
(BCAP), which assists farmers in developing nontraditional crops for use as feedstocks for the
eventual production of cellulosic ethanol. All of the major Title IX energy programs expire at the
end of FY2012 and lack baseline funding going forward.
Both the Senate-passed bill (S. 3240) and the House Agriculture Committee-approved measure
(H.R. 6083) extend most of the renewable energy provisions of Title IX, with the exception of the
Repowering Assistance Program, the Rural Energy Self-Sufficiency Initiative, and the Renewable
Fertilizer Study, which are repealed by both bills. In addition, S. 3240 repeals the Forest Biomass
for Energy Program, while the House bill repeals the Biofuels Infrastructure Study. The primary
difference between the House and Senate bills is in the source of funding. The Senate bill
contains $800 million in new mandatory funding and authorizes $1.140 billion in appropriations
for the various Title IX programs over the FY2013-FY2017 period. In contrast, H.R. 6083
contains no mandatory funding for Title IX programs, while authorizing $1.355 billion subject to
appropriations. In addition, the House bill prevents USDA from spending Rural Energy for
America (REAP) program funds on retail blender pumps and eliminates all support for the
collection, harvest, storage, and transportation (CHST) component of BCAP, severely limiting its
potential effectiveness as an incentive to produce cellulosic feedstocks.
Farm Bill Title X, Horticulture13
The horticulture titles of both S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 reauthorize many of the existing farm bill
provisions supporting farming operations in the specialty crop and certified organic sectors. CBO
estimates a total increase in mandatory spending of $360 million (FY2013-FY2017) for Title X in
the Senate bill and $428 million in the House bill. Many of the Title X provisions fall into the
categories of marketing and promotion; organic certification; data and information collection;
pest and disease control; food safety and quality standards; and local foods. The House bill also
includes several provisions that are not in the Senate bill that would provide exemptions from
certain regulatory requirements under some laws, including the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide,
12 This section was written by Randy Schnepf, Specialist in Agricultural Policy.
13 This section was written by Renée Johnson, Specialist in Agricultural Policy.
Congressional Research Service
10
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
and Rodenticide Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act, among other
modifications.14
Provisions affecting the specialty crop and certified organic sectors are not limited to Title X, but
are contained within several other titles of the farm bill. These include programs in the research,
nutrition, and trade titles, among others. Both the House and Senate bills reauthorize (and in some
cases provide for increased funding for) several key programs benefitting specialty crop
producers, including the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, plant pest and disease programs,
USDA’s Market News for specialty crops, the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI), and also
the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (Snack Program) and Section 32 purchases for fruits and
vegetables under the nutrition title. Both bills also reauthorize most programs benefitting certified
organic agriculture producers, including continued support for USDA’s National Organic Program
(NOP) and development of crop insurance mechanisms for organic producers, Organic
Production and Market Data Initiatives (ODI), and research programs such as the Organic
Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) and the Organic Transitions Program
(ORG) under the Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program.
One exception is that the House bill would repeal the National Organic Certification Cost Share
Program (NOCCSP), while the Senate would maintain that program.
Programs in other farm bill titles benefitting specialty crop and certified organic producers also
include the Value-Added Producer Grant Program, Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops
(TASC), the Market Access Program (MAP), and most conservation programs (including
assistance specifically for organic producers), among other programs, within the crop insurance,
credit, and miscellaneous titles.
Title X and other titles in both the House and Senate bills also include provisions that would
expand opportunities for local food systems and also beginning farmers and ranchers. For
example, both bills reauthorize and expand the scope and overall funding for USDA’s farmers’
market program, which would be renamed the Farmers’ Market and Local Food Promotion
Program. Other provisions supporting local food producers are within the horticulture, nutrition,
rural development, and research titles, among others.
Farm Bill Title XI, Crop Insurance15
Both bills increase funding for crop insurance relative to baseline levels by making several
changes to the existing federal crop insurance program, which is permanently authorized by the
Federal Crop Insurance Act. The federal crop insurance program makes available subsidized crop
insurance to producers who purchase a policy to protect against individual farm losses in yield,
crop revenue, or whole farm revenue. An amendment to S. 3240 adopted during floor debate
reduces crop insurance premium subsidies by 15 percentage points for producers with average
adjusted gross income greater than $750,000.
14 These provisions are covered by CRS experts Tadlock Cowan, Analyst in Rural Development and Natural Resources
(plant biotechnology); Claudia Copeland, Specialist in Resources and Environmental Policy (Clean Water Act permits);
Robert Esworthy, Specialist in Environmental Policy (pesticide registration); and M. Lynne Corn, Specialist in Natural
Resources Policy (biological opinions).
15 This section was written by Dennis A. Shields, Specialist in Agricultural Policy.
Congressional Research Service
11
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
With cotton not covered by the farm revenue programs established in Title I of both bills, a new
crop insurance policy called Stacked Income Protection Plan (STAX) is made available in both
bills for cotton producers. Producers could purchase this policy alone or in addition to their
individual crop insurance policy, and the indemnity from STAX would pay all or part of the
deductible under the individual policy. STAX sets a revenue guarantee based on expected county
revenue. For other crops, a similar type of policy called Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO),
based on expected county yields or revenue, is made available by both bills as an additional
policy. The farmer subsidy as a share of the policy premium is set at 80% for STAX and 70% for
SCO.
Additional crop insurance changes in both bills are designed to expand or improve crop insurance
for other commodities, including specialty crops. Provisions in both bills revise the value of crop
insurance for all organic crops to reflect prices of organic (not conventional) crops. The bills
require USDA to conduct more research on whole farm revenue insurance with higher coverage
levels than currently available. Studies are also required on insuring (1) specialty crop producers
for food safety and contamination-related losses, (2) swine producers for a catastrophic disease
event, (3) producers of catfish against reduction in the margin between the market prices and
production costs, (4) commercial poultry production against business disruptions caused by
integrator bankruptcy, and (5) poultry producers for a catastrophic event (House bill only). A
provision in S. 3240 makes payments available to producers who purchase private-sector index
weather insurance, which insures against specific weather events and not actual loss. A peanut
revenue insurance product also is mandated.
For conservation purposes, a “sod saver” provision in Title XI of S. 3240 reduces crop insurance
subsidies and noninsured crop disaster assistance for the first four years of planting on native sod
acreage. The same provision in the House bill would apply only to the Prairie Pothole National
Priority Area (i.e., portions of Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota). In
the Senate bill only, crop insurance premium subsidies are available only if producers are in
compliance with wetland conservation requirements (goes into effect immediately) and
conservation requirements for highly erodible land (within five years).
Farm Bill Title XII, Miscellaneous16
Title XII of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 includes provisions that cover three areas: socially
disadvantaged and limited-resource producers; livestock; and other miscellaneous.
Both bills extend authority through FY2017 for the Office of Small Farms and Beginning
Farmers and Ranchers, which was established in the 2008 farm bill to ensure that minorities and
limited-resource producers have access to all USDA programs. They also add military veteran
farmers and ranchers as a qualifying group. In addition, the bills establish a military veterans
agricultural liaison within USDA to advocate for and to provide information to veterans. Both
bills reauthorize funding for the USDA Office of Advocacy and Outreach, which assists socially
disadvantaged and limited-resource producers, and both establish an Office of Tribal Relations to
coordinate USDA activities with Native American tribes.
16 This section was written by Joel L. Greene, Analyst in Agricultural Policy (animal agriculture); Tadlock Cowan,
Analyst in Natural Resources and Rural Development (socially disadvantaged farmers); Jim Monke, Specialist in
Agricultural Policy (USDA data collection); and Dennis A. Shields, Specialist in Agricultural Policy (Noninsured
Assistance Program).
Congressional Research Service
12
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Both S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 make available higher coverage levels under the Noninsured Crop
Assistance Programs, prohibit attendance at animal-fighting events, and include grants to promote
the U.S. maple syrup industry and for technological training for farm workers.
Within its livestock provisions, Title XII of S. 3240 renews the trichinae certification and aquatic
animal health programs that were established in the 2008 farm bill; establishes a grant program
for research on brucellosis, bovine tuberculosis, and other priority animal diseases; sets up a grant
program to study the eradication of feral swine; and establishes a competitive grant program to
improve the sheep industry. Title XII of H.R. 6083 includes identical provisions for the trichinae
certification and aquatic animal health programs, but does not contain the grant provisions for the
animal disease initiative, the sheep industry, and feral swine eradication that are in S. 3240.
H.R. 6083 includes a provision to repeal regulations on livestock and poultry practices that USDA
finalized on February 7, 2012. Within 90 days of enactment, USDA is required to repeal
regulations on the definitions of additional capital investments and suspension of delivery of
birds, and on applicability of live poultry and the 90-day notification regulation for suspension of
delivery of birds. The House bill also requires that USDA submit to Congress reports on how to
comply with the World Trade Organization’s ruling on country-of-origin labeling and how to
meet the needs of small and very small meat and poultry growers and processors. H.R. 6083
reauthorizes funding for the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center, subject to
appropriations. These provisions are not included in S. 3240.
Other miscellaneous provisions in Title XII of H.R. 6083, but not in S. 3240, are the High Plains
Water Study; prohibitions on closing Farm Service Agency offices with high workloads; flood
protection for the Missouri River basin; and a prohibition that states may not establish production
standards that would prevent interstate sales of agricultural goods.
Provisions in S. 3240 that are not in H.R. 6083 include clarifications of conditions for releasing
data gathered by USDA to state or local government agencies; an increase in the population
threshold for the definition of “rural” and “rural areas”; an increase in administrative expenses for
three regional development commissions that were established by the 2008 farm bill; and a
provision to remove Canada geese from National Park Service lands near airports to diminish
flight safety risks. In addition, S. 3240 repeals the 2008 farm bill provision that made catfish an
amenable species subject to inspection by USDA and animal welfare provisions that exempt
household pets from some exhibition regulations.
Two provisions included in Title XII of S. 3240 that are unrelated to food and agriculture policy
are a prohibition on federal funding for presidential nominating conventions and a requirement
for three reports on sequestration under the Budget Control Act of 2011 (P.L. 112-25).
Congressional Research Service
13
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Provisions of the Senate-Passed 2012 Farm Bill (S. 3240) and the House
Agriculture Committee Bill (H.R. 6083, as amended 7/11/12), Compared with
Current Law17
Title I. Commodity Programs
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Direct Payments
Direct payments (DPs) are available to
Repeals direct payments. [Sec. 1101]
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1101]
producers on farms with base acres (historical
plantings) of covered commodities (wheat, corn,
grain sorghum, barley, oats, upland cotton, rice,
soybeans, and other oilseeds). Direct payment rates
are fixed in statute and do not vary based on market
price. Covers 2008-2012 crop years. [7 U.S.C.
8713] Direct payments for peanuts authorized
separately. [7 U.S.C. 8753]
Counter-Cyclical Payments
Counter-cyclical payments (CCPs) are available Repeals counter-cyclical payments. [Sec. 1102]
Repeals counter-cyclical payments. [Sec. 1102]
for same commodities as for direct payments plus
pulse crops. Covers 2008-2012 crop years. Payment
Establishes Price Loss Coverage (PLC) for producers
rate is difference between target price in statute and
of commodities covered by CCPs except upland cotton
national average market price (or loan rate, if
[Sec. 1104-1107]. Covers 2013-2017 crop years. Payment
higher), minus the direct payment rate. [7 U.S.C.
rate is difference between reference price and national
8714] Counter-cyclical payments for peanuts
midseason market price (or loan rate, if higher),
authorized separately. [7 U.S.C. 8754(a)(1)-(3)]
17 As of the date of publication of this report, the House Agriculture Committee had not yet officially reported the text of H.R. 6083, as amended and approved by the committee at
its July 11, 2012 markup. Hence, section numbers of the yet-to-be-reported bill are unavailable for portions of titles (IV, V, VI, X, and XII) that were amended without any
reference to the amendment’s exact placement in the bill. This report reflects provisions of all of the adopted amendments (as posted on the House Agriculture Committee website)
and will be updated with the appropriate section number references once the bill is reported.
CRS-14
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Target prices for 2012:
Reference prices:
Wheat, bu., $4.17
Wheat, bu., $5.50
Corn, bu., $2.63
Corn, bu., $3.70
Grain sorghum, bu., $2.63
Grain sorghum, bu., $3.95
Barley, bu., $2.63
Barley, bu., $4.95
Oats, bu., $1.79
Oats, bu., $2.40
Upland cotton, lb., $0.7125
Upland cotton, none (covered by STAX program Title XI)
Long grain rice, cwt., $10.50
Long grain rice, cwt., $14.00
Medium grain rice, cwt., $10.50
Medium grain rice, cwt., $14.00
Soybeans, bu., $6.00
Soybeans, bu., $8.40
Other oilseeds, cwt., $12.68
Other oilseeds, cwt., $20.15
Dry peas, cwt., $8.32
Dry peas, cwt., $11.00
Lentils, cwt., $12.81
Lentils, cwt., $19.97
Small chickpeas, cwt., $10.36
Small chickpeas, cwt., $19.04
Large chickpeas, cwt., $12.81
Large chickpeas, cwt., $21.54
Peanuts, ton, $495
Peanuts, ton, $535
Payment amount = Payment rate times 85% of
Payment amount = Payment rate times 85% of total
base acres times counter-cyclical program yield for
acres planted to crop (and 30% of acres of “prevented
the farm (generally based on 1998-2001 data).
plantings”) times existing counter-cyclical program yield
(or 90% of 2008-2012 average yield per planted acre).
Payment acres cannot exceed farm base acres.
Payment is made on or after October 1 following the
completion of the marketing year.
Revenue-Based Payments
For covered commodities and peanuts, Average
Repeals Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program.
Repeals Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program.
Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) payments are
[Sec. 1103]
[Sec. 1103]
available to producers as an alternative to CCPs.
Revenue payment based on a two-part trigger: (1) if
Establishes Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC)
Establishes Revenue Loss Coverage (RLC) as an
actual state revenue is less than a guaranteed state
program for crop years 2013-17 for the same crops as
alternative to PLC for crop years 2013-2017 for the same
level for the commodity, and (2) if actual farm
those under counter-cyclical payment program (except
crops as those under ARC. The program is similar to ARC
revenue is less than a farm ACRE benchmark for the cotton). Covered commodities are wheat, corn, grain
but with several differences indentified below. [Sections
CRS-15
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
commodity. Payment amount equals the product of
sorghum, barley, oats, long grain rice, medium grain rice,
1104, 1105, 1107, 1109]
(1) the lesser of (a) the ACRE program guarantee
pulse crops (dry peas, lentils, small chickpeas, and large
minus actual state revenue or (b) 25% of the ACRE
chickpeas), soybeans, other oilseeds, and peanuts. Cotton
program guarantee, times (2) 83.3% (for crop years
is not covered under ARC but is eligible for the Stacked
2009-2011) or 85% (2012) of the acreage planted of
Income Protection Plan (STAX) for producers of upland
the covered commodity (not to exceed base acres
cotton (see Title XI). USDA is required to consider
of the commodity), times (3) the 5-year Olympic
popcorn as a covered commodity. [Sections 1104, 1105,
average farm yield divided by the 5-year Olympic
1107]
average state yield (Olympic average drops lowest
and highest year). For producers who participate in
ACRE, loan rates under the marketing assistance
loan program are reduced 30% and direct payments
are reduced by 20%. [7 U.S.C. 8715]
The election is a one-time, irrevocable decision applicable
Farmers make a one-time, irrevocable election on a
to all acres under the operational control of the
commodity-by-commodity and farm-by-farm basis to
producers.
receive RLC payment instead of PLC.
USDA makes payments on planted (or prevented from
Revenue loss trigger (guarantee) is based on 85% of
being planted) acres when actual crop revenue (actual yield historical revenue (compared with 89% in S. 3240).
times national farm price) drops below 89% of the
benchmark revenue (see below). Per-acre payment rate
equals the difference between per-acre guarantee (89%
times benchmark revenue) and actual revenue. Maximum
payment rate is 10% of benchmark revenue per acre.
For benchmark revenue, farmer can elect either a farm
option or county option:
(1) farm level: 5-year farm yield times 5-year average
No farm option available,
national price (averages exclude highest and lowest years).
Payment equals difference between the per-acre guarantee
and actual per-acre revenue times 65% of eligible planted
acres (and 45% of prevented-planted acreage), or
(2) county level: 5-year county yield times 5-year
Payment is made on 85% of planted acres and 30% of
average national price (averages exclude highest and
prevented planted acres.
lowest years). Payment equals the difference between the
per-acre guarantee and actual per-acre revenue times 80%
of eligible planted acres (and 45% of prevented plantings).
Special minimum prices are established in benchmark
For all crops, reference prices (see PLC) are used as
revenue calculation for rice ($13 per hundredweight
minimum prices in the revenue guarantee.
(cwt.)) and peanuts ($530 per ton).
CRS-16
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Separate guarantees are to be calculated for irrigated and
Separate guarantees are to be calculated for irrigated and
nonirrigated crops and differentiated by class of sunflower
nonirrigated crops.
seeds, barley (using malting prices), and wheat.
Eligible program acres cannot exceed average total acres
Payment acres capped at total farm base acres,
planted (or prevented from being planted) to covered
commodities and upland cotton on the farm during 2009-
2012.
Payment is made as soon as practicable after USDA
Payment is made on or after October 1 following the
determines it is due (during the marketing year).
completion of the marketing year.
In combination with ARC, producers may purchase an
Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) is not available in
additional insurance policy called Supplemental Coverage
combination with RLC but may be purchased with PLC.
Option (SCO) under Title XI (crop insurance).
Nonrecourse Marketing Loans and Other Recourse Loans
Nonrecourse marketing loans are available for
General y continues current law to cover 2013-2017 crop
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1201]
any amount of a loan commodity (see list below)
years for all loan commodities (including peanuts). [Sec.
produced in crop years 2008-2012. [7 U.S.C. 8731]
1201]
Nonrecourse marketing loans for peanuts are
authorized separately. [7 U.S.C. 8757]
For peanuts, nonrecourse marketing loans available
in crop years 2008-2012. May be obtained through
marketing cooperative or association approved by
USDA. Storage to be provided on a non-
discriminatory basis and under any additional
requirements. Payment of peanut storage costs
authorized for 2008-2012 crops. [7 U.S.C.
8757(a)(4)-(7)]
Loan commodities and loan rates:
Loan commodities same as current law. [Sec. 1201]
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1201]
Wheat, per bushel (bu.), $2.94 ($2.75 in 2008, 2009) For 2013-2017 crop years, loan rates same as current law
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1202]
Corn, bu., $1.95
except for upland cotton. The loan rate for upland cotton
Grain sorghum, bu., $1.95
is changed from $0.52 per lb. to the simple average of the
Barley, bu., $1.85
adjusted prevailing world price for the two immediately
Oats, bu., $1.33
preceding marketing years, but not less than $0.47 per
Upland cotton, lb., $0.52
pound or more than $0.52 per pound. [Sec. 1202]
Extra long staple (ELS) cotton, lb., $0.7977
Long grain rice, hundredweight (cwt.), $6.50
Medium grain rice, cwt., $6.50
Soybeans, bu., $5.00
CRS-17
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Other oilseeds, cwt., $10.09 ($9.30 in 2008, 2009)
Dry peas, cwt., $5.40 ($6.22 in 2008)
Lentils, cwt., $11.28 ($11.72 in 2008)
Small chickpeas, cwt., $7.43
Large chickpeas, cwt., $11.28 (not applicable in
2008)
Graded wool, lb., $1.15 ($1.00 in 2008, 2009)
Nongraded wool, lb., $0.40
Mohair, lb., $4.20
Honey, lb., $0.69 ($0.60 in 2008, 2009)
[7 U.S.C. 8732 (a)(b)(c)]
Peanuts, ton, $355 [7 U.S.C. 8757(b)]
Establishes a single loan rate in each county for each
kind of “other oilseeds” [7 U.S.C. 8732(d)]
Term of loans: 9 months after the day the loan is
Same as current law. [Sec. 1203]
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1203]
made; no extensions. [7 U.S.C. 8733] Same term
for peanuts. [7 U.S.C. 8757(c)]
Loan repayment: Loans may be repaid at the
Same as current law. [Sec. 1204]
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1204]
lesser of (1) the loan rate plus interest, (2) a rate
based on average market prices during the
preceding 30-day period, or (3) a rate determined
by USDA that will minimize forfeitures,
accumulation of stocks, storage costs, market
impediments, and discrepancies in benefits across
states and counties. Excludes upland cotton, rice,
ELS cotton, confectionery and each other kind of
sunflower seed (other than oil sunflower seed). [7
U.S.C. 8734(a)] Provides USDA authority to
temporarily, and on a short-term basis only, adjust
the repayment rates in the event of a severe
disruption to marketing, transportation or related
infrastructure. [7 U.S.C. 8734(h)] Similar provisions
for peanuts. [7 U.S.C. 8757(d)]
For upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain
rice, repayment may be at the lesser of the loan rate
plus interest, or the prevailing world price for the
commodity adjusted to U.S. quality and location. [7
U.S.C. 8734(b)]
For ELS cotton, repayment must be at the loan rate
CRS-18
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
plus interest. [7 U.S.C. 8734(c)]
For confectionery and other kinds of sunflower
seeds (other than oil sunflower seed), loans must be
repaid at the lesser of (1) the loan rate plus interest,
or (2) the repayment rate for oil sunflower seed. [7
U.S.C. 8734(f)]
Loan deficiency payments (LDP) are available
For 2013-2017 crop years, same as current law. [Sec.
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1205]
to producers who agree to forego marketing loans.
1205]
LDP computed by multiplying the payment rate (the
amount that the loan rate exceeds the rate at which
a marketing loan may be repaid) for the commodity
times the quantity of the commodity produced.
Loan deficiency payments available for unshorn pelts
or hay and silage, even though they are not eligible
for marketing loans. ELS cotton is not eligible.
Payment rates determined using the rate in effect as
of the date that producers request payment
(producers do not need to lose beneficial interest).
[7 U.S.C. 8735] Same provision for peanuts. [7
U.S.C. 8757(e)]
Payments in lieu of LDP for grazed acreage of wheat, For 2013-2017 crop years, same as current law. [Sec.
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1206]
barley, oats, or triticale. [7 U.S.C. 8736]
1206]
Special marketing loan provisions for upland
For the period August 1, 2013, through July 31, 2018,
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1207]
cotton impose a special import quota on upland
same as current law. [Sec. 1207]
cotton when price of U.S. cotton, delivered to a
definable and significant international market,
exceeds the prevailing world market price for 4
weeks. [7 U.S.C. 8737(a)] Limited global import
quota is imposed on upland cotton when U.S. prices
average 130% of the previous 3-year average of U.S.
prices [7 U.S.C. 8737(b)]
Economic adjustment assistance to users of
Same as current law; payment rate drops to 3¢/lb. [Sec.
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1207]
upland cotton provides assistance of 4¢/lb. to
1207]
domestic users of upland cotton for uses of al
cotton regardless of origin to acquire, construct,
install, modernize, develop, convert, or expand land,
plant, buildings, equipment, facilities, or machinery.
Effective August 1, 2008, through July 31, 2012 at
4¢/lb. [7 U.S.C. 8737(c)]
CRS-19
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Special competitiveness program for ELS
Same as current law through July 31, 2018. [Sec. 1208]
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1208]
cotton provides payments to domestic users and
exporters whenever the world market price for the
lowest priced ELS cotton is below the prevailing U.S.
price for a competing growth of ELS cotton for a 4-
week period; and the lowest priced competing
growth of ELS cotton is less than 134% of the loan
rate for ELS cotton. Effective through July 31, 2013.
[7 U.S.C. 8738]
Recourse loans for high moisture feed grains
For 2013-2017 crop years, same as current law. [Sec.
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1209]
and seed cotton are available for farms that
1209]
normal y harvest corn or sorghum in a high
moisture condition at rates set by the USDA. For
recourse loans for seed cotton, repayment is at loan
rate plus interest. [7 U.S.C. 8739]
Adjustments of loan rates are authorized for any Same as current law. [Sec. 1210]
Nearly identical to the Senate bill except removes certain
commodity (other than cotton) based on differences
mandatory provisions to quality adjustments. [Sec. 1210]
in grade, type, quality, location, and other factors.
Allows county loan rates as low as 95% of the U.S.
average, if it does not increase outlays; prohibits
adjustments that would increase the national
average loan rate. For cotton, loan rates may be
adjusted for differences in quality factors. [7 U.S.C.
8740]; [7 U.S.C. 8758] for peanuts.
Conservation Compliance/Producer Agreement
Eligibility for direct payments, counter-cyclical
Same as current law, with application to the new
Same as Senate bill, with application to Price Loss
payments, or average crop revenue election
Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) program [Sec. 1106]
Coverage (PLC) and Revenue Loss Coverage (RLC).
payments requires producers to comply with
and continued compliance requirement to receive benefits
Senate bill excludes requirement for production reports
conservation, wetland, and planting flexibility
under the marketing assistance loan program. [Sec. 1201] and use of crop insurance data. [Sec. 1108]
requirements; use base acres for agricultural or
conserving use, and not for nonagricultural
Producer must annual y report data on production in
commercial, industrial, or residential use; control
addition to acreage. The Secretary shall use data reported
noxious weeds and maintain sound agricultural
by the producer for crop insurance requirements to meet
practices. Producers must submit annual acreage
obligations for program payments without additional
reports for all cropland on the farm. [7 U.S.C.
submissions to USDA. [Sec. 1106]
8716 (a)] Same provision for peanuts. [7 U.S.C.
8755(a)] Under Title II (Conservation) of the 2008
farm bill (P.L. 110-246), benefits under the
marketing loan program are subject to conservation
compliance for highly erodible land [16 U.S.C.
CRS-20
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
3811(a)(1)(A)] and for Swampbuster [16 U.S.C.
3812(a)(1)].
See also Title II Conservation, whereby in order to receive No comparable provision.
crop insurance premium subsidies, a producer must be in
compliance with conservation requirements (within 5
years) and wetland requirements. [Sec. 2609]
Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance (Expired on 9/30/11)
Beginning in 2008, five new disaster programs were
SURE is not reauthorized. Other four programs are
Same as Senate bill, except as identified below. [Sec.
authorized for disasters occurring on or before
reauthorized with mandatory funding from the
1501]
9/30/11. [7 U.S.C. 1531] Program funding derived
Commodity Credit Corporation for FY2012 through
from a transfer of 3.08% of annual customs receipts
FY2017. Excludes a crop insurance or NAP purchase
to the newly created Agricultural Disaster Relief
requirement [Sec. 1501]
Trust Fund. [19 U.S.C. 2497(a)]
The five programs: (1) Supplemental Revenue
LIP payment rate is reduced from 75% to 65% of the
LIP payment rate remains at 75%.
Assistance (SURE) Payments for crops (not just farm market value of livestock.
program crops); compensates producers for a
portion of losses that are not eligible for an
For LFP, payment is triggered by eligible forage losses,
For LFP, retains program language in 2008 farm bill.
indemnity payment under a crop insurance policy;
which may be determined by either (1) drought conditions
(2) Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), which
as measured by the U.S. Drought Monitor report, or (2)
compensated ranchers at a rate of 75% of market
low precipitation (at least 50% below normal level in a
value for livestock mortality caused by a disaster; (3) county during a calendar year). Compared with previous
Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for grazing
law, payment amount for counties in D3 category
losses due to qualifying drought conditions (as
(extreme drought) is increased by an additional monthly
determined by the U.S. Drought Monitor report) or
payment (monthly payment rate calculation is
fire on rangeland managed by a federal agency; (4)
unchanged).Coverage continues for losses due to fire on
Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees,
public rangeland. LFP is to serve as the sole source of
and Farm-Raised Catfish (ELAP), which provided up
livestock forage assistance, combining the livestock forage
to $50 million annual y to compensate producers for assistance functions of ELAP and the noninsured crop
disaster losses not covered under other disaster
disaster assistance program (NAP).
programs; and (5) Tree Assistance Program (TAP),
Maximum funding for ELAP is $5 mil ion annual y.
Maximum funding for ELAP is $20 million annually.
which provided payments to eligible orchardists and
nursery growers to cover 70% of the cost of
TAP payment rate for replanting is reduced from 70% to
replanting trees or nursery stock and 50% of the
65%.
cost of pruning/removal following a natural disaster.
To be eligible for all programs except LIP, producers
must purchase crop insurance or a policy under the
Noninsured Crop Disaster Program (NAP).
Maximum payments set at $100,000 per person per
Retains the combined $100,000 per person payment limit
Combined payment limit of $125,000 per person for LIP,
year for first four programs combined. TAP has a
for LIP, LFP, and ELAP. Retains the separate limit of
LFP, and ELAP. Separate limit of $125,000 for TAP.
CRS-21
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
separate limit of $100,000.
$100,000 for TAP.
Sugar Program
Price Support and Supply Management
Requires USDA to the maximum extent practicable
Continues al features of the current program and
Identical to Senate bill, except does not include provision
to operate the sugar nonrecourse loan program at
maintains FY2012 loan rates (18.75¢/lb. for raw cane sugar; to advance the date that USDA can increase the import
no net cost by avoiding loan forfeitures to the CCC
24.09¢/lb. for refined beet sugar) through the 2017 crop
quota (see below). [Sec. 1301 and Section 9009]
(i.e., no outlays recorded). [7 U.S.C. 7272 (f), 7
year. [Sec. 1301]
U.S.C. 1359bb (b)(1), 7 U.S.C. 1359cc (b)] This is
to be accomplished by (1) limiting amount of sugar
Continues the feedstock flexibility program (i.e., sugar-to-
that processors of sugar beets and sugarcane supply
ethanol program) through the 2017 crop year. [See Sec.
to the U.S. market under marketing allotments, (2)
9009 in Title IX -Energy]
restricting imports under a quota (see below), in
order to maintain market prices above levels
supported by loan rates, and (3) requiring USDA,
under specified conditions, to operate the feedstock
flexibility program for bioenergy producers (i.e.,
sugar-to-ethanol program). [7 U.S.C. 1359aa et
seq., 7 U.S.C. 8110]
Increases in stages raw cane sugar loan rate from
18.0¢/lb. in FY2009 to 18.75¢/lb. in FY2012, and
refined beet sugar loan rate from 22.9¢/lb. in
FY2009 to 24.09¢/lb. in FY2012. Continues other
provisions found in prior law. [7 U.S.C. 7272 (a, b,
c, d, e, g, h, i)]
Limits amount of sugar for food that processors can
sell each year (equal to a national “overall allotment
quantity” (OAQ) divided between sugarcane and
sugar beet sectors, and then allocated to individual
processors). Requires USDA each year to set the
OAQ at not less than 85% of estimated U.S. human
consumption. [7 U.S.C. 1359aa-1359jj, 1359ll]
Import Quotas
For each marketing year, requires USDA by
Advances the date that USDA can increase the import
Same as current law.
October 1 to set the initial sugar import quota at
quota to February 1 from April 1. [Sec. 1301]
1.256 mil. short tons – the minimum spelled out in a
U.S. multilateral trade commitment to other World
Trade Organization member countries. Stipulates
that this quota can only be raised before the mid
CRS-22
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
point of the year (April 1) in case of an emergency
sugar shortage caused by a weather disaster, war, or
a similar event determined by the Secretary, and
specifies the steps that must be fol owed to increase
imports in the event of such a shortage. For each
marketing year, grants USDA discretionary authority
to increase the sugar quota beginning on April 1. [7
U.S.C. 1359 kk]
Dairy Programs
Repeal or Reauthorization of Dairy Programs
Dairy Product Price Support Program.
Repealed effective October 1, 2012. [Sec. 1471(a)]
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1481(a)]
Mandates the direct support of cheese, nonfat dry
milk, and butter at specified prices for five years
(through December 31, 2012). Specifies minimum
purchase prices of: block cheese, $1.13/lb.; barrel
cheese, $1.10/lb.; butter, $1.05/lb.; and nonfat dry
milk, $0.80/lb (same levels previously used to
support the farm price of milk at $9.90 per hundred
lbs. or hundredweight (cwt.)) Allows USDA sale of
acquired products when market prices rise to 110%
of purchase price. Al ows reduction of mandated
purchase prices when USDA acquisitions exceed
specified levels. Expires on December 31, 2012.
[7 U.S.C. 8771]
Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) Program.
Extended temporarily through June 30, 2013, using the
Repealed effective October 1, 2012. [Sec. 1481(b)]
MILC is a counter-cyclical payment program. When
45% rate rather than reverting to the 34% rate for
the monthly farm price of fluid milk fal s below
calculating the payment rate. Effective July 1, 2013, MILC is
$16.94/cwt., all dairy farmers are paid an amount
repealed. [Sec. 1471(b)]
equal to 45% of the difference between $16.94 and
the lower market price. Payments per farm are
limited to 2.985 million lbs. of annual production for
the period October 1, 2008 through August 31,
2012. For the month of September 2012, the
payment factor and the payment quantity are 34%
and 2.4 million pounds, respectively. The
$16.94/cwt. threshold price must be adjusted
upward whenever feed costs are above $7.35/cwt.
Beginning on September 1, 2012, the Nat’l. Avg.
Dairy Feed Ration Cost trigger rises from
$7.35/cwt. to $9.50/cwt. MILC program expires
CRS-23
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
September 30, 2012. [7 U.S.C. 8773]
Dairy Export Incentive Program. Provides cash
Repealed effective October 1, 2012. [Sec. 1472]
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1482]
bonus payments to U.S. dairy exporters, subject to
World Trade Organization obligations to limit
export subsidies. Intended to counter foreign
(mostly EU) dairy subsidies. Expires September 30,
2012. [15 U.S.C. 713a-14]
Dairy Forward Pricing Program. Authorizes a
Extended through FY2017. Al ows for new contracts until
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1483]
dairy forward pricing program. Prices paid by milk
September 30, 2017, but no contract can extend beyond
handlers under the contracts are deemed to satisfy
September 30, 2020. [Sec. 1473]
the minimum price requirements of federal milk
marketing orders. Applies only to milk purchased
for manufactured products (Classes II, III, and IV),
and excludes milk purchased for fluid consumption
(Class I). Expires on September 30, 2012. Al ows for
new contracts until September 30, 2012, but no
contract can extend beyond September 30, 2015.
[7 U.S.C. 8772]
Dairy Indemnity Program. Authorizes payments
Extended through FY2017. [Sec. 1474]
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1484]
to dairy farmers when a public regulatory agency
directs removal of their raw milk from the market
because of contamination by pesticides, nuclear
radiation or fal out, or toxic substances and other
chemical residues. Expires December 31, 2012.
[7 U.S.C. 4501]
Dairy Promotion and Research Program. The
Extended through FY2017. [Sec. 1475]
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1485]
Dairy Producer Stabilization Act of 1983 authorized
a generic dairy product promotion, research, and
nutrition education program, funded by a mandatory
$0.15/cwt assessment on milk produced/marketed
in the 48 contiguous states. Importers in all 50
states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico
must also pay an assessment rate of $0.075/cwt. on
imported products. Authorizes USDA to issue
regulations on time and method of importer
payments. Expires September 30, 2012.
[7 U.S.C. 4504]
Federal Milk Marketing Orders. Federal milk
Mandates the establishment of an information
No comparable provision.
marketing order rules issued by USDA place
clearinghouse (including explicit instructions for the
CRS-24
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
requirements on the first buyers or handlers of milk, requisite types of information to be made available) for the
including paying at least minimum prices for the milk
purposes of educating the public about the Federal Milk
depending on its end use. Permanent federal
Marketing Order system and any marketing order
authority to regulate the handling of milk was first
referenda. The aforementioned information should be
provided in the Agricultural Adjustment Act of
made available through both an internet site and major
1933, and subsequently revised by the Agricultural
agriculture and dairy-specific publications. Requires USDA
Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as amended.
to conduct a feasibility study for establishing two classes of
FMMOs are established under permanent authority
milk (fluid and manufacturing). [Sec. 1462]
and do not need periodic reauthorization.
No comparable provision.
[7 U.S.C. 601 et seq.]
Requires USDA to analyze (and report to Congress) the
effects of replacing the use of end-product price formulas
with other pricing alternatives. [Sec. 1481]
Federal Milk Marketing Order Review
Provides an option for funding from sources other than
Repealed effective October 1, 2012. [Sec. 1486]
Commission. As established by the 2008 farm bill
annual appropriations. [Sec. 1476]
[Sec. 1509], the FMMO Review Commission is
mandated to conduct a comprehensive review and
evaluation of (1) FMMO system, and (2) non-FMMO
systems.
Dairy Market Transparency
Dairy Product Mandatory Reporting. Dairy
Requirements are added that specify a reporting
No comparable provision.
Market Enhancement Act of 2000 requires
periodicity that is more frequent than once per month.
manufacturers to report to USDA the price,
[Sec. 1461]
quantity, and moisture content of dairy products
sold. The 2008 farm bill [Sec. 1510] authorizes
USDA to establish an electronic reporting system
(subject to available funds), after which increased
frequency in mandatory reporting of dairy product
sales would be required. Provides for quarterly
audits of submitted information and comparison
with related dairy market statistics.
[7 U.S.C. 1637b]
Definitions
No comparable provision.
Actual Dairy Production Margin: difference between
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1401(1)]
the all-milk price and the average feed cost. [Sec.
1401(1)]
No comparable provision.
All-Milk Price: the national average price received, per
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1401(2)]
cwt. of milk, by dairy operations. [Sec. 1401(2)]
No comparable provision.
Average Feed Cost: the average price paid for feed
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1401(4)]
CRS-25
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
used by a dairy operation to produce a cwt. of milk, as
determined by the formula—1.0728 x (corn price per bu.)
+ 0.00735 x (soybean meal price per ton) + 0.0137 x
(alfalfa hay price per ton). [Sec. 1401(4)]
Corn and alfalfa hay prices are monthly prices received as
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1402(a)]
reported by USDA in Agricultural Prices. The soybean meal
price is the monthly price for central Illinois as reported
by USDA in Market News. [Sec. 1402(a)]
No comparable provision.
Consecutive 2-Month Period: the six 2-month periods Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1401(6)]
of Jan.-Feb., Mar.-Apr., May-June, July-Aug., Sep.-Oct., and
Nov.-Dec. [Sec. 1401]
No comparable provision.
Calculation of Actual Dairy Production Margin for
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1402b(1)]
the Production Margin Protection Program: the
margin is calculated for each 2-month period as the
difference between the 2-month average all-milk price and
the 2-month average feed cost. [Sec. 1402b(1)]
No comparable provision.
Calculation of Actual Dairy Production Margin for
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1402b(2)]
the Dairy Market Stabilization Program: the margin
is calculated for each individual month as the difference
between the preceding month’s average all-milk price and
the preceding month’s average feed cost. [Sec. 1402b(2)]
Dairy Production Margin Protection Program (DPMPP)
No comparable provision.
Dairy Production Margin Protection Program
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1411]
(DPMPP). Establishes a dairy production margin
protection program with two components: basic margin
protection and supplemental margin protection. [Sec.
1411]
No comparable provision.
Participation in DPMPP. All dairy producers are
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1412]
eligible to participate, but must make an election within 15
months after initiation of sign-up period, whereas new
dairy producers must make an election during the one-
year period after their first milk is marketed commercially.
A dairy operation may elect to remain in MILC during
temporary extension through June 30, 2013, or to
participate in DPMPP, but not both. Dairy producers that
elect MILC may at any time make a permanent transfer to
CRS-26
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
DPMPP. [Sec. 1412]
An annual administration fee is required for participation
Nearly identical to the Senate bill, except that the annual
in DPMPP as follows: $100 if (milk production) < 1million
administration fee for participation in DPMPP is as follows:
(M) lbs.; $250 if 1M lbs. to 5M lbs.; $350 if > 5M lbs. and <
$100 if (milk production) < 1million (M) lbs.; $250 if 1M
10M lbs.; $1,000 if > 10M lbs. and < 40M lbs.; and $2,500 if lbs. to 10M lbs.; $500 if > 10M lbs. and < 40M lbs.; and
> 40M lbs. This provision also details deposit and use of
$1,000 if > 40M lbs. [Sec. 1412(e)]
the fees and conditions for denial of program benefits.
[Sec. 1412(e)]
No comparable provision.
Basic Production History. Under basic margin
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1413(a)]
protection, the highest annual milk marketings of the dairy
operation during any one of the 3 preceding calendar
years. Special provisions are made for new dairy
operations. Once established, the basic production
history does not change over succeeding years. [Sec.
1413(a)]
No comparable provision.
Annual Production History. Under supplemental
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1413(b)]
margin protection, the actual milk marketings of the dairy
operation during the preceding calendar year.
[Sec. 1413(b)]
Special provisions are made for new dairy operations, and
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1413(d-e)]
for transfer or movement of production history.
[Sec. 1413(d-e)]
No comparable provision.
Basic Production Margin Protection (BPMP). A
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1414]
payment is made to participating dairy operations
whenever the 2-month average actual dairy production
margin is less than $4.00/cwt. The BPMP payment rate
equals the amount that the margin is below $4.00/cwt. (up
to a value of $4.00) and is paid on the lesser of: (80% of
the Basic Production History)/6 or the actual quantity
of milk marketed during the 2-month period. [Sec. 1414]
No comparable provision.
Supplemental Production Margin Protection
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1415(a)]
(SPMP). A participating dairy operation may annually
purchase SPMP to protect additional margin beyond the
basic $4.00/cwt. [Sec. 1415(a)]
No comparable provision.
The optional SPMP Coverage Level is available in
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1415(b)]
$0.50/cwt. increments up to $8.00/cwt. of total margin
protection. [Sec. 1415(b)]
CRS-27
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
No comparable provision.
A participating dairy operation also must elect a
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1415(c)]
percentage of SPMP coverage equal to not more than
90%, nor less than 25% of the Annual Production
History of the dairy operation. [Sec. 1415(c)]
No comparable provision.
In addition to the annual administration fee for BPMP, an
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1415d(1)]
annual premium for SPMP must be paid equal to the
product of the coverage percentage, the annual production
history, and the SPMP premium rate per cwt. of milk.
[Sec. 1415d(1)]
The
SPMP premium rate schedule varies based on
Nearly identical to the Senate bill, except that the SPMP
scale of operations and the level of selected coverage. For premium rate schedule varies slightly. For the first 4
the first 4 million lbs. of milk marketings the premium per
million lbs. of milk marketings the premium per cwt. is
cwt. is $0.01 for $4.50 margin coverage; $0.02 for $5.00;
$0.01 for $4.50 margin coverage; $0.025 for $5.00; $0.04
$0.035 for $5.50; $0.045 for $6.00; $0.09 for $6.50; $0.40
for $5.50; $0.065 for $6.00; $0.09 for $6.50; $0.434 for
for $7.00; $0.60 for $7.50; and $0.95 for $8.00. In excess
$7.00; $0.59 for $7.50; and $0.922 for $8.00. In excess of
of 4 million lbs. the premium per cwt. is: $0.02 for $4.50
4 million lbs. the premium per cwt. is: $0.015 for $4.50
margin coverage; $0.04 for $5.00; $0.10 for $5.50; $0.15
margin coverage; $0.036 for $5.00; $0.081 for $5.50;
for $6.00; $0.29 for $6.50; $0.62 for $7.00; $0.83 for
$0.155 for $6.00; $0.23 for $6.50; $0.434 for $7.00; $0.59
$7.50; and $1.06 for $8.00. [Sec. 1415d(2-3)]
for $7.50; and $0.922 for $8.00. [Sec. 1415d(2-3)]
The SPMP premium is pro-rated for new dairy producers
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1415(e)]
and maybe waived in the case of death, retirement,
permanent dissolution, or other circumstances as judged
by USDA. [1415(e)]
No comparable provision.
An SPMP payment is triggered whenever the average
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1415(f)]
actual dairy production margin for a 2-month period is less
than the SPMP Coverage Level selected by the dairy
operation. An SPMP payment, if warranted by market
conditions, is in addition to the BPMP payment.
[Sec. 1415(f)]
No comparable provision.
The SPMP payment rate per cwt. is equal to the
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1415(g)]
difference between the selected SPMP coverage level and
the greater of either $4.00 or the average margin for the
2-month period. The total payment equals the SPMP
payment rate x the percentage of coverage selected x the
lesser of: (SMP production history)/6 or the actual milk
marketings during the 2-month period. [Sec. 1415(g)]
No comparable provision.
Rules are established for failure of a producer to pay the
BPMP administrative fee or SPMP premiums. [Sec. 1416]
CRS-28
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Dairy Market Stabilization Program (DMSP)
No comparable provision.
Dairy Market Stabilization Program (DMSP).
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1431]
Establishes a new program applicable for the purpose of
balancing the supply of milk with demand (via reduced
payments on milk marketings) when operating margins are
low or negative. Participation in DMSP is mandatory for
all dairy producers that participate in the DPMPP. The
milk marketing volume used for determining dairy payment
reductions under the DMSP is formula-based comparing
shares of actual milk marketings with the producer’s
Stabilization Program Base. At signup in the
DPMPP, participating dairy producers elect the
calculation method of the Stabilization Program Base
for their dairy operation as either—(A) the average
volume of monthly milk marketings during the 3 preceding
months, or (B) the volume of monthly milk marketings for
the same month in the preceding year. [Sec. 1431]
No comparable provision.
DMSP Implementation Threshold. When either: (A)
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1432]
the actual dairy production margin is $6.00/cwt. or less for
each of the 2 preceding months, or (B) actual dairy
production margin is $4.00/cwt. or less for the preceding
one month; then reduced payments on milk marketings
under the DMSP are in effect beginning the 1st day of the
month immediately following the threshold trigger as
announced by USDA. [Sec. 1432]
No comparable provision.
Producer Milk Marketing Information. Requires
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1433]
USDA to establish, by regulation, a process to collect from
participating dairy producers and handlers such
information as necessary for each month during which
DMSP is in effect. [Sec. 1433]
No comparable provision.
Calculation of DMSP Payment Reductions. During
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1434]
any month in which the milk payment reductions are in
effect, each handler shall reduce milk payments to each
participating dairy producer from whom the handler
receives milk according to the formula:
(A) Reduction Requirement 1: if the actual dairy
production margin per cwt. is < $6.00, but > $5.00 for 2
consecutive months, then payment reductions are based
on the greater of: (a) 98% of the Stabilization Program
CRS-29
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Base, or (b) 94% of the actual milk marketings for the
month;
(B) Reduction Requirement 2: if the actual dairy
production margin per cwt. is < $5.00, but > $4.00 for 2
consecutive months, then payment reductions are based
on the greater of: (a) 97% of the Stabilization Program
Base, or (b) 93% of the actual milk marketings for the
month;
(C) Reduction Requirement 3: if the actual dairy
production margin per cwt. is < $4.00 for any one month,
then payment reductions are based on the greater of: (a)
96% of the Stabilization Program Base, or (b) 92% of the
actual milk marketings for the month.
Once the DMSP has been initiated, the largest level of
payment reduction required under (A)-(C) shall be
continued monthly until the stabilization program is
suspended. However, no payment reduction is made if the
dairy operation’s milk marketings are < the applicable
percentage of the Stabilization Program Base. [Sec. 1434]
Use of Funds from Payment Reductions under
DMSP. The funds obtained from reduced payments to
dairy producers for their milk marketings shall be remitted
to USDA where they shall be used to purchase dairy
products for donation to food banks and other programs
with an end goal of expanding consumption and building
demand for dairy products. USDA shal submit a report at
the end of each year to the House and Senate Agriculture
Committees concerning the funds received, expenditures,
and the impact of the DMSP. [Sec. 1435]
No comparable provision.
Suspension Thresholds of DMSP Payment
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1436(b)]
Reductions. DMSP is suspended under any of the
following market conditions:
(1) the actual dairy production margin is > $6.00/cwt. for
2 consecutive months;
(2) the actual dairy production margin is < $6.00/cwt. (but
> $5.00/cwt.) for 2 consecutive months, but during that
same period either (A) the U.S. price for cheddar cheese is
> the world price for cheddar cheese, or (B) the U.S. price
CRS-30
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
for nonfat dry milk (NFDM) is > the world price for
NFDM;
(3) the actual dairy production margin is < $5.00/cwt. (but
> $4.00/cwt.) for 2 consecutive months, but during that
same period either (A) the U.S. price for cheddar cheese is
> 105% of the world price for cheddar cheese, or (B) the
U.S. price for NFDM is > 105% of the world price for
NFDM; or
(4) the actual dairy production margin is < $4.00/cwt. for 2
consecutive months, but during that same period either
(A) the U.S. price for cheddar cheese is > 107% of the
world price for cheddar cheese, or (B) the U.S. price for
NFDM is > 107% of the world price for NFDM.
Once DMSP has been suspended, it may not be resumed
until at least 2 months have passed (starting on the 1st day
of the fol owing month), and the conditions of Sec. 1432
are met again. [Sec. 1436(b)]
No comparable provision.
No comparable provision.
Enhanced Suspension Thresholds for DMSP. Such
thresholds are included whereby, if the stabilization
program (DMSP) is not suspended according to Sec.
1436(b) for 6 consecutive months, then DMSP may be
suspended whenever any of the fol owing market
conditions are met:
(1) the actual dairy production margin is > $6.00/cwt. for
2 consecutive months;
(2) the actual dairy production margin is < $6.00/cwt. (but
> $5.00/cwt.) for 2 consecutive months, but during that
same period either (A) the U.S. price for cheddar cheese
is > 97% of the world price for cheddar cheese, or (B) the
U.S. price for nonfat dry milk (NFDM) is > 97% of the
world price for NFDM;
(3) the actual dairy production margin is < $5.00/cwt. (but
> $4.00/cwt.) for 2 consecutive months, but during that
same period either (A) the U.S. price for cheddar cheese
is > 103% of the world price for cheddar cheese, or (B)
the U.S. price for NFDM is > 103% of the world price for
NFDM; or
(4) the actual dairy production margin is < $4.00/cwt. for 2
CRS-31
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
consecutive months, but during that period either (A) the
U.S. price for cheddar cheese is > 106% of the world price
for cheddar cheese, or (B) the U.S. price for NFDM is >
106% of the world price for NFDM. [Sec. 1436(c)]
No comparable provision.
Enforcement. Provisions for enforcing DMSP are
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1437]
specified. [Sec. 1437]
No comparable provision.
Audit Requirements. Provisions for auditing
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1438]
participating dairy operations and for ensuring handler
compliance in the DMSP are specified. [Sec. 1438]
No comparable provision.
Study and Report on DMSP. Mandates that the Office
No comparable provision.
of the Chief Economist, USDA, undertake a study of the
impact of the DMSP on both the dairy product value chain
and the competitiveness of the U.S. dairy industry in
international markets. Study results should be submitted
as a report to the House and Senate Agriculture
Committees by December 1, 2016. [Sec. 1439]
Administrative Provisions
Payment Limitations
Establishes the maximum amount of payments per
Establishes a limit on Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC)
Establishes a limit on the sum of Price Loss Coverage and
year to a person or legal entity for the sum of all
payments, and reinstates limits on marketing loan gains and Revenue Loss Coverage payments, and continues no limits
covered commodities, except peanuts. Peanuts have
LDPs.
on marketing loans/LDPs.
a separate but equal payment limitation.
—ARC payments for the sum of all covered commodities
—PLC and RLC payments for the sum of all covered
—Direct payments: $40,000
except peanuts: $50,000
commodities except peanuts: $125,000
—Direct payments under ACRE: $40,000 minus the
—ARC payments for peanuts: $50,000
—PLC and RLC payments for peanuts: $125,000
reduction required for an ACRE participant.
—Marketing loan gains/LDP for covered commodities
—Marketing loan gains/LDP: no limit. [Sec. 1603]
—Counter-cyclical payments: $65,000
except peanuts: $75,000
—ACRE payments: $65,000 plus the reduction in
—Marketing loan gains/LDP for peanuts: $75,000 [Sec.
the limit from the direct payment limit.
1603]
—Marketing loan gains/LDP: no limit. [7 U.S.C.
1308 (a)-(d)]
Payments are attributed to a person by accounting
Continues other payment limit provisions such as direct
Continues current law.
for the direct and indirect ownership in any legal
attribution, with the exception of the definition of active
entities. Payments made directly to a person are
personal management (see below).
combined with the person’s pro rata share of
payments from a legal entity. Payments to a legal
entity cannot exceed the limits above, and are
attributed to persons. Attribution of payments to
legal entities is traced to four levels of ownership. If
CRS-32
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
a payment has not been al ocated to an individual
after four levels of ownership, the payment to the
first-level entity is reduced on a pro-rata basis. [7
U.S.C. 1308 (e)-(h)]
To be eligible for payments, persons must be
Deletes “active personal management” from the definition
Continues current law.
“actively engaged” in farming. Actively engaged, in
of actively engaged in farming. Effectively requires personal
general, is defined as making a significant
labor in the farming operation to be considered actively
contribution of (i) capital, equipment or land, and (i ) engaged. Members of legal entities collectively would need
personal labor or active personal management. Also, to make a significant contribution of personal labor. Adds
profits are to be commensurate with the level of
a special class of “farm managers” that may be considered
contributions, and contributions must be at risk.
actively engaged by providing management but not
Legal entities can be actively engaged if members
personal labor. However the Secretary would take into
col ectively contribute personal labor or active
account the size and complexity of the operation and
personal management. Special classes allow
whether such management requirements are normal y
landowners to be considered actively engaged if they needed by similar operations, A farm manager must the be
receive income based on the farm’s operating
only person to qualify an operation, may qualify only one
results, without providing labor or management,
operation, and must manage an operation that doesn’t
Spouses are considered actively engaged if the other
share resources with another that col ectively receives
spouse meets the qualification. [7 U.S.C. 1308-1]
more than the payment limitations. Separately, clarifies
that for the special class of landowner, a “landowner
share-rents the land at a rate that is usual and customary”
and that government payments are commensurate. [Sec.
1604]
Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) Limitation
Prohibits farm commodity program benefits to an
Eliminates the distinction between non-farm AGI and farm
Eliminates the distinction between non-farm AGI and farm
individual or entity if adjusted gross income exceeds
AGI, and establishes a limit on total AGI. For most
AGI, and establishes a limit on total AGI. For some
certain thresholds. For this purpose, AGI is divided
individuals, tightens the limit. For some individuals with
individuals, tightens the limit if they use most of the former
into two parts: farm AGI and non-farm AGI. Uses a
non-farm AGI between $500,000 and $750,000, may
$500,000 and $750,000 limits. For other individuals, may
3-year average when comparing to the limit.
restore eligibility if farm income is low. Uses a 3-year
restore eligibility if AGI is concentrated to either the farm
average when comparing to the limit.
or non-farm component (e.g., non-farm AGI between
$500,000 and $950,000 and low farm AGI). Uses a 3-year
average when comparing to the limit.
—$500,000 limit on non-farm AGI to qualify for and
—$750,000 limit on total AGI to qualify for and receive
—$950,000 limit on total AGI to qualify for and receive
receive any farm commodity program benefits, Milk
ARC payments, marketing loan gains or loan deficiency
PLC and RLC payments, marketing loan gains or loan
Income Loss Contract (MILC) program, noninsured
payments, supplemental agricultural disaster assistance,
deficiency payments, supplemental agricultural disaster
crop assistance (NAP), or disaster payments.
and noninsured crop assistance. [Sec. 1605]
assistance, noninsured crop assistance, and conservation
programs. [Sec. 1604]
—$750,000 limit on farm AGI to qualify for and
receive direct payments. However, counter-cyclical,
ACRE and marketing loan benefits may continue if
CRS-33
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
farm AGI exceeds $750,000. [7 U.S.C. 1308-
3a(b)(1)]
For FY2012 only, a separate, additional $1 million
AGI limit applies to direct payments [P.L. 112-55,
Sec. 745]
For conservation programs, $1 million limit on non-
Eliminates the USDA waiver authority for
Eliminates the separate AGI limit for conservation
farm AGI, unless more than 66.66% of AGI is farm
“environmentally sensitive land of special significance.”
programs, exception for 2/3 of AGI being farm AGI, and—
AGI. Provides USDA discretion to waive the limit
Continues $1 million limit on non-farm AGI, and the
like the Senate bill—eliminates the USDA waiver authority
for “environmentally sensitive land of special
exception, for conservation programs. [Sec. 1108]
for “environmentally sensitive land of special significance.”
significance." [7 U.S.C. 1308-3a(b)(2)]
Applies the same $950,000 total AGI limit to the
conservation programs as for the farm commodity
programs. [Sec. 1604(a)]
No comparable provision.
See: Title XI, Crop Insurance, which reduces crop
No comparable provision.
insurance premium subsidies by 15 percentage points for
producers with AGI greater than $750,000. [Sec. 11032
in Title XI, Crop Insurance]
Other Administrative Provisions
Authorizes use of funds, facilities, and authorities of
Same as current law. [Sec. 1601]
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1601]
the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to carry
out Title I. Determinations by USDA shall be final.
Allows promulgation of regulations, and adjusting
expenditures if they will exceed allowable support
levels under the Uruguay Round Agreements. [7
U.S.C. 8781]
Suspends the permanent price support authority of
Same as current law, except applies to 2013-2017 crop
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1602]
the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 and the
years, and milk through December 31, 2017. [Sec. 1602]
Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1949 for the 2008-
12 crops (covered commodities, peanuts, and
sugar), and for milk through December 31, 2012. [7
U.S.C. 8782]
Provides payments to “geographically disadvantaged
Reauthorizes through FY2017. [Sec. 1606]
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1605]
farmers” in insular areas, Alaska, and Hawaii for
transporting a commodity or input more than 30
miles. Reimbursement based on federal salary
differentials defined elsewhere, with maximum of
25% transportation cost. Authorizes $15 million of
discretionary appropriations annual y for FY2009-12.
[7 U.S.C. 8792]
CRS-34
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Exempts producers from liability for certain
Same as current law. [Sec. 1607]
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1606]
deficiencies in col ateral to secure any nonrecourse
loan. [7 U.S.C. 7284]
Requires regulations that describe the circumstances Same as current law. [Sec. 1608]
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1607]
allowing payments to a deceased person to settle an
estate, and to stop payments for those ineligible.
Requires USDA to reconcile tax identification
numbers with IRS data twice a year to determine
living status. [7 U.S.C. 7284]
Any person who receives an adverse program
Adds authorization for the Assistant Secretary of
No comparable provision.
decision from USDA’s Farm Service Agency, Risk
Administration to administer law and regulations that
Management Agency, Natural Resources
relate to competitive and excepted service position in
Conservation Service, or the three USDA Rural
NAD. [Sec. 1609(a)] Defines matters not subject to
Development agencies may file an appeal with the
appeal. [Sec. 1609(b)]
National Appeals Division (NAD), an independent
office that reports directly to the Secretary of
Agriculture. Its mission is to provide fair and timely
hearings and appeals to USDA program participants.
[7 U.S.C. 6992]
Requires that assignment of payments must be done
Same as current law. [Sec. 1611]
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1609]
in accordance with USDA regulations. [7 U.S.C.
8784]
Requires tracking of program benefits under
Same as current law. [Sec. 1612]
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1610]
Commodity and Conservation titles that are made
directly or indirectly to individuals and entities. [7
U.S.C. 8785]
Requires that, if USDA approves a program
Same as current law. [Sec. 1613]
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 1611]
document containing signatures of applicants, it shall
not subsequently determine it to be inadequate or
invalid unless the person signing the document
knowingly and willfully falsified the evidence of
signature authority or a signature. [7 U.S.C. 8790]
Provides $50 million of mandatory funds from the
Provides $100 million of mandatory funds from the CCC
Identical to the Senate bill. Also directs USDA to maintain
CCC to implement Title I. [7 U.S.C. 8793]
to implement Title I. USDA is to reduce administrative
base acres and payment yields for covered commodities
burdens on participants, improve information coordination (and upland cotton), with separate bases acres for long
among agencies, and take advantage of new technologies
grain and medium grain rice. [Sec. 1612]
to deliver programs to producers. [Sec. 1614]
CRS-35
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Title II. Conservation
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
Sec.1231(a-b) of the Food Security Act of 1985
Extends authorization through FY2017. Adds grasslands to
Nearly identical to the Senate bill with minor differences.
(FSA) (P.L. 99-198, or the 1985 farm bill), as
list of eligible lands, which is consistent with the
[Sec. 2001(a-b)]
amended, authorizes the CRP through FY2012. CRP
consolidation of Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) rental
provides annual rental payments to producers to
agreements under CRP (also see Sec. 2004 below).
replace crops on highly erodible and
Amends eligible land definition for land not enrolled in
environmentally sensitive land with long-term
CRP. [Sec. 2001(a-b)]
resource conserving plantings. [16 U.S.C. 3831(a-
b)]
Sec. 1231(c) of the FSA, as amended, determines the Deletes language allowing land enrolled in the Water Bank
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 2001(c)]
planting status of certain land. [16 U.S.C. 3831(c)]
Program and cropland expiring in CY2000-CY2002 to be
enrolled. [Sec. 2001(c)]
Sec. 1231(d) of the FSA, as amended, authorizes the
Reduces enrollment to 30 million acres in FY2013; 27.5
Reduces enrollment to 29 million acres in FY2013; 26
maximum acreage enrollment levels; the program is
million acres in FY2014; 26.5 million acres in FY2015; 25.5
million acres in FY2014; 26 million acres in FY2015; 25.5
currently authorized through FY2012 to enrol up to million acres in FY2016; and 25 million acres in FY2017.
million acres in FY2016; and 25 million acres in FY2017.
32 million acres. [16 U.S.C. 3831(d)]
Also caps grassland enrollment at 1.5 million acres
Also caps grassland enrollment at 2 million acres between
between FY2013-FY2017. Gives expiring CRP acres
FY2013-FY2017. Gives expiring CRP acres priority
priority enrollment for grassland contracts and at least one enrollment for grassland contracts. Grassland sign-up is
grassland sign-up must be offered each year. [Sec.
continuous with one or more ranking periods. [Sec.
2001(d)]
2001(d)]
Sec. 1231(e) of the FSA, as amended, defines the
Amends language for land devoted to hardwood trees,
Nearly identical to the Senate bill with minor differences.
duration of contracts. [16 U.S.C. 3831(e)]
shelterbelts, windbreaks, or wildlife corridors to al ow
[Sec. 2001(e)]
flexible contract lengths beyond the current 10-15 years.
[Sec. 2001(e)]
Sec. 1231(f) of the FSA, as amended, lists priority
Deletes watershed-specific language, but retains the use of
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 2001(f)]
areas as the Chesapeake Bay Region, the Great
conservation priority areas as determined by USDA. [Sec.
Lakes Region, and Long Island Sound. [16 U.S.C.
2001(f)]
3831f]
Sec. 1231B(a-f) of the FSA, as amended, authorizes a Renames the pilot program “Farmable Wetlands
Similar to the Senate bill, but reduces acreage limitation
pilot program for up to 1 million acres of wetland
Program,” reauthorizes the program until FY2017, and
from 1 million acres to 750,000 acres. [Sec. 2002]
and buffer acreage in CRP. [16 U.S.C. 3831b]
clarifies language related to constructed wetlands receiving
water from agricultural drainage. [Sec. 2002]
Sec. 1232(a)(8) of the FSA, as amended, establishes
Deletes language related to harvesting, grazing, and wind
Nearly identical to the Senate bill with minor differences.
approved use of harvesting, grazing, and wind
turbine use on CRP acres. Adds similar language under
[Sec. 2003(a)]
turbine use on CRP acres. [16 U.S.C. 3832(a)(8)]
Sec. 2004 (see below). [Sec. 2003(a)]
CRS-36
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Sec. 1232(b & d) of the FSA, as amended, requires a
Amends conservation plan language by removing possible
Nearly identical to the Senate bill with minor differences.
conservation plan on all CRP acres and reduces
base acre retirement. Deletes rental payment reduction
[Sec. 2003(b-c)]
rental payment for certain authorized uses. [16
requirement for certain authorized activities. Rental
U.S.C. 3832(b & d)]
payment reduction language is added under Sec. 2004 (see
below). [Sec. 2003(b-c)]
Sec. 1233 of the FSA, as amended, specifies the duty
Deletes the current section and adds new section that
Similar to the Senate bill, but does not include the Senate
of USDA to make cost-share payments and rental
specifies the duties of USDA as: making cost-share and
provision al owing beginning farmers or ranchers to graze
payments. [16 U.S.C. 3833]
rental payments; al owing for emergency harvesting,
livestock without a reduction in rental rate. Includes a
grazing, and other use of forage without a reduction in
different rate (not more than once every three years) for
rental rate; allowing livestock grazing for a beginning
identifying periods in which managed haying and other
farmer or rancher without a reduction in rental rate;
commercial uses may occur in exchange for a reduction in
certain permitted activities (harvesting, grazing, and wind
rental rate. Does not include the Senate provision that
turbines) in exchange for not less than a 25% reduction in
requires a reduced rental payment for landowners electing
rental rates. All permitted activities must be consistent
to install land improvement practices up to one year
with an approved conservation plan. Allows grazing,
before the CRP acres expire. [Sec. 2004]
harvesting, and fire suppression on enrol ed grasslands. In
exchange for a reduced rental rate, a landowner may
install land improvement practices up to one year before
the CRP acres expire. This land may not reenroll in CRP
for five years. [Sec. 2004]
Sec. 1234 of the FSA, as amended, establishes a
Al ows incentive payments for tree and shrub maintenance
Similar to the Senate bill, but does not include incentive
framework for calculating annual rental payments.
(thinning activities). Amends rental payment calculation to
payments for thinning activities. Also does not include the
[16 U.S.C. 3834]
include grassland contracts for not more then 75% of the
language allowing USDA to consider dryland cash rental
grazing value. Dryland cash rental rates may also be used
rate when determining annual rental rates. [Sec. 2005]
as a factor for determining annual rental rates. Deletes
Sec. 2601(a) does not include a limit for thinning
language allowing for in-kind commodities as a form of
activities.
CRP payment. [Sec. 2005] Sec. 2601(a) includes a limit
of $10 million for thinning activities between FY2013-
FY2017.
Sec. 1235(f) of the FSA, as amended, facilitates the
Simplifies language and provides conforming amendments
Amends the early termination provisions to allow
transfer of CRP acres from a retiring owner to a
to the CRP transition option. [Sec. 2006] Sec. 2601(a)
producers with a CRP contract in place for five or more
beginning/social y-disadvantaged producer to return
includes a $50 million limit for the CRP transition option
years to terminate the contract in FY2013. Expands the list
land to production, and al ows new owner to begin
between FY2013-FY2017.
of land that may not be subject to early termination.
land improvements or start organic certification
Provides conforming amendments, similar to the Senate
process one year before CRP contract expires. [16
bill, to the CRP transition option. Adds a provision
U.S.C. 3835(f)]
allowing landowners to enroll in CSP (see program
beginning with Sec. 2101) and conduct activities required
under CSP in the final year of the CRP contract without
violating the terms of the contract. Also allows USDA to
terminate or modify a CRP contract if land is enrolled in
CRS-37
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
ACEP (see section beginning with Sec. 2301). [Sec.
2006]
Sec. 1235A of the FSA, as amended, allows land
Repeals a provision added in the 1990 farm bill that allows
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 2007]
enrol ed in CRP before enactment of the 1990 farm
land to be converted from vegetative cover to hardwood
bill (P.L. 101-624, November 28, 1990) to convert
trees or restored wetlands. [Sec. 2007]
vegetative cover to hardwood trees or restored
wetlands [16 U.S.C. 3835a]
No comparable provision.
Provides transition language for existing CRP contracts.
Nearly identical to the Senate bill with minor differences.
Reductions in CRP acres (Sec. 2003) take effect upon
[Sec. 2008]
enactment. All other amendments take effect on October
1, 2012. [Sec. 2008]
Sec. 1241(a)(1) of the FSA, as amended, limits
Reduces limit for thinning activities (see Sec. 2005) to $10 Does not include a limit for thinning activities (see Sec.
payments for thinning activities to $100 million
million between FY2013-FY2017 and increases limit for
2005). Extends the $25 million limit for transition
between FY2009-FY2012 and payments for the
transition assistance (see Sec. 2006) to $50 million
assistance to FY2013-FY2017 (see Sec. 2006). [Sec.
transition assistance (see Sec. 1235(f) above) to
between FY2013-FY2017. [Sec. 2601(a)]
2601(a)]
$25 million for FY2009-2012. [16 U.S.C.
3841(a)(1)]
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
Sec. 1238D of the FSA, as amended, defines
Deletes definition of ‘conservation measurement tools’
Similar to the Senate bill except that it further defines
program terms for CSP. CSP provides financial and
and moves the definition of ‘eligible land’ from Sec.
eligible land to include land used or capable of being used
technical assistance to promote the conservation
1238E(b) of the FSA, as amended to the definition section.
for production of livestock. [Sec. 2101(a)]
and improvement of soil, water, air, energy, plant
[Sec. 2101(a)]
and animal life, and other conservation purposes on
tribal and private working lands. [16 U.S.C. 3838d]
Sec. 1238E of the FSA, as amended, establishes the
Reauthorizes the program through FY2017. Moves
Similar to Senate bill, but allows CRP land in the last fiscal
CSP program for FY2009-FY2014. Eligible land
definition of ‘eligible land’ to the definition section (1238D
year of enrollment to be considered eligible for CSP. CRP
includes private agricultural land, tribal agricultural
of the FSA, as amended) and removes nonindustrial private payments must cease before CSP payments may begin.
land (that has been planted to crops four of
forest land limit of not more than 10% of total annual
[Sec. 2101(a)]
preceding six years), and nonindustrial private forest
acres. [Sec. 2101(a)]
land. [16 U.S.C. 3838e]
Sec. 1238F of the FSA, as amended, establishes
Increases the entry requirement to address two resource
Nearly identical to the Senate bill with minor differences.
contract requirements for addressing at least one
concerns upon applying and meeting or exceeding the
[Sec. 2101(a)]
resource concern upon application and meeting or
threshold for at least one additional priority resource
exceeding the threshold for at least one priority
concern. Adds expiring CRP acres transitioning to
resource concern by the end of the contract.
production as a consideration for ranking applications.
Establishes a ranking criteria of applications, contract Requires contract renewal participants to agree to, at a
provisions, contract renewal, and contract
minimum, at least two additional priority resource
terminations. [16 U.S.C. 3838f]
concerns. [Sec. 2101(a)]
CRS-38
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Sec, 1238G of the FSA, as amended, outlines the
Increases the number of priority resource concerns
Similar to the Senate bill with a reduced level of enrollable
duties of USDA, including offering continuous
identified by USDA to not less than five. Removes
acres––9 million acres––for each fiscal year 2012 through
enrol ment with at least one ranking period per
references to a conservation measurement tool. Reduces
2021. [Sec. 2101(a)]
year, identifying between 3-5 priority resource
the number of enrol able acres to 10,348,000 acres for
concerns, and developing a conservation
each fiscal year 2012 through 2021. Adjusts the payment
measurement tool. Limits acreage enrol ment to
limit requirement to a total of $200,000 for all CSP
12,769,000 acres for each fiscal year 2008 though
contracts between FY2013 and FY2017. Provides
2017. Requires a national average rate of $18 per
additional payment direction and requires a prorated
acre (to include all costs). Payments may be based
performance over the life of the contract to create equal
on the costs incurred, income forgone, and
payments each fiscal year. Removes data col ection
expected environmental benefits. In general,
requirements. [Sec. 2101(a)]
payments are made at the beginning of each fiscal
year and are limited to a total of $200,000 for all
CSP contracts during any five year period. [16
U.S.C. 3838g]
No comparable provision.
Provides transition language for existing CSP contracts.
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 2101(b-c)]
Amendments to CSP take effect on October 1, 2012.
[Sec. 2101(b-c)]
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
Sec. 1240 of the FSA, as amended, authorizes EQIP,
Removes the 5th purpose area that requires the reduction
Nearly identical to the Senate bill with minor differences.
stating its purpose as promoting production and
of administrative burdens on the producer through
[Sec. 2201]
environmental quality as compatible goals, and
consolidating conservation planning and streamlining
optimizing environmental benefits by assisting
regulatory compliance processes. Adds wildlife habitat
producers: (1) with compliance with national
improvement and development practices to the 3rd
regulatory requirements; (2) to avoid the need for
purpose area. [Sec. 2201]
regulation; (3) to install and maintain conservation
practices; (4) to make cost-effective changes to
current production systems, and (5) to reduce
administrative burdens by consolidating planning and
regulatory compliance . [16 U.S.C. 3839aa]
Sec. 1240A of the FSA, as amended, defines six
Incorporates the definition of the National Organic
Redesignates paragraphs but does not incorporate the
terms: eligible land, National Organic Program,
Program into the definition of an organic system plan.
definition of National Organic Program. [Sec. 2202]
organic system plan, payment, practice, and
[Sec. 2202]
program. [16 U.S.C. 3839aa-1]
Sec. 1240B(a-b) of the FSA, as amended, authorizes
Reauthorizes EQIP through FY2017. Removes the
Nearly identical to the Senate bill with minor differences.
EQIP through FY2014. Contracts are 1-10 years in
minimum one-year contract length requirement. [Sec.
[Sec. 2203(1-2)]
length. [16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(a-b)]
2203(1-2)]
CRS-39
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Sec. 1240B(d) of the FSA, as amended, limits EQIP
Revises the list of practices afforded greater significance
Does not include the Senate bill’s list of practices. Adds
payments to not more than 75% of the cost (up to
when determining income forgone. Adds veteran farmer
veteran farmer or rancher to the list of certain producers
90% for limited resource, socially disadvantaged
or rancher to the list of certain producers eligible for cost-
eligible for higher cost-share rates. Increases the amount
farm or rancher, or a beginning farmer or rancher)
share rates up to 90% and advanced payments. Requires
of advance payments from 30% to 50% of the cost-share
and not more than 100% of income forgone.
advanced payments not used within 90 days to be
rate. [Sec. 2203(3)
Greater significance is provided for determining
returned. [Sec. 2203(3)]
income forgone payments for specific management
practices. Advance payments for certain producers
are limited to 30% of the cost-share rate. [16
U.S.C. 3839aa-2(d)]
Sec. 1240B(f) of the FSA, as amended, requires that
Extends through FY2017 the 60% of payments to livestock
Nearly identical to the Senate bill with minor differences.
60% of EQIP payments go to practices related to
production requirement. Adds a minimum of 5% of funds
[Sec. 2203(4)]
livestock production requirement between FY2008-
go to payments benefiting wildlife habitat (see Sec.
FY2012. [16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(f)]
2203(5)) or $75 million for FY2013, $80 million for
FY2014, and $82.5 million for each FY2015-FY2017 (based
on levels authorized in Sec. 2601). [Sec. 2203(4)]
Sec. 1240B(g) of the FSA, as amended, allows USDA
No comparable provision.
Changes the term ‘federally recognized Native American
to enter into alternative funding arrangement with
Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations’ to ‘Indian
federally recognized Native American Indian Tribes
Tribes.’ [Sec. 2203(5)]
and Alaska Native Corporations. [16 U.S.C.
3839aa-2(g)]
Sec. 1240N of the FSA, as amended, authorizes the
Adds a new provision under EQIP specifically for wildlife
Similar to the Senate bill. [Sec. 2203(6)]. The Wildlife
Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP),
habitat incentive practices. Language is similar to the
Habitat Incentives Program is also repealed in Sec. 2707
providing cost-sharing to landowners who improve
Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, which is repealed in
and funding for the new wildlife provision is provided in
habitat. Authorized to receive mandatory funding of
Sec. 2707. [Sec. 2203(5)] Funding for the provision is
Sec. 2203(4) above.
$85 million annual y through FY2012. [16 U.S.C.
provided in Sec. 2203(4).
3839bb-1]
Sec. 1240C(b) of the FSA, as amended, identifies
Changes “environmental benefits” to “conservation
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 2204]
priorities to program applications. Gives higher
benefits.” [Sec. 2204]
priority for producers using cost-effective
conservation practices to achieve environmental
benefits. [16 U.S.C. 3839aa-3(b)]
Sec. 1240D(2) of the FSA, as amended, states that in Changes “farm, ranch, or forest” land to “enrolled” land.
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 2205]
exchange for EQIP payments, producers will not
[Sec. 2205]
conduct any practices on the farm, ranch, or forest
land that could defeat the purpose of the program.
[16 U.S.C. 3839aa-4(2)]
Sec. 1240G of the FSA, as amended, limits EQIP
Limits EQIP payments for the period of authorization
Raises the EQIP payment limit to an aggregate of $450,000
participant’s payments to $300,000 for any six-year
(FY2013-FY2017) rather than a rol ing six-year period.
between FY2013-FY2017 and eliminates the waiver
CRS-40
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
period. This may be waived to up to $450,000 for
[Sec. 2206]
authority for contracts of environmental significance. [Sec.
any six-year period if the contract is of
2206]
environmental significance. [16 U.S.C. 3839aa-7]
Sec. 1240H of the FSA, as amended, authorizes a
Reauthorizes the air quality funding carve-out of $37.5
Eliminates the air quality funding carve-out of $37.5 million
competitive grants program within EQIP, known as
mil ion of EQIP annual y through FY2017. Adds a reporting
annual y. Adds research and demonstration activities, and
the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). Grants
requirement that no later than Dec. 31, 2013, and every 2
new technology pilot testing as eligible projects. Adds a
are provided, on a matching basis, to implement
years thereafter, a report must be submitted to Congress
reporting requirement identical to Senate bill. [Sec. 2207]
innovative conservation practices. Provides $37.5
regarding CIG funding, project results, and technology
mil ion of EQIP funds annual y (FY2009-2012) to
transfer efforts. [Sec. 2207]
address air quality concerns. [16 U.S.C. 3839aa-8]
No comparable provision.
Provides transition language for existing EQIP contracts.
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 2208]
Amendments to EQIP take effect on October 1, 2012.
[Sec. 2208]
Sec. 1241(a)(6) of the FSA, as amended, authorizes
Authorizes mandatory EQIP funding: $1.455 billion
Authorizes mandatory EQIP funding of $1.75 million for
mandatory EQIP funding, rising from $1.2 billion in
(FY2013); $1.645 billion (FY2014); and $1.65 billion (each
each fiscal year 2013 through 2017. Amended Sec.
FY2008 to $1.75 billion in FY2014. [16 U.S.C.
FY2015-FY2017). Amended Sec. 1241(a)(5). [Sec.
1241(a)(5) [Sec. 2601(a)]
3841(a)(6)]
2601(a)]
Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)
No directly comparable provision. Similar to the
Establishes the Agricultural Conservation Easement
Nearly identical to the Senate bill with minor differences.
establishment and purposes section of the Wetlands
Program (ACEP). Combines the purposes of WRP, FPP,
Amended Sec. 1265 [Sec. 2301(a)]
Reserve Program (WRP, Sec. 1237(a)), the Farmland and GRP. Amended Sec. 1265 [Sec. 2301(a)]
Protection Program (FPP, Sec. 1238I(a)&(b)), and
the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP, Sec.
1238N(a)) of the FSA, as amended. [16 U.S.C.
3837(a); 3838i(a)&(b); 3838n(a)]
No directly comparable provision. Similar to
Defines agricultural land easements, eligible entity, eligible
Similar to the Senate bill with differences, including: the
definitions found in Sec. 1237 (WRP) and Sec.
land, program and wetland easement. Divides the
definition of agricultural land does not include the Senate
1238H (FPP) of the FSA, as amended. [16 U.S.C.
easement program into two types––agricultural land
language related to promoting agricultural viability; and the
3837 & 3838h]
easements, which includes components of FPP and GRP
House bill contains wetland easements that may include
and wetlands easements, which includes components of
cropland or grassland that has prior flooding from a closed
WRP. Amended Sec. 1265A [Sec. 2301(a)]
basin lake or pothole if the state or other entity is willing
to provide a 50% cost-share of the easement. Amended
Sec. 1265A [Sec. 2301(a)]
No directly comparable provision. Similar to Sec.
Retains much of the FPP easement requirements for cost-
Nearly identical to the Senate bill with minor differences.
1238I (FPP) of the FSA, as amended. Provides for
share assistance, agreements with eligible entities,
Amended Sec. 1265B [Sec. 2301(a)]
the purchase of conservation easements by limiting
certification of eligible entities, including review and
the land’s nonagricultural uses. The federal cost may
recertification requirements. Allows for grazing as a
not exceed 50% of the appraised market value of
protected agricultural uses, similar to GRP easements.
CRS-41
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
the easement and entities must contribute a
Requires appraisals based on uniform standards of
minimum of 25% of the acquisition purchase price.
professional appraisal practice or any other industry-
Prohibits bidding down. Requires USDA to include a
approved standard. Requires eligible entities to provide
contingent right of enforcement in the terms of the
contributions equivalent to the federal share or at least
easement, and that a conservation plan be required
50% of the federal share if the entity includes
for any easements that include highly erodible
contributions from the private landowner. Al ows up to
cropland. Establishes a certification process for
75% federal cost-share for grasslands of special
USDA to enter into agreements with eligible entities environmental significance. Establishes an evaluation and
to use FPP cost-share assistance to purchase
ranking criteria for applications. Amended Sec. 1265B
easements. To become certified, entities must have
[Sec. 2301(a)]
the authority and resources to enforce easements,
polices in place that are consistent with the
purposes of the program, and clear procedures to
protect the integrity of the program. Agreements
with certified entities are a minimum of five years
with a review and recertification required every
three years. Agreements with non-certified entities
are 3-5 years in length. [16 U.S.C. 3838i(c)-(h)]
No directly comparable provision. Similar to Sec.
Retains much of the WRP easement requirements for land
Identical to the Senate bill with minor differences.
1237-1237F (WRP) of the FSA, as amended. WRP
eligibility, easement terms, compatible uses, easement
Amended Sec. 1265C [Sec. 2301(a)]
enrol s lands through the use of permanent
compensation, violation procedures, duties of USDA and
easements, 30-yea easements, restoration cost-
the owner, cost-share, restoration, and technical
share agreements, or any combination thereof.
assistance requirements, and modification and termination
Eligible lands under WRP include: farmed wetland or procedures. Reauthorizes WREP-like program referred to
converted wetland, together with adjacent land,
as the wetland enhancement option. No longer allows for
except wetlands converted before December 23,
stand-alone cost-share restoration agreements, only 30-
1985; cropland or grassland that was used for
year easements, permanent easements (or maximum
agricultural production prior to flooding from the
duration al owed under law), and 30-year contracts for
natural overflow of a closed basin lake or pothole;
Indian Tribes, which may include restoration assistance.
and possibly farmed wetlands enrolled in CRP that
Requires the establishment of an evaluation and ranking
are likely to return to production upon contract
criteria that maximizes the benefit of federal investment.
expiration. Ineligible lands include CRP acres
Retains priority for easements based on the value to
containing timber stands or CRP pasture established
protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds and
to trees. USDA is required to determine the value
other wildlife, but removes consideration for costs and
of easements and contracts by providing the lowest
future agricultural and food needs. Makes the reserved
amount of compensation based on a comparison of
grazing rights pilot program permanent. Compensation
the fair market value of the land, a geographic cap,
provisions are similar to WRP, but adds a requirement
or an offer made by the landowner. Easements with
that 30-year contract (Tribes only) and 30-year easement
values less than $500,000 must be paid out over 1-
compensation be between 50% and 75% of a permanent
30 years; easements with values greater than
easement’s compensation. Payment schedules are changed
$500,000 are to be paid out over 5-30 years.
for easements with values less than $500,000 to be paid
Authorized to conduct a Wetlands Reserve
out not more than ten years and easements with values
CRS-42
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Enhancement Program (WREP) for agreements with
greater than $500,000 to be paid out over 5-10 years.
states similar to CREP. Priority is given to
Easement administration may still be delegated, however,
easements based on the value of protecting and
the monitoring and enforcement responsibilities may not.
enhancing habitat for migratory birds and other
Reduces the land ownership requirement to the preceding
wildlife, while taking into consideration costs and
24-month period. Amended Sec. 1265C [Sec. 2301(a)]
future agricultural and food needs. Eligible land
cannot have changed ownership in the previous 7-
year period unless the new ownership was by will,
succession, foreclosure, or USDA is assured the
land was not acquired for the purpose of enrolling in
WRP. [16 U.S.C. 3837-3837f]
No comparable provision.
Outlines administrative requirements for ACEP using
Similar to the Senate bill, except the House bill allocates
elements of WRP, FPP, and GRP. Provides priority for
funding to no less than 40% annual for agricultural land
expiring CRP acres to enter into 1) agricultural land
easement for FY2013 through FY2016 and 50% in FY2017.
easements if it is grasslands that would benefit from long-
Amended Sec. 1265D [Sec. 2301(a)]
term easements, or 2) wetland easements if it is a wetland
with the highest functions and value that could return to
production after leaving the CRP. Allocates funding to no
less than 40% for agricultural land easements each fiscal
year. Amended Sec. 1265D [Sec. 2301(a)]
No comparable provision.
Requires ACEP participants to meet highly erodible land
Similar to the Senate bill but does not include conservation
and wetlands conservation (col ectively known as
compliance reference. Also amends acreage limitations to
conservation compliance) requirements (see 16 U.S.C.
include the repealed WRP acres in the 25% county
3811 et seq. under Sec. 2609(a-b) for a description).
acreage cap in addition to CRP and the new wetland
Provides technical amendments for other sections.
easements under ACEP. [Sec. 2301(b-c)]
Amendments take effect on October 1, 2012. [Sec.
2301(b-d)]
No directly comparable provision. Sec. 1241(a)(2)
Authorizes mandatory ACEP funding: $223 million
Authorizes mandatory ACEP funding: $450 million
and (a)(5) of the FSA, as amended, authorizes
(FY2013), $702 million (FY2014); $500 million (FY2015);
(FY2013), $475 million (FY2014); $500 million (FY2015);
mandatory funding to enroll WRP & GRP acres
$525 million (FY2016); and $250 mil ion (FY2017).
$525 million (FY2016); and $266 mil ion (FY2017).
respectively. Sec. 1241(a)(4) authorizes mandatory
Amended Sec. 1241(a)(2). [Sec. 2601(a)]
Amended Sec. 1241(a)(2). [Sec. 2601(a)]
FPP funding, rising from $97 million in FY2008 to
$200 million in FY2014. [16 U.S.C. 3841(a)(2);
(a)(4); (a)(5)]
CRS-43
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)
No directly comparable provision. Includes elements Establishes the Regional Conservation Partnership
Nearly identical to the Senate bill with minor differences.
of the establishment and purposes section of the
Program (RCPP). Combines the purposes of AWEP, the
Amended Sec. 1271 [Sec. 2401]
Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP,
Chesapeake Bay Watershed program, CCPI, and the Great
Sec. 1240I)), the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Lakes basin program to further conservation, restoration,
program (Sec. 1240Q), the Cooperative
and sustainability on a regional or watershed scale, and
Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI, Sec.
encourage partners to cooperate with producers in
1243) and the Great Lakes basin program for soil
meeting or avoiding regulatory requirements and
erosion and sediment control (Sec. 1240P) of the
implementing projects. Amended Sec. 1271 [Sec. 2401]
FSA, as amended. [16 U.S.C. 3839aa-9; 3839bb-4;
3843; 3839bb-3]
No directly comparable provision. Includes elements Defines covered programs as ACEP, EQIP & CSP. Eligible
Similar to the Senate bill with differences, including: a
of previously mentioned programs.
activities include those that address water quality and
definition of eligible land; and adds water district, irrigation
quantity concerns, wildlife habitat, erosion, and others
district, rural water district or association to the list of
determined by USDA. Eligible partners include state or
eligible partners. Amended Sec. 1271A [Sec. 2401(a)]
local governments, Indian tribes, farmer cooperatives,
organizations with a history of working with producers on
conservation projects. Amended Sec. 1271A [Sec.
2401(a)]
No directly comparable provision. Includes elements Authorizes partnership agreements for a period not to
Nearly identical to the Senate bill with minor differences.
of previously mentioned programs, primarily AWEP
exceed five years with a possible one-year extension;
Amended Sec. 1271B [Sec. 2401(a]
and CCPI.
describes the duties of partners as defining the scope of
projects, conducting outreach, acting on the behalf of
producers to apply for assistance, leveraging financial and
technical assistance, conducting assessments, and reporting
results; partnership agreements are competitive; and
provides application content, criteria, and priority.
Amended Sec. 1271B [Sec. 2401(a)]
No directly comparable provision. Includes elements Directs USDA to enter into contracts to provide technical
Similar to the Senate bill except the House bill does not
of previously mentioned programs, primarily AWEP
and financial assistance to producers participating in
include alternative funding arrangements. Amended Sec.
and CCPI.
projects with eligible partners and producers within a
1271C [Sec. 2401(a)]
project area or critical conservation area independent of
working through an eligible partner. Program rules,
requirements, and payments are to be consistent with the
covered programs (ACEP, EQIP, & CSP). Authorizes up to
ten alternative funding arrangements with multi-state
water agencies or authorities. Amended Sec. 1271C [Sec.
2401(a)]
CRS-44
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
No directly comparable provision. Sec. 1240I(j) of
Authorizes mandatory RCPP funding of $100 million
Similar to the Senate bill except the House bill uses 6% of
the FSA, as amended, authorizes mandatory AWEP
annual y for FY2013-FY2017, to remain available until
covered program funds and acres, and amends the
funds of $73 million in FY2009 and FY2010, $74
expended. Retains the CCPI use of 8% of covered
allocation to include 25% for a state competition, 50% for
mil ion in FY2011, and $60 million each fiscal year
program funds and acres, but amends the CCPI allocation
a national competition, and 25% for critical conservation
thereafter. Sec. 1240Q(h) authorizes Chesapeake
to: 25% for a state competition, 40% for a national
areas. Amended Sec. 1271D [Sec. 2401(a)]
Bay Watershed program funds of $23 million in
competition, and 35% for critical conservation areas (new
FY2009, $43 million in FY2010, $72 million in
category). Retains the AWEP and CCPI restriction on
FY2011, & $50 million in FY2012. Sec. 1243(i)
paying no administrative expenses of eligible partners.
authorizes CCPI to use 6% of covered program for
Amended Sec. 1271D [Sec. 2401(a)]
a state (90%) and national (10%) competition. Sec.
1240P(d) authorizes appropriations of $5 million
annual y for the Great Lakes basin program. [16
U.S.C. 3839aa-9(j); 3838bb-4(h); 3843(i);
3839bb-3(d)]
No comparable provision.
Requires USDA to make information on selected projects
Nearly identical to the Senate bill with minor differences.
publical y available and requires a report to Congress on
[Sec. 2401(a)]
December 31, 2013 (and every 2 years thereafter) on the
status of projects funded. Amended Sec. 1271E [Sec.
2401(a)]
No comparable provision.
Requires USDA to use 35% of the funds and acres
Similar to the Senate bill but limits the number of critical
available for RCPP (see amended Sec. 1271D above) for
conservation areas to 8 that do not expire. Amended Sec.
partnership agreements within no more than six critical
1271F [Sec. 2401(a)]
conservation areas that expire after 5 years, subject to
redesignation. Amended Sec. 1271F [Sec. 2401(a)]
No comparable provision.
Amendments take effect on October 1, 2012. [Sec.
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 2401(b)]
2401(b)]
Other Conservation Programs
Sec. 1240M(e) of the FSA, as amended, authorizes
Reduces and extends authorization of appropriations to
Extends authorization of appropriations at $60 million
the Conservation of Private Grazing Land
$30 million annual y through FY2017. [Sec. 2501]
annual y through FY2017. [Sec. 2501]
Program. Authorizes appropriations of $60 million
annual y through FY2012. [16 U.S.C, 3839bb(e)]
Sec. 1240O(b) of the FSA, as amended, authorizes
Reduces and extends authorization of appropriations to
Extends annual authorization of appropriations ($20
the Grassroots Source Water Protection
$15 million annual y through FY2017. [Sec. 2502]
mil ion) through FY2017 and authorizes a one-time $5
Program. Authorizes appropriations of $20 million
million in mandatory funding to remain available until
annual y through FY2012. [16 U.S.C. 3839bb-2(b)]
expended. [Sec. 2502]
Sec. 1240R of the FSA, as amended authorizes state
Reduces and extends authorization for $40 million of
Reduces and extends authorization for $30 million of
grants through a Voluntary Public Access and
mandatory funding for the period of FY2013-FY2017.
mandatory funding for the period of FY2013-FY2017.
Habitat Incentive Program to encourage land-
Requires USDA to submit a report to Congress no later
Requires USDA to submit a report to Congress no later
CRS-45
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
owners to provide public access for wildlife-
than two years after enactment on the effectiveness of the
than two years after enactment on the effectiveness of the
dependent recreation. Sets application contents and
program. Amendments are effective Oct. 1, 2012. [Sec.
program. [Sec. 2503]
award priorities providing $50 million in mandatory
2503]
funds for the period FY2009-2012. [16 U.S.C.
3839bb-5]
Sec. 1252 of FSA, as amended, authorizes an
Allows funding for each conservation program in the Food
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 2504]
Agriculture Conservation Experienced
Security Act of 1985, as amended, except CRP, to be used
Service Program (ACES), such that USDA can
to carry out the ACES program. Amendments are effective
enter into agreements with organizations to provide
Oct. 1, 2012. [Sec. 2504]
technical assistance (excludes administrative tasks)
using qualified individuals 55 years or older. [16
U.S.C. 3851]
Sec. 14(h)(2)(E) of the Watershed Protection and
Extends authorization of appropriations through FY2017.
Extends authorization of appropriations through FY2017
Flood Prevention Act (P.L. 106-472), as amended,
Does not authorize additional mandatory funding. [Sec.
and authorizes $250 million in mandatory funding for
authorizes up to $85 million annually in
2505]
FY2013 to remain available until expended. [Sec. 2505]
discretionary funding for the Small Watershed
Rehabilitation Program for FY2008-FY2012 and
$100 million in mandatory funding for FY2009 to
remain available until expended. [16 U.S.C.
1012(h)(2)(E)]
Sec. 2507 of the Food, Security and Rural
Deletes current section and replaces with new section
No comparable provision.
Investment Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-171, 2002 farm
that adds definitions for eligible land, program, and
bill), as amended, authorizes USDA to transfer $175
terminal lake. Also adds a new voluntary land purchase
million of CCC funds to the Bureau of Reclamation
grant program with authorization to receive $25 million
to provide water for at-risk desert terminal
through appropriations to remain available until expended.
lakes. [43 U.S.C. 2211]
Retains provisions for voluntary water purchases for
desert terminal lakes, including the transfer of $150 million
of CCC funds to the Bureau of Reclamation. [Sec. 2506]
Sec. 524(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act, as
Amendments made to AMA are discussed in the Crop
Removes tree plantings and soil erosion control from the
amended, authorizes the Agricultural
Insurance title (XI) [Sec. 11027]
list of approved practices. Permanently authorizes $10
Management Assistance (AMA) program. AMA
million in annual mandatory funding with 30% to NRCS
provides financial and technical to producers in 16
(conservation), 10% to AMS (organic certification), and
specified states for conservation practices, risk
60% to RMA (risk management). [Sec. 2506]
mitigation, and market diversification. Provides $15
mil ion in annual mandatory funding in FY2008
through FY2014, and $10 million each fiscal year
thereafter. Requires 50% to NRCS, 40% to RMA,
and 10% to AMS. [7 U.S.C. 1524(b)]
CRS-46
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Funding and Administration
Sec. 1241(a) of the FSA, as amended, authorizes
Reauthorizes through FY2017 with funding specified for
Similar to Senate bill with different funding levels specified
mandatory funding through FY2012 (and FY2014 for
ACEP and EQIP. Includes payment limits for specific CRP
for EQIP and ACEP. [Sec. 2601(a)]
CSP, EQIP, FPP, and WHIP) to carry out various
provisions. [Sec. 2601(a)]
conservation programs. [16 U.S.C. 3841]
Note: Authorized funding levels for various programs are
Note: Authorized funding levels for various programs are
provided in individual program sections above.
Note: Authorized funding levels for various
provided in individual program sections above.
programs are provided in individual program
sections above.
No comparable provision.
Allows mandatory funding made available for CRP, ACEP,
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 2601(b)]
CSP, & EQIP to remain available until expended. Any funds
from a previous fiscal year made available through
modifications, cancellations, terminations and other related
administrative actions may be reobligated in a different
fiscal year, but it will reduce the program’s funding by an
equal amount in the fiscal year the reobligation occurs.
[Sec. 2601(b)]
Sec. 1241(c) of the FSA, as amended, allows CCC
Retains a similar provision and requires a report to
Nearly identical to the Senate bill with minor differences.
funds for conservation programs to also be used for
Congress by December 31, 2012 (and each subsequent
[Sec. 2602]
technical assistance. [16 U.S.C. 3841(b)]
year), detailing the amount of technical assistance
requested and apportioned for each conservation
program. [Sec. 2602]
Sec. 1241(d) of the FSA, as amended, requires that
Eliminates the $15 million annual requirement and allows
Nearly identical to the Senate bill with minor differences.
each state receives an aggregated minimum of $15
states in the first quarter of the fiscal year to establish that
[Sec. 2603]
mil ion annual y from certain mandatory
they can use a total of 0.6% of certain conservation funds.
conservation programs in order to promote
If established, those states may receive 0.6% of funds.
regional equity. [16 U.S.C. 3841(d)]
[Sec. 2603]
Sec. 1241(g) of the FSA, as amended, establishes an
Reauthorizes the EQIP and CSP set-aside through FY2017.
Nearly identical to the Senate bill with minor differences.
annual set-aside in EQIP and CSP from FY2009-
Provides preference for veteran farmers or ranchers
[Sec. 2604]
FY2012; 5% to beginning farmers or ranchers and
eligible under the provision. [Sec. 2604]
5% to socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.
[16 U.S.C. 3841(g)]
Sec. 1241(h) of the FSA, as amended, establishes
Amends reporting requirements to reflect the repeal of
Similar to the Senate bill except the House bill does not
reporting requirements for program enrol ments
WRP, FPP, GRP, and AWEP and the addition of ACEP and
include reporting requirements for CSP payments and
and assistance under WRP, FPP, GRP, EQIP, AWEP,
RCPP. Adds reporting requirements for CSP payments and waivers granted to grasslands under ACEP. [Sec. 2605]
CSP, and adjusted gross income waivers. [16
waivers granted to grasslands under ACEP. [Sec. 2605]
U.S.C. 3841(h)]
CRS-47
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Sec. 1242(h) of the FSA, as amended, requires that
No comparable provision
Replaces the 2008 farm bill title with the H.R. 6083 bill
USDA review the conservation practices standards
title requiring USDA to review the conservation practice
in effect on the date of enactment of the 2008 farm
standards in effect on the date of enactment. [Sec. 2606]
bill. [16 U.S.C. 3842(h)]
Sec. 1244 of the FSA, as amended, outlines
Adds veteran farmers and ranchers to the list of eligible
Adds veteran farmers and ranchers to the list of eligible
administrative requirements for conservation
persons authorized to receive incentives. Makes
persons authorized to receive incentives. Makes
programs including incentives for certain farmers or
conforming amendments to reflect the new ACEP
conforming amendments to reflect the new ACEP
ranchers, privacy information, conservation plans,
program. Requires the use of an ‘initial application’ to
program. Clarifies that conservation payments are in
acreage limitations, and applications, among others.
reduce duplication, a review and revision of the application addition to and not included in any payment limit caps.
[16 U.S.C. 3844]
process, and notification to Congress when the
[Sec. 2607]
requirements are complete. Clarifies that conservation
payments are in addition to and not included in any
payment limit caps. Allows for flexible funding
arrangements for Indian Tribes. [Sec. 2606]
Sec. 2904 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy
Amends and adds the 2008 farm bill regulations provision
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 2609]
Act of 2008, (P.L. 110-246, 2008 farm bill) requires
to a new Sec. 1246 of the FSA. Al ows interim final rules
USDA, in consultation with CCC, to issue rules and
to be effective upon issuance. Removes the 90 day
regulations implementing Title II provisions within
promulgation requirement and CCC consultation. [Sec.
90 days. Waives certain rulemaking requirements.
2607]
Sec. 1261(b) of the FSA, as amended, requires
Amends provision to allow USDA to review and update
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 2608]
USDA to develop standard committee operating
standards as necessary. [Sec. 2608]
procedures for State Technical Committees. [16
U.S.C. 3861(b)]
Sec. 1211 et seq. of the FSA, as amended, requires
Adds the federal y funded portion of crop insurance
No comparable provision.
that in exchange for certain USDA program benefits, premiums to the list of program benefits that could be lost
a producer agrees to maintain a minimum level of
if a producer is found to produce an agricultural
conservation on highly erodible land. Highly erodible commodity on highly erodible land without an approved
land can be considered eligible for program benefits
conservation plan or qualifying exemption. Producers
if the land user agrees to cultivate the land using an
affected by this change have until January 1 of the fifth year
approved conservation plan or qualifies for an
after the date on which payments become subject to
exemption. Examples of affected benefit include
compliance to comply with an approved conservation plan.
commodity support programs (e.g., Title I farm bill
[Sec. 2609(a)]
programs), conservation programs, disaster
payments, and operating loans. [16 U.S.C. 3811 et
seq.]
Sec. 1221 et seq. of the FSA, as amended, requires
Adds the federal y funded portion of crop insurance
No comparable provision.
that in exchange for certain USDA program benefits, premiums to the list of program benefits that could be lost
a producer agrees not to convert wetlands to crop
if a producer is found to have converted a wetland to crop
production. The provision, known as Swampbuster,
production. [Sec. 2609(b)]
CRS-48
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
affects producers who plant a program crop on a
wetland converted after December 23, 1985, or
who convert wetlands, making agricultural
commodity production possible, after November 28,
1990. Examples of affected benefit include
commodity support programs (e.g., Title I farm bill
programs), conservation programs, disaster
payments, and operating loans. [16 U.S.C. 3812 et
seq.]
Repeal of Superseded Program Authorities and Transitional Provisions
Sec. 1230 of the FSA, as amended authorizes and
Repeals the comprehensive conservation enhancement
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 2701]
establishes the comprehensive conservation
program. [Sec. 2701]
enhancement program between FY1996-FY2002.
[16 U.S.C. 3830]
Sec. 1231A of the FSA, as amended, authorizes and
Repeals the emergency forestry conservation reserve
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 2702]
establishes the emergency forestry conservation
program with transition provisions for current contracts
reserve program within CRP for areas suffering
to receive CRP funding until expiration. Effective October
damage during the CY2005 hurricanes. [16 U.S.C.
1, 2012. [Sec. 2702]
3831a]
Sec. 1237-1237F of the FSA, as amended, authorizes
Repeals WRP with transition provisions for current
Similar to the Senate bill but does not allow the use of
and establishes the Wetlands Reserve Program
contracts and easements to receive CCC funding until
prior year CCC funding for contracts entered into before
(WRP). [16 U.S.C. 3837-3837f]
expiration. ACEP funding may also be used. Effective
October 1, 2012. Does al ow the use of ACEP funding.
October 1, 2012. [Sec. 2703]
[Sec. 2703]
Sec. 1238H-1238J of the FSA, as amended,
Repeals FPP with transition provisions for current
Similar to the Senate bill but does not allow the use of
authorizes and establishes the Farmland Protection
agreements and easements to receive CCC funding until
prior year CCC funding for contracts entered into before
Program (FPP) and the Farm Viability Program. [16
expiration. ACEP funding may also be used once prior year October 1, 2012. Does al ow the use of ACEP funding.
U.S.C. 3838h-3838j]
funding is exhausted. Also repeals the Farm Viability
[Sec. 2704]
Program. Effective October 1, 2012. [Sec. 2704]
Sec. 1238N-1238P of the FSA, as amended,
Repeals GRP with transition provisions for current
Similar to the Senate bill but does not allow the use of
authorizes and establishes the Grasslands Reserve
contracts, agreements, and easements to receive CCC
prior year CCC funding for contracts entered into before
Program (GRP). [16 U.S.C. 3838n-3838p]
funding until expiration. ACEP funding may also be used.
October 1, 2012. Does al ow the use of ACEP funding.
Effective October 1, 2012. [Sec. 2705]
[Sec. 2705]
Sec. 1240I of the FSA, as amended, authorizes and
Repeals AWEP with transition provisions for current
Similar to the Senate bill but does not allow the use of
establishes the Agricultural Water Enhancement
contracts and agreements to receive CCC funding until
prior year CCC funding for contracts entered into before
Program (AWEP) within EQIP. [16 U.S.C. 3839aa-
expiration. RCPP funding may also be used once prior year October 1, 2012. Does al ow the use of RCPP funding.
9]
funding is exhausted. Effective October 1, 2012. [Sec.
[Sec. 2706]
2706]
CRS-49
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Sec. 1240N of the FSA, as amended, authorizes and
Repeals WHIP with transition provisions for current
Similar to the Senate bill but does not allow the use of
establishes the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program
contracts to receive CCC funding until expiration. EQIP
prior year CCC funding for contracts entered into before
(WHIP). [16 U.S.C. 3839bb-1]
funding may also be used once prior year funding is
October 1, 2012. Does al ow the use of EQIP funding.
exhausted. Effective October 1, 2012. [Sec. 2707]
[Sec. 2707]
Sec. 1240P of the FSA, as amended, authorizes and
Repeals the Great Lakes basin program effective October
Identical to Senate bill. [Sec. 2708]
establishes the Great Lakes Basin Program for Soil
1, 2012. [Sec. 2708]
Erosion and Sediment Control. [16 U.S.C. 3839bb-
3].
Sec. 1240Q of the FSA, as amended, authorizes and
Repeals the Chesapeake Bay Watershed program with
Similar to the Senate bill but does not allow the use of
establishes the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
transition provisions for current contracts, agreements,
prior year CCC funding for contracts entered into before
program. [16 U.S.C. 3839bb-4]
and easements entered into under the program to receive
October 1, 2012. Does al ow the use of RCPP funding.
CCC funding until expiration. RCPP funding may also be
[Sec. 2709]
used. Effective October 1, 2012. [Sec. 2709]
Sec. 1243 of the FSA, as amended, authorizes and
Repeals CCPI with transition provisions for current
Similar to the Senate bill but does not allow the use of
establishes the Cooperative Conservation
contracts and agreements to receive CCC funding until
prior year CCC funding for contracts entered into before
Partnership Initiative (CCPI). [16 U.S.C. 3843]
expiration. RCPP funding may also be used once prior year October 1, 2012. Does al ow the use of RCPP funding.
funding is exhausted. Effective October 1, 2012. [Sec.
[Sec. 2710]
2710]
Sec. 1239-1239D of the FSA, as amended,
Repeals the environmental easement program. [Sec.
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 2711]
authorizes and establishes the environmental
2011]
easement program between CY1991-CY1995. [16
U.S.C. 3839-3839d]
No comparable provision.
Provides technical amendments and spelling corrections.
Nearly identical to the Senate bill with minor differences.
[Sec. 2012]
[Sec. 2712]
CRS-50
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Title III. Trade
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Food for Peace Act (All section references in this subsection are to this act.)
No comparable provision.
No comparable provision.
Amends Sec. 201 of the Food for Peace Act to specify that
Title II emergency and nonemergency assistance is to be
implemented by the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for
International Development (USAID) [Sec. 3001]
Section 202(e)(1) Support for Eligible
Amends Section 202(e)(1) to increase the funds made
Reduces funds available to eligible organizations to not less
Organizations. Provides that of the funds made
available to eligible organizations for program,
than 7.5% nor more than 11% for program, administrative,
available for Title II emergency and nonemergency
administrative and distribution activities to not less than
and distribution activities. [Sec. 3002]
food assistance in each fiscal year, the Administrator
13% nor more than 15% of funds available for Title II
of the U.S. Agency for International Development
emergency and nonemergency assistance. [Sec. 3001]
(USAID) shall make available to eligible organizations
(private voluntary organizations, cooperatives and
intergovernmental organizations) not less than 7.5%
nor more than 13% to assist them in establishing
new programs, meeting specific administrative,
management, personnel and internal transportation
and distribution costs for carrying out programs,
and improving and implementing methodologies for
food aid programs, including monitoring, and
evaluation. [7 U.S.C. 1722(e)(1)]
Food Aid Quality. Section 202(h)(1) provides that
Replaces and expands Section 202(h)(1) to require that
Requires the Administrator in consultation with the
the Administrator of USAID shal use the funds
the Administrator use funds available to carry out Title II
Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to establish a
made available each fiscal year from 2009 and
to assess types and quality of agricultural commodities
mechanism to assure food aid quality. Inserts new
subsequent fiscal years to carry out Title II to assess
donated as food aid; adjust products and formulation, as
language requiring evaluation of agricultural commodities
the types and quality of agricultural commodities and necessary to meet nutrient needs of target populations;
and products in different program settings and for
products donated as food aid; adjust products and
test prototypes; adopt new specifications or improve
particular recipient groups; establish and implement
formulations (including the potential introduction of
existing specifications for micronutrient food aid products,
protocols for quality assurance of food products; and
new fortificants and products) as necessary to cost-
based on latest development in food and nutrition science;
periodically update program guidelines on recommended
effectively meet nutrient needs of target
develop new program guidance for eligible organizations to use of agricultural commodities and food products in food
populations; and to test prototypes. Authorizes not
facilitate improved matching of products to purposes;
aid programs; requires that the Administrator consult with
more than $4.5 million of funds made available for
develop improved guidance on how to address nutritional
the Secretary in carrying out food quality activities.
fiscal years 2009 through 2011 to carry out this
efficiencies among long-term recipients of food aid; and
section. [7 U.S.C. 1722 (h)]
evaluate the performance and cost-effectiveness of
new/modified food products and program approaches to
Reduces funding for food aid quality activities from $4.5
meet nutritional needs of vulnerable groups. Extends
million for fiscal years 2009 through 2011 to not more
authority to fund this section for fiscal years 2013 through
than $1 million for fiscal years 2013 through 2017. [Sec.
FY2017. [Sec. 3002]
3003]
CRS-51
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Minimum Levels of Assistance. Requires the
Extends current minimum levels of assistance through
Same as the Senate bill. [Sec. 3004]
provision annually of a minimum of 2.5 million
FY2017. [Section 3003]
metric tons (mmt) of commodities under Title II, of
which 1.875 mmt are designated for nonemergency
programs under Title II. Both requirements may be
waived, under certain conditions, by the USAID
Administrator [7 U.S.C 1724]
Food Aid Consultative Group. Establishes the
Reauthorizes FACG through December 31, 2017. [Sec.
Reauthorizes the FACG through 2017.
Food Aid Consultative Group (FACG) composed of
3004]
the Administrator of USAID, the Secretary of
Adds representatives from the U.S. agricultural processing
Agriculture, representatives of eligible organizations,
sector to the list of members of the FACG.
indigenous nongovernmental organizations in
Amends Section 205(d) to require the Administrator to
recipient countries, U.S. producer groups, and
consult with the FACG 45 days in advance of the issuance
representatives of the maritime transport sector
of implementation regulations, handbooks, and guidelines.
who review overall program effectiveness.
[7 U.S.C. 1725]
Requires that the Administrator seek input and consult
with the FACG on matters relating to food aid quality.
[Sec. 3005]
Administration. Sec. 207(f). Provides for program
Amends Sec. 207(f) to authorize activities under this
Requires the Administrator to promptly issue guidance
oversight, monitoring, and evaluation, and requires
section during the period FY2013 through FY2017.
with respect to changes in operation or implementation of
that systems be established to accomplish these
Removes requirements that GAO undertake a study of
the Title II program.
tasks. Requires an implementation report be
USAID’s oversight of nonemergency food aid programs.
prepared, to be reviewed by GAO, along with
[Sec. 3005]
Requires that not less than 270 days after enactment of
annual reporting. Authorizes appropriations up to
the farm bill, the Administrator must issue all regulations
$22 million of Title II funds be made available
and revisions to agency guidance necessary to implement
annual y (FY2008-12). Requires procedures be
amendments made to Title II by the 2012 farm bill.,
developed for providing commodities overseas in a
Provides funding of up to $10 million for each fiscal year
timely manner and according to delivery schedules.
for program oversight, monitoring and evaluation through
Authorizes use of up to $8 million of Title II funds
fiscal year 2017. (Reduced from $22 million for each fiscal
to be used for the Famine Early Warning System
year 2010 to 2012.)
Network. Authorizes $2.5 million (of the $22
million) to upgrade information technology systems
Requires the Administrator to report, within 270 days
in FY2009 to enhance monitoring of Title II non-
after the date of enactment, to the House and Senate
emergency programs. [7 U.S.C. 1726a]
Agriculture Committees, and the House Foreign Affairs
Committee on the implementation of regulations and
guidance; plus surveys, monitoring, reporting and audits of
programs conducted by the eligible organization and by
intergovernmental organizations such as the WFP. [Sec.
3006]
CRS-52
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Assistance for Stockpiling and Rapid
Reauthorizes this provision through FY2017. [Sec. 3006]
Same as the House bill. [Sec. 3007]
Transportation, Delivery, and Distribution of
Shelf-Stable Prepackaged Foods. Authorizes
grants for this assistance of $8 million each FY2008-
2012. [7 U.S.C. 1726b(f)]
No comparable provision.
Limitation on Total Volume of Commodities
No comparable provision.
Monetized. Amends Section 403 General Provisions of
the Food for Peace Act [7 U.S.C. 1733] to require that
the rate of return for a commodity monetized (sold in
recipient countries) be at least 70%. The “rate of return”
is defined as equal to the proportion that the proceeds the
implementing partners generate through monetization
bears to the cost to the federal government to procure
and ship the commodities to a recipient country for
monetization. The USAID Administrator may waive this
requirement but report the reasons for granting the
waiver and other information to House and Senate
Agriculture Committees, House Foreign Affairs, Senate
Foreign Relations, and House and Senate Appropriations
Committees. [Sec. 3007]
No comparable provision.
No comparable provision.
Impact on Local Farmers and Economy. Section
403(b) of the Food for Peace Act is amended to require
the Secretary or the Administrator as appropriate to seek
information as part of the proposal and submission
process from implementing partners on the potential
benefits to the local economy of sales of agricultural
commodities within the recipient country.
Amends Sec. 403(e) to require that monetized
commodities be sold at “fair market value” rather than at
“reasonable prices.” Requires the Secretary and
Administrator to coordinate assessments and the
development of approaches to be used by implementing
organizations for determining the fair market value.
Requires Administrator to submit to Congress 180 days
after enactment and annual y thereafter a report specifying
amount of funds (for administrative costs, indirect cost
recovery, internal transportation storage and handling and
associated distribution costs) provided to each eligible
organization that receives assistance under the act and
describing how funds were used by eligible organizations.
[Sec. 3008]
CRS-53
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Use of Commodity Credit Corporation. Sec.
Revises Sec. 406 of the Food for Peace Act to permit use
No comparable provision.
406 of the Food for Peace Act permits the
of funds available under the Food for Peace Act to pay
Commodity Credit Corporation to pay for costs
costs of up to 20% of activities conducted in recipient
associated with commodities made available,
countries by nonprofit voluntary organizations,
including cost of acquisition, costs of packaging,
cooperative, or intergovernmental organizations. [Sec.
enrichment, preservation or fortification; costs of
3008]
processing, transportation, and handling up to the
time of delivery to U.S. ports; freight charges from
US. ports (or designated Canadian transshipment
ports) to ports of entry abroad; and costs of ocean
transport. [7 U.S. C. 1736]
Procurement, Transportation, and Storage of Extends authority for prepositioning until 2017. Authorizes In addition to extending authority for prepositioning
Agricultural Commodities for Prepositioning
from $10 million to $15 million of funds made available
through 2017 and authorizing from $10 million to $15
in the United States and Foreign Countries.
for prepositioning. [Sec. 3009]
million for such purposes, also authorizes the
Sec. 407 authorizes the use of available funds to
Administrator to establish additional prepositioning sites in
procure, transport and store agricultural
foreign countries. [Sec. 3009]
commodities for prepositioning in the U.S. and
abroad. Authorizes USAID to use Title II funds to
procure transport, and store commodities for
prepositioning. Authorizes to be appropriated up to
$10 million in each of FY2008 through FY2012 for
these purposes. [7 U.S.C. 1736(c)(4)]
Annual Report Regarding Agricultural Trade
No comparable provision.
Amends Sec. 407(f) of the Food for Peace Act to include
Programs and Activities. Sec. 407(f). Requires
programs and activities under the McGovern-Dole
the Secretary and the Administrator to report to
International Food for Education and Child Nutrition
the appropriate committees on the programs and
Program. [Sec. 3010]
activities carried out under the act. Also requires
the Administrator to report annually on the
programs, commodities, provided, and
transportation and administrative costs incurred.
Expiration Date. Provides that no agreement
Extends authority to enter into agreements to December
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 3011]
under the Food for Peace Act shall be entered into
31, 2017. [Sec. 3010]
after December 31, 2012.
CRS-54
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Minimum Level of Nonemergency Food
Repeals Section 412(e) and requires that of funds made
Authorizes $2 billion each year FY2013 through FY2017
Assistance. Sec. 412(e) specifies that of the funds
available under the Food for Peace Act, not less than 20%
for emergency and nonemergency food aid (reduced from
available for programs under the act, not less than
nor more than 30% shal be expended for nonemergency
$2.5. billion each fiscal year under the 2008 farm bill).
$375 million (FY2009), $400 million (FY2010), $425
food aid under Title II. Further, the amount made available
mil ion (FY2011), and $450 million (FY2012) shall be
to carry out nonemergency food aid programs under Title
Requires $400 million each year FY2013 through FY2017
expended for nonemergency food aid. This “safe
II shall not be less than $275 million for any fiscal year.
for nonemergency assistance (down from $450 million in
box” requirement can be waived only if the
[Sec. 3011]
FY2012 under the 2008 farm bill. Does not alter “safe
President determines that an extraordinary food
box” waiver requirements. [Sec. 3012]
emergency exists, that resources from the Bill
Emerson Trust (see below) have been exhausted,
and the President has submitted a request for
additional appropriations to Congress equal to the
amount needed to reach the required spending level
for nonemergency food aid and the amount
exhausted under the Emerson Trust. [7 U.S.C.
1736f]
Micronutrient Fortification Programs. Section
Extends Micronutrient Fortification Programs through
Identical to the House bil . [Sec. 3013]
415 of the Food for Peace Act establishes a
fiscal year 2017. [Sec. 3013]
micronutrient fortification program for food aid
provided to recipient countries through fiscal year
2012 [7 U.S.C. 1736g-2]
John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-
Extends program through FY2017 and provides for annual
Extends program through FY2017 and provides that not
to-Farmer Program. Authorizes voluntary
funding of not less than the greater of $10 million or 0.6%
less than the greater of $15 million or 0.5% of funds
technical assistance to raise farm
of the amounts made available for each of fiscal yeas 2013
available under the act shal be used to carry out the
production/incomes in developing and middle
through 2017 to carry out the Farmer-to-Farmer program. Farmer-to-Farmer program. [Sec. 3014]
income countries, emerging markets, and in Sub-
[Sec. 3014]
Saharan Africa and the Caribbean Basin. Program is
funded at the greater of not less than $10 million or
0.5% of funds available under the act. [7 U.S.C.
1737]
No comparable provision.
Prohibition on Assistance for North Korea. No Title
No comparable provision.
II funds can be used to provide assistance to North Korea.
The President can waive this funding prohibition if the
President determines and certifies to the House and
Senate Agriculture Committees, the House Foreign Affairs
Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
that the waiver is in the national interest of the United
States. [Sec. 3015]
CRS-55
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Other Food Aid Programs
Food for Progress Act of 1985. The Food for
Extends program through 2017. Applies the flexibility and
Same as the Senate bill. [Sec. 3201]
Progress Act provides commodities to support
limitation on monetization of commodities provisions that
countries that have made commitments to expand
apply to Title II nonemergency programs.(See Sec. 3007
free enterprise in their agricultural economies.
and Sec. 3008 above.) [Sec. 3201]
[7 U.S.C. 1736o]
Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust.. Establishes a Extends authority to replenish stocks to maintain the
Same as the Senate bill. [Sec. 3202]
reserve of commodities and cash to meet
Trust until September 30, 2017. [Sec. 3202]
emergency food needs in developing countries when
there are unanticipated needs or when U.S.
domestic supplies are short. The Trust can be held
as a combination of cash and commodities. The
commodities in the Trust may be exchanged for
funds available under Title II or the McGovern-Dole
Program, or for sale in the market. The funds in the
Trust can be invested in low-risk short-term
securities or instruments. [7 U.S.C. 1736f-1 note]
McGovern-Dole International Food for
Authorizes such sums as necessary to carry out the
Same as the Senate bill. [Sec. 3204]
Education and Child Nutrition Program.
McGovern-Dole program for each of FY 2013 through
Makes available U.S. agricultural commodities,
FY2017. [Sec. 3204]
financial and technical assistance to carry out food
for education and child nutrition programs in foreign
countries. Authorizes such sums as may be
necessary during FY2008-12. [7 U.S.C. 1736o-1]
Local and Regional Food Aid Procurement
Establishes a local and regional procurement program with
No comparable provision.
Pilot Projects. Establishes a pilot program for
appropriations of $40 million authorized for each of
local and regional purchase of commodities for
FY2013 through FY2017. Preference in carrying out this
famine prevention to be conducted by USDA with
program may be given to eligible organizations that have,
$60 million in CCC funding (FY2009-2012). [7
or are working toward, projects under the McGovern-
U.S.C. 1726c]
Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition
Program. [Sec. 3207]
No comparable provision
Donald Payne Horn of Africa Food Resilience
No comparable provision.
Program. Establishes a pilot program to effectively
integrate all U.S.-funded emergency and long-term
development activities that aim to improve food security in
the Horn of Africa. Authorizes $10 million to carry out
pilot project, subject to appropriations. Requires USAID
Administrator to report to appropriate committees of
Congress on the outcomes of the project. [Sec. 3208]
CRS-56
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Trade Provisions
Export Credit Guarantee Program. Authorizes
Amends 7 U.S.C. 5641(b) by striking the section and
Reauthorizes the Export Credit Guarantee Program
the Commodity Credit Corporation to guarantee
replacing it with the requirement that the Commodity
through FY2017. [Sec. 3101]
the credit made available to finance commercial
Credit Corporation make available for each year FY2013
export sales of agricultural commodities. The CCC
through FY2017 credit guarantees in an amount equal to
is required to make available the lesser of $5.5
not more than $4.5 billion. [Sec. 3101]
billion annual y of guarantees or the sum of
guarantees supported by $40 mil ion in budget
authority plus the amount of guarantees that the
CCC can make available from unobligated prior
fiscal year balances. [ 7 U.S.C. 56419(b)]
Market Access Program. The Market Access
Reauthorizes MAP at current mandatory funding levels of
Identical to the Senate bil .[Sec. 3102]
Program (MAP) provides for CCC funding of export $200 million annual y through FY2017. [Sec. 3102]
market development for U.S. agricultural
commodities (generic and branded) by eligible trade
organizations. Authorizes CCC funding of $200
mil ion annual y, Provides also for market
development for products that are organically-
produced. [7 U.S.C. 5623]
Foreign Market Development Cooperator
Reauthorizes at current mandatory funding levels of $34.5
Identical to the Senate bil . [Sec. 3103]
Program. The Foreign Market Development
million annually through FY2017. [Sec. 3103]
Cooperator Program (FMDP) authorizes USDA to
establish and carry out a program to maintain and
develop foreign markets for bulk or generic U.S.
agricultural commodities and products. [7 U.S.C.
5721]
Promotion of Agricultural exports to
Extends EMP through fiscal year 2017. [Sec. 3203]
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 3203]
Emerging Markets. The Emerging Markets
Program (EMP) promotes U.S. agricultural exports
in emerging markets. Authorizes direct credits or
export credit guarantees of not less that $1 billion
each fiscal year 2008 through 2012 for exports to
emerging markets. Requires export credit
guarantees be made available to establish or
improve facilities and services for U.S. products. In
addition, authorizes up to $10 million each fiscal
year 2008 through 2012 of CCC funding to be
made available to carry out technical assistance
activities that promote the export of U.S.
agricultural products and address technical barriers
CRS-57
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
to trade in emerging markets, technical assistance
can include feasibility studies, market research,
industry sector assessments, specialized training, and
business workshops. [7 U.S.C. 5622 note]
Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops).
Reauthorizes TASC at current mandatory funding levels of
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 3205]
Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC)
$9 million annual y through FY2017. [Sec. 3205]
authorizes USDA to address barriers prohibiting or
threatening exports of U.S. specialty crops.
Authorizes mandatory CCC funds reaching $9
mil ion annual y (FY2011-FY2012). [7 U.S.C. 5680]
Global Crop Diversity Trust. Requires USAID
Reauthorizes U.S. contribution to the Global Crop
Reauthorizes U.S. contribution to the Global Crop
Administrator to contribute to the Global Crop
Diversity Fund for FY2013-FY2017. [Sec. 3206]
Diversity Fund at $50 million for the period FY2013
Diversity Trust for germ plasm conservation (up to
through FY2017. [Sec. 3206]
$60 million over 5 years) provided that the U.S.
contribution not exceed one-fourth of the total of
funds contributed to the Trust from al sources. [22
U.S.C. 2220a note]
No comparable provision.
Agricultural Trade Enhancement Study. Requires
Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign
the Secretary, in consultation with the House and Senate
Agricultural Services. Authorizes the Secretary to
Agriculture Committees and House and Senate
establish the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture
Appropriations Committees to develop a study concerning for Foreign Agricultural Services. [Sec. 3207]
reorganization of the trade functions of USDA. The study
may include a recommendation for establishment of an
Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural
Services. [Sec. 3209]
CRS-58
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Title IV. Nutrition
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Standard Utility Allowances. A SNAP
Only LIHEAP payments above $10 would confer this
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. no. not yet available]
household can use a Low Income Home Energy
potential advantage. Payments of $10 or less would no
Assistance Program (LIHEAP) payment (regardless
longer entitle a household to earn a “standard utility
of the amount of that payment) to document that
al owance" (SUA) during the benefit calculation process. If
the household has incurred heating and cooling
a household received below $10 in LIHEAP assistance,
costs. This documentation triggers a standard utility households would have to present alternate
allowance (SUA), a figure that enters into the SNAP
documentation of utility costs in order to have utilities
benefit calculation equation. Unless the household
factored into calculating their excess shelter deduction.
is already receiving the maximum SNAP benefit, a
[Sec. 4002]
household’s monthly benefit can increase if the SUA
calculation results in an excess shelter deduction.
[7 U.S.C. 2014(e)(6)(C)]
Excess Medical Expense Deduction.
No comparable provision.
Requires USDA to promulgate regulations to ensure that
Households that include an elderly or disabled
medical marijuana is not treated as a medical expense in
member may have excess medical expenses, as
the calculation of the excess medical expenses deduction.
defined and calculated by statute, deducted from the
[Sec. no. not yet available]
household’s gross income. It has been reported that
some agencies are including medical marijuana
expenses in this calculation. FNS issued a policy
memorandum on July 10, 2012 clarifying that this is
against SNAP law. [7 U.S.C. 2014(e)(5)]
Broad-based Categorical Eligibility. States may No comparable provision.
Ends “broad-based categorical eligibility," and limits
opt to implement broad-based categorical eligibility.
categorical eligibility to SNAP applicants that receive
Under broad-based categorical eligibility, a SNAP
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash
applicant that receives Temporary Assistance for
assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and state-
Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance,
funded general assistance cash benefits. [Sec. no. not yet
Supplemental Security Income (SSI), state-funded
available]
general assistance cash benefits, or any TANF-
funded benefit, may be deemed eligible for SNAP
benefits, if certain income conditions are met. Per
USDA regulation, the TANF-funded benefit must be
for households at or below 200% of the federal
poverty line. [7 U.S.C. 2014(a)]
CRS-59
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Verification of Immigration Status. Under
No comparable provision.
Requires all SNAP agencies to verify immigration status
current law and regulation, states must verify
using the SAVE system. [Sec. no. not yet available]
noncitizens’ immigration status, but do not have to
use the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’s
Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements
(SAVE) Program. [7 U.S.C. 2020(p); 42 U.S.C.
1320b–7]
Student Eligibility. In most cases, col ege students Adds the requirement that those students enrol ed in
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. no. not yet available]
ages 18-50 (attending higher education courses half-
post-secondary institutions as a requirement of
time or more) are ineligible for SNAP. A student
participation in “SNAP Employment and Training,” must be
enrolled in an institution of higher education more
enrol ed in certain employment-oriented training to qualify
than half-time is eligible for SNAP benefits only if the for SNAP; specifically, this includes certain career and
individual meets one or more of the fol owing
technical education, remedial courses, basic adult
qualifications: (1) under 18 years old, or age 50 or
education, literacy, or English as a second language. [Sec.
older; (2) disabled; (3) employed at least 20
4003]
hours/week or participates in a work-study program
during the school year; (4) a parent (in some
circumstances); (5) receiving Temporary Assistance
for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance benefits;
OR (6) enrolled in school because of participation in
certain programs. One program enrol ment
exception is a “SNAP Employment and Training”
program. [7 U.S.C. 2015(e)]
Lottery and Gambling Winnings. No
Creates explicit ineligibility for households that receive
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. no. not yet available]
comparable provision. Authorizing statute
“substantial lottery or gambling winnings” (as determined
establishes income and asset thresholds for SNAP
by USDA) until the household meets the SNAP resources
eligibility, including that lump-sum, non-recurring
(assets) and income eligibility limits. State SNAP agencies
payments are to be counted as resources (assets)
are to establish agreements with the state gaming agency
not income. [7 U.S.C. 2014]
in order to make determinations of winnings. [Sec. 4004]
Retail Food Store Definition. SNAP benefits
Amends retail food store definition so that perishable
Nearly identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. no. not yet
can be accepted only by authorized retailers.
foods must be provided in at least three of the staple food
available]
Among other application requirements, USDA
categories. [Sec. 4005(a)]
authorization of a retailer is based on the retailer’s
inventory and sales. SNAP law defines a retail food
No retail food store, which has at or above 45% of its
store, and includes within that definition an
total sales in SNAP-ineligible items (specifically alcoholic
establishment that either (1) offers, on a continuous
beverages, tobacco, and hot foods or hot food products
basis, a variety of foods in each of 4 staple food
ready for immediate consumption other than those
categories [defined in 7 U.S.C. 2012(r)(1)], including
authorized in the restaurant option) can be authorized to
perishable foods in at least two of the categories, or
accept SNAP benefits. Gives USDA the authority “to
(2) has over 50% of its sales in staple foods.
consider whether the applicant is located in an area with
significantly limited access to food” and makes an
CRS-60
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Authority exists to consider the nature and extent
exception to the requirement if USDA determines that the
of the food business conducted. No statutory policy participation of the retailer is “required for the effective
on a retailer’s sales of non-food items (e.g. alcohol
and efficient operation of the supplemental nutrition
and tobacco). [7 U.S.C. 2012(p)(1), 2018]
assistance program.” [Sec. 4005(d)]
Electronic Benefit Transfer, Manual
Shifts the costs of EBT machinery to retailer. Bars states
Similar to the Senate bill except in the “unique termination
Vouchers. An electronic benefit transfer (EBT)
from issuing manual SNAP vouchers or allowing retailers
identification number information” provision, the House
point-of-sale machine can be provided by the state
to accept manual vouchers unless USDA makes such a
chair’s mark includes further specifications for USDA’s
agency to the retailer at no cost to the retailer
determination that circumstances or categories of retailers rulemaking including “the Secretary shall consider existing
(many retailers choose to purchase credit card
warrant use of manual vouchers. Requires EBT service
commercial practices for other point-of-sale debit
machines that also accept EBT). Although SNAP has providers to provide for and maintain “unique terminal
transactions” and that proposed regulations must be
transitioned to being ful y EBT, and paper coupon
identification number information.” [Sec. 4005(b), (c),
issued “not earlier than 2 years after the date of
(“food stamps”) are no longer offered, authority
(d)(3)]
enactment.” [Sec. no. not yet available]
exists to accept manual SNAP vouchers. Some
small retailers use these rather than acquiring an
EBT machine. No statutory requirements regarding
unique terminal identification numbers for EBT
machines. [7 U.S.C. 2016(f), 2018(h)(3)]
Replacement of Cards. Permits state agencies to Adds additional measures regarding “the purposeful loss of Nearly identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. no. not yet
col ect a fee for replacement of an EBT card by
cards.” USDA may require a state agency to decline a
available]
reducing the monthly allotment of the participating
request for a replacement card unless the household
household. [7 U.S.C. 2016(h)(8)]
provides an explanation for the loss of the card. The
USDA requirements must include protections for
vulnerable individuals (homeless, disabled, victims of
crimes). USDA is to assure certain procedures occur and
that procedures are consistent with participants’ existing
due process protections. [Sec. 4006]
Technology Modernization. No explicit
Requires, depending on results of a demonstration project, Mobile technologies provision is similar to the Senate bill
provisions regarding non-wired EBT machinery for
that USDA authorize retailers with EBT mobile
except the language appears to limit the authority to a
redemption or online SNAP transactions are
technologies, if retailers meet certain requirements.
USDA pilot/demonstration on mobile technologies and
included in the authorizing statute. From FY2012
Authorizes and requires the demonstration project and
does not create the authority to continue the redemptions
appropriations, USDA is using $4 million to expand
report to be completed by July 1, 2015, and USDA to
after the end of pilot. The House provision does not set a
EBT point of sale devices at farmers markets. A
authorize wireless retailers beginning January 1, 2016,
date for the mobile technologies report to Congress.
number of regulations would need to be rewritten
unless USDA reports to congressional committees of
[Sec. no. not yet available] With respect to authorizing
or waived to allow redemption via the Internet. [7
jurisdiction that it determines authorization should not be
retailers to accept benefits online, the House bill has no
U.S.C. 2016(h), P.L. 112-55]
implemented. Mobile technologies are defined as
provision comparable to the Senate bill.
“electronic means other than wired point of sale devices.”
A similar statutory provision is included for USDA to
authorize retailers to accept benefits online, contingent
upon results of a demonstration project and a report to
Congress. [Sec. 4007]
CRS-61
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Governmental or non-profit grocery delivery
No comparable provision.
Adds “governmental and non-profit food purchasing and
services. Non-profit grocery delivery services for
delivery service[s]” that serve the elderly and disabled to
the elderly and disabled are not defined as a “retail
the definition of a retail food store, emphasizing that
food store” that can accept SNAP benefits. Such
delivery fees are not to be paid with SNAP. Requires
establishments must negotiate waivers with USDA
USDA regulations to include certain protections and
in order to accept SNAP benefits. Under various
limitations. [Sec. no. not yet available]
authorities and waivers other retailers may conduct
deliveries to SNAP participants, but fees may not be
paid with SNAP benefits. [7 U.S.C. 2012(k), (p)]
No comparable provision.
Community-Supported Agriculture. Makes SNAP
Nearly identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. no. not yet
benefits redeemable for shares of Community-Supported
available]
Agriculture (CSA). In a CSA, a farmer or community
garden grows food for a group of local residents—
members, shareholders, or subscribers—who pledge
support to a farm at the beginning of each year by agreeing
to cover the farm’s expected costs and risks. In return, the
members receive shares of the farm's production during
the growing season. [Sec. 4008]
Restaurant Meals Program. States may choose
Creates added responsibilities for state agencies, private
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. no. not yet available]
to operate a restaurant meals program, allowing
establishments, and USDA before restaurants may
homeless, disabled, or elderly households to redeem participate in a restaurant meals program. For restaurants
SNAP benefits at restaurants that offer concessional
that have contracted with the state to accept SNAP
prices. States contract with restaurants, and USDA
benefits before this provision is enacted, the restaurant
authorizes them as SNAP retailers. [7 U.S.C.
may continue to accept SNAP without meeting the
2012(k)(3),(4),(9)]
additional requirements for no more than 180 days. [Sec.
4009]
Quality Control. The quality control system
Sets $25 as the threshold level for reporting SNAP errors
Similar to Senate bill except $25 threshold is set only for
measures the accuracy of the eligibility and benefits
in the quality control system. [Sec. 4010]
FY2013 and then adjusted for inflation based on the
calculation in SNAP. The American Recovery and
growth of the cost of the thrifty food plan. [Sec. no. not
Reinvestment Act of 2009 temporarily changed the
yet available]
definition of the quality control error threshold by
raising it from $25 to $50 (meaning that SNAP
errors lower than $50 would not “count” as errors
in the quality control system). USDA made the $50
threshold permanent in regulation in November
2011. [7 U.S.C. 2025(c); P.L. 111-5; 7 CFR
275.12(f)(2)]
CRS-62
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Performance Bonus Awards. State agencies are
Requires states to reinvest bonus payments into the state’s Repeals the SNAP performance bonus awards. [Sec. no.
currently eligible for, in total, $48 million per year in
SNAP program. [Sec. 4011]
not yet available]
performance awards. These grant awards are
provided to states for performance
accomplishments in payment accuracy, program
access, application timeliness, and best negative
(improper denial) error rate. There is currently no
requirement that these performance awards be
reinvested in SNAP. [7 U.S.C. 2025(d)]
Appropriations. Authorizes appropriations for
Reauthorizes appropriations for SNAP and related
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. no. not yet available]
SNAP and related programs through FY2012. [7
programs through FY2017. [Sec. 4012]
U.S.C. 2027(a)]
Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention
Adds promoting physical activity as an allowable use of the
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. no. not yet available]
Grant Program. Formerly SNAP Nutrition
funding. [Sec. 4015]
Education or “SNAP-Ed,” this program provides
formula grant funding for states to provide programs
for SNAP (and other domestic food assistance
program) participants as well as other low-income
households. With these funds, “[s]tate agencies may
implement a nutrition education and obesity
prevention program for eligible individuals that
promotes healthy food choices consistent with the
most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans.” [7
U.S.C. 2036a(b)]
Trafficking. Authorizes civil penalties and SNAP
Provides USDA $18.5 million annually “for FY2013 and
Similar to the Senate bill except that the House bill
disqualification penalties for retailers that engage in
each fiscal year thereafter” in additional mandatory funding provides USDA $5 million annually in additional mandatory
SNAP trafficking (the sale of SNAP benefits for
to track and prevent SNAP trafficking. [Sec. 4016]
funding to track and prevent SNAP trafficking. [Sec. no.
money or ineligible items). USDA enforces those
not yet available]
penalties through a variety of activities and funds
from the SNAP account. Approximately $8 million
each year was obligated for retailer integrity and
trafficking in FY2010, FY2011, and FY2012. [7
U.S.C. 2021(b)(3)]
Validating Participation. States are required to
No comparable provision.
Requires states to submit annual reports demonstrating
match Social Security data to assure that deceased
that the agency has not provided benefits to deceased
individuals are not receiving SNAP benefits.
individuals or to households simultaneously receiving
Households are prohibited from receiving benefits in
benefits in another state. Penalty for noncompliance is a
multiple states simultaneously. [7 U.S.C. 2015(j),
50% reduction in federal share of administrative costs.
2020(r)]
[Sec. no. not yet available]
CRS-63
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Grants for Improving Access to Benefits.
No comparable provision.
Repeals this grant program. [Sec. no. not yet available]
Section 11(t) of the Food and Nutrition Act
authorizes USDA to spend $5 mil ion on grants to
states for improving the application process,
eligibility determination, and access to SNAP. [7
U.S.C. 2020(t)]
Employment and Training (E&T). The federal
No comparable provision.
Reduces the $90 million to $79 million. Establishes
government funds SNAP E&T in 4 ways: (1) $90
additional monitoring, performance measures, and
million in mandatory funds that are allocated and
reporting requirements for SNAP E&T. [Sec. no. not yet
reallocated to states based on a formula, (2) $20
available]
million in mandatory funding allocated to states that
pledge to provide E&T to all able-bodied adults
without dependents (ABAWDs), (3) open-ended
matching funds for states' administrative costs for
E&T, and (4) open-ended matching funds for states'
reimbursement of E&T participants' dependent care
and transportation costs. Program requirements,
uptake of these funds, and activities designed vary by
state. [7 U.S.C. 2025(h), et al]
Section 17 of the Food and Nutrition Act gives
No comparable provision.
Mandates cooperation of “states, state agencies, local
USDA SNAP (and other programs authorized by the
agencies, institutions, facilities such as data consortiums,
act) research and evaluation authorities but does
and contractors” participating in Food and Nutrition Act
not explicitly require cooperation of related
programs in USDA evaluations and studies. [Sec. no. not
institutions. [7 U.S.C. 2026]
yet available]
Data Exchange Standardization. In recent
No comparable provision.
Adds these data exchange standards for SNAP to the Food
years, authorizing laws of the Temporary Assistance
and Nutrition Act. [Sec. no. not yet available]
for Needy Families and Unemployment Insurance
have been amended to include data exchange
standards. [P.L. 112-96, Secs. 2105, 4003]
Programs in Lieu of SNAP
Food Distribution Program on Indian
Extends FDPIR’s appropriations authority for
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. no. not yet available]
Reservations (FDPIR). Authorizing statute for
“Traditionally and Locally-grown Food Fund” through
FDPIR contains discretionary authority for a
FY2017. [Sec. 4001]
“Traditionally and Locally-grown Food Fund.” These
funds are for USDA purchase of traditional and
local y-grown foods to be distributed to FDPIR
households. Authority to appropriate $5 million
annual y to this fund for FY2008-FY2012. [7 U.S.C.
2013(b)(6)]
CRS-64
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
No comparable provision.
Authorizes and provides $1 million in FY2013 and FY2014
Islands. While Guam and the Virgin Islands
for a study to gauge CNMI’s capacity to administer a
participate in SNAP, Puerto Rico, American Samoa,
SNAP pilot. Authorizes and provides administrative and
and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
technical assistance funds to support pilot based on study
Islands (CNMI) do not. Puerto Rico, American
results ($13.5 million in FY2015, $8.5 million in each of
Samoa, and CNMI, instead receive a nutrition
FY2016 and FY2017. [Sec. no. not yet available]
assistance block grant in lieu of SNAP. [7 U.S.C.
2028;P.L. 96-597]
Puerto Rico. As part of Puerto Rico’s
No comparable provision.
Bars Puerto Rico from using the NAP federal funds to
administration of Nutrition Assistance Program
distribute cash benefits. [Sec. no. not yet available]
block grant funds (see above), program recipients
receive 25% of their benefits as cash. Current law
does not bar this flexibility.
Community Food Projects
Permanently authorizes a grant program for eligible
Eliminates eligibility for infrastructure improvement and
Does not make any changes to organizations and purposes
nonprofit organizations, in order to improve
development projects. Increases funding for community
eligible for funds. Increases funding for community food
community access to food. Infrastructure projects
food projects to a total of $10 million annual y. [Sec.
projects to a total of $15 million annually and carves out
are an eligible use of these funds. Grants require
4013]
$5 million of these funds for projects that would
50% in matching funds. Provides $5 million annual y
incentivize low-income households’ fruit and vegetable
in mandatory funding for this purpose. [7 U.S.C.
purchases. [Sec. no. not yet available]
2034]
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
For FY2009, mandates $250 million in TEFAP
Increases funding by $124 million over 5 years and $174
Increases funding by $129 million over 5 years and $270
commodity purchases. For FY2010-FY2012, the
mil ion over 10 years. Entitlement commodity funding
million over 10 years (according to CBO). Does not make
$250 million in FY2009 is to be adjusted for food-
increases are concentrated in the first 5 years: +$28
annual commodity funding available for a 2-year period.
price inflation each year. This funding is available
mil ion for FY2013, +$44 million in FY2014, +$24 million
[Sec. no. not yet available]
only in the year that it is provided. [7 U.S.C.
in FY2015, +$18 million in FY2016, +$10 million in FY2017
7511a(d)]
and subsequent years. Makes annual commodity funding
available for a 2-year period. [Sec. 4014]
Authorizes appropriations ($15 million a year
Extends discretionary authority through FY2017. [Sec.
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. no. not yet available]
through FY2012) for TEFAP “infrastructure grants.”
4014]
Grants are to be made to emergency feeding
organizations (emphasizing those serving mostly
rural communities) for projects that improve
storage, distribution, and other capacity building. [7
U.S.C. 7511a(d)]
CRS-65
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
Authority to purchase and distribute CSFP foods
Reauthorizes through FY2017. [Sec. 4101-4102]
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 4101-4102]
expires at the end of FY2012. [7 U.S.C. 612c
note(a)-(b), P.L. 93-86]
Income-eligible pregnant and post-partum women,
Only income-eligible elderly would be eligible for CSFP.
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 4102]
infants, children, and the elderly (defined as 60 years
Enrolled women, infants, and children (who are disqualified
or older) are eligible to participate in CSFP. [7
by this new provision) would be allowed to participate
U.S.C. 612c note(g), P.L. 93-86] (According to
until their certification period expires. [Sec. 4102]
FY2011 USDA-FNS data, 97% of CSFP participants
were elderly.)
Food Distribution for Child Nutrition Programs
Authority for USDA to enter into reprocessing
Reauthorizes through FY2017. [Sec. 4103]
Similar to the Senate bill but also includes an additional
agreements with private companies in order to
provision that explicitly authorizes USDA to contract with
process commodity foods for donation and
a processor and retain title to those foods during
distribution to nutrition programs expires at the end
processing. [Sec. 4103, 4104]
of FY2012. [7 U.S.C. 1431e(2)(A)] USDA, through
a pilot project, is currently contracting with
processors to provide processed foods to schools.
In addition to the minimum ($200 million-a-year)
Establishes that the $50 million fresh fruit and vegetable
Similar to the Senate bill except that it also includes a pilot
acquisitions required by the 2002 farm bill, USDA is
acquisition requirement remains in effect through FY2017. grant program that would allow 5 states to use this fresh
required to purchase additional fruits, vegetables,
[Sec. 4201]
fruit and vegetable funding for their own local sourcing of
and tree nuts for use in domestic nutrition
produce. [Sec. 4204]
assistance programs using Section 32 funds. The
added purchases required are: $190 million
(FY2008), $193 million (FY2009), $199 million
(FY2010), $203 million (FY2011), and $206 million
(FY2012 and each year thereafter). Of this money
for additional purchases, at least $50 million annual y
is required for USDA fresh fruit and vegetable
acquisitions for schools. (The Department of
Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (“DoD
Fresh”) is one of the ways this is accomplished). [7
U.S.C. 612c-4]
The 2008 farm bill provided $4 million (in FY2009)
Renews mandatory funding for the Whole Grain Pilot and
No comparable provision.
to purchase whole grains and whole grain products
evaluation; provides $10 million available over 2 years
for schools and to evaluate this pilot project. [42
(FY2013 and FY2014.) [Sec. 4204]
U.S.C. 1755a; Sec. 14222(d) of P.L. 110-246]
CRS-66
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
No comparable provision.
Creates a pilot project to purchase pulse crops (dry beans, No comparable provision.
dry peas, lentils, and chick peas) and pulse crop products
for schools. This pilot is analogous to the whole grain pilot
and also includes an evaluation component [42 U.S.C.
1755a; Sec. 14222(d) of P.L. 110-246]. Authorizes up to
$10 million in discretionary appropriations. [Sec. 4207]
Farm-to-School Programs. Section 9(d) of the
Requires USDA to conduct demonstration projects “to
Allows USDA to permit school food authorities with low
Russel National School Lunch Act encourages
facilitate the purchase of unprocessed and minimally
annual commodity entitlement values to substitute local
schools to use available school lunch funds for local
processed locally grown and locally raised agricultural
foods entirely or partially instead of USDA provided foods.
food purchases and to incorporate a local
products” for schools that participate in the National
Gives USDA discretion to establish cost-neutral farm-to-
preference [42 U.S.C. 1758(d)]. Schools redeem
School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. [Sec. 4209]
school demonstration projects. [Sec. 4205] (See also
National School Lunch Program commodity
[Sec. 4204] discussed above)
entitlement food assistance based on USDA’s
purchases and offerings [42 U.S.C. 1754]. P.L. 111-
296 authorized and provided $4 million for farm-to-
school projects [42 U.S.C. 1769(g)].
Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
Authorizes and provides $20.6 million annually for
Reauthorizes and continues to provide CCC mandatory
Similar to Senate except expands eligibility from “low-
the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
funding of $20.6 million annual y through FY2017. [Sec.
income seniors” to “low-income seniors and low-income
through FY2012. [7 U.S.C. 612c-4(b)]
4202]
families who are determined to be at nutritional risk.”
[Sec. 4201]
Other Nutrition and Food Security Programs
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (program that
No comparable provision.
Changes the name of the program to “Fruit and Vegetable
provides fruit and vegetable snack to school children
Program.” Would al ow purchase and provision of frozen,
throughout the day) purchases are limited to fresh
canned, dried fruits and vegetables. [Sec. 4203]
fruits and vegetables. [42 U.S.C. 1769a]
Authorized to be appropriated such sums as are
Amends the hunger-free community grants to delete the
No comparable provision.
necessary through FY2012 for matching grants (1)
authority for infrastructure development and adds
to food program service providers and nonprofits
authority for a second category of “incentive grants” for
for col aborative efforts to assess community hunger projects that incentivize SNAP participants to buy fruits
problems and to achieve “hunger-free communities”
and vegetables. Limits federal cost share to 50 percent.
and (2) to emergency feeding organizations for
Provides $100 million in mandatory funding over 5 years
infrastructure development. Any available funding is
for the incentive grants. Retains the discretionary
to be divided equal y between these 2 grant
authority but limits it to $5 million per year for the
initiatives, and the federal matching percentage is
previous hunger-free communities grant authorities, now
limited to 80%. [P.L. 110-246, Sec. 4405] The
called “collaborative” grants. [Sec. 4205]
2008 farm bill also authorized pilot projects
designed to improve the health status of
CRS-67
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
participants, including a mandatory provision of $20
million for "point of purchase incentive" projects.
(USDA has since implemented the Healthy Incentives
Pilot in Hampden County, Massachusetts) [7 U.S.C.
2026(k)]
2002 farm bill authorized and 2008 farm bill
Repeals this section. [Sec. 4203]
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 4202]
extended discretionary authority for a “Nutrition
Information Awareness Pilot Program. “ [7 U.S.C.
1755a]
Currently, the Administration administers a
Authorizes up to $125 million to be appropriated for a
No comparable provision.
“Healthy Food Financing Initiative” (HFFI) by
“Healthy Food Financing Initiative” to remain available until
requesting appropriations for several existing
expended. USDA is authorized to approve a community
statutory authorities in order to provide grants and
development financial institution as “national fund
tax credits to support development of food retailers
manager” that would administer these funds by supporting
in underserved communities. Congress provided no food retail projects that would “expand or preserve access
funding for USDA for this initiative, but did provide
to staple foods” (as defined within this section) and accept
$22 million for the U.S. Department of the Treasury SNAP benefits. [Sec. 4206]
to administer the New Market Tax Credits for retail
food outlets. [P.L. 112-55]
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are jointly
Requires that the Guidelines include specifications for
No comparable provision.
published by USDA and the Department of Health
pregnant women and children under the age of 2 years, by
and Human Services. The Guidelines provide advice
no later than the 2020 edition. [Sec. 4208]
for people 2 years and older about how good
dietary habits can promote health and reduce risk
for major chronic diseases. Every five years, the two
departments charter a committee to review the
peer-reviewed, published science on diet and health
and develop a report of its recommendations for
the next edition of the Guidelines. [7 U.S.C.
5341(a)]
CRS-68
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Title V. Credit
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Restructures the ConAct by updating language and more
Does not restructure the ConAct, but makes minor
Act (a.k.a. ConAct) [7 U.S.C. 1921 et seq.]
clearly organizing the farm and rural development
changes as described below. [Title V]
programs into separate titles. Minor changes to some
program parameters as described below, though most
provisions are substantial y the same and renumbered.
[Sec. 5001]
Note: References below cite the new numbering of the
ConAct, for provisions notably amended by the Senate bill,
followed by the section of S. 3240 making the change.
Farm Loans
Farm Ownership Loans. Authorizes direct and
Substantially the same, except as noted below. Subtitle A,
No restructuring of the ConAct. Changes to specific
guaranteed loans for farm real estate purchases to
Chapter 1 of the ConAct. [Sec. 5001]
provisions noted below.
eligible producers who do not qualify for credit
from other lenders. [7 U.S.C. 1922-1925, 1927,
1934-1936]
Al ows farm ownership loans for the fol owing types
Gives USDA discretion to allow alternative legal entities to Similar to the Senate bill, but specifies a 75% ownership
of entities: cooperatives, corporations, partnerships,
qualify for farm ownership loans. Section 3101(b)(3) of the
requirement in certain instances. [Sec. 5001(a)]
joint operations, trusts, and limited liability
ConAct. [Sec. 5001]
companies. [7 U.S.C. 1922(a)]
For direct loans, requires at least three years of
Gives USDA discretion to allow alternatives to meet the
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 5001(b)]
farming experience and either be a beginning farmer, three-year experience requirement for direct loans.
not have received prior direct farm ownership
Section 3101(c)(1) of the ConAct. [Sec. 5001]
loans, or not have received a direct farm ownership
loan more than 10 years ago. [7 U.S.C. 1922(b)(1)]
Allows conservation loans for the following types of
Gives USDA discretion to allow alternative legal entities to Gives USDA discretion to allow alternative legal entities to
entities: cooperatives, corporations, partnerships,
qualify for conservation loans, by reference. Section
qualify for conservation loans. [Sec. 5002(a)]
joint operations, trusts, and limited liability
3103(c)(2) of the ConAct. [Sec. 5001]
companies. [7 U.S.C. 1924(c)(1)]
Maximum conservation loan guarantee amount is
No change. Section 3013(e) of the ConAct. [Sec. 5001]
Increases maximum conservation loan guarantee to 90%.
75%. [7 U.S.C. 1924 (e)]
[Sec. 5002(b)]
Authorizes appropriations for conservation loans
Reauthorizes appropriations through FY2017. Section
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec 5002(c)]
through FY2012 [7 U.S.C. 1924(h)]
3103(h) of the ConAct. [Sec. 5001]
Authorizes a down-payment loan program within
Substantially the same, except increases the maximum
Increases the maximum down payment loan to 45% of
the farm ownership loan program for beginning
down payment loan to 45% of $667,000. Section
$667,000 (same as Senate bill). [Sec 5003]
CRS-69
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
farmers and ranchers and socially disadvantaged
3107(b)(1) of the ConAct. [Sec. 5001].
farmers and ranchers. Maximum down payment
loan size is 45% of $500,000, among other terms. [7
U.S.C. 1935]
For mineral rights to be included as part of the
No change. Section 3105(e) of the ConAct. [Sec. 5001]
Eliminates the requirement that mineral rights be
collateral securing a loan, the mineral rights must be
specifically appraised. [Sec. 5004]
specifically appraised. [7 U.S.C. 1927(d)]
Farm Operating Loans. Authorizes direct and
Substantially the same, except as noted below. Subtitle A,
No reorganization of the ConAct. Changes to specific
guaranteed loans for purchasing livestock, poultry,
Chapter 2 of the ConAct. [Sec. 5001]
provisions noted below.
equipment, feed, seed, fertilizer, other supplies,
financing land or water development, reorganization,
and certain other purposes to eligible producers
who do not qualify for operating credit at other
lenders. [7 U.S.C. 1941-1949]
Allows operating loans for the following types of
Gives USDA discretion to allow alternative legal entities to Similar to the Senate bill, but specifies a 75% ownership
entities: cooperatives, corporations, partnerships,
qualify for farm operating loans. Section 3201(b)(3) of the
requirement in certain instances. [Sec. no. not yet
joint operations, trusts, and limited liability
ConAct. [Sec. 5001]
available]
companies. [7 U.S.C. 1941(a)]
Allows farm operating loans to youth for projects
No change.
Eliminates rural residency requirement for youth loans.
for in 4-H Clubs, Future Farmers of America, etc. [7
[Sec. no. not yet available]
U.S.C. 1941(b)(1)]
Youth loans are made under the personal liability of
No change.
Gives USDA the option to waive personal liability for
the borrower, and have the option of a cosigner. [7
youth loans if default is due to circumstances beyond the
U.S.C. 1941(b)(2)-(3)]
borrower’s control. [Sec. no. not yet available]
USDA issued a proposed rule for “Microloan
No comparable provision.
Creates a microloan program for direct or guaranteed
Operating Loans” on May 25, 2012. Comment
loans. The maximum microloan is $35,000, with a total
period ends July 23, 2012. The proposed rule allows
microloan indebtedness of $70,000 to any borrower.
a maximum of $35,000 per loan, with streamlined
USDA may contract with community-based, state entities
loan applications, and relaxed/flexible eligibility
or other intermediaries to make or guarantee loans or to
requirements. [Federal Register, Vol. 77, No. 102,
provide services. [Sec. no. not yet available]
pp. 31220-31226, May 25, 2012]
No comparable provision.
Creates a “Pilot Loan Program To Support Healthy Foods
No comparable provision.
for the Hungry.” Individual loans of between $500 and
$5,000 to gleaners (defined as collecting surplus food that
would be discarded or harvesting donated crops for free
distribution) and other regular farm operating loan
borrowers for the purpose of assisting the borrowers in
providing food to the hungry. Funded from within the farm
CRS-70
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
operating loan program, up to a maximum total of
$500,000. Section 3201(e) of the ConAct. [Sec. 5001]
Limits eligibility for direct farm operating loans to 6
Limits eligibility for direct farm operating loans to “7 years, No change to current law.
years, with a one-time 2-year extension under
less 1 year for every 3 consecutive years the farmer did
certain terms at USDA’s discretion. [7 U.S.C.
not receive a direct operating loan” after initially receiving
1941(c)(1)(C)]
one. Section 3201(c)(1)(C) of the ConAct. [Sec. 5001]
Limits eligibility for guaranteed farm operating loans
Eliminates (omits in reorganization of the ConAct) any
No change to current law.
to 15 years [7 U.S.C. 1949(b)]. his limit had been
term limit on guaranteed farm operating loans.
suspended through 2010 [P.L. 110-246, Sec. 5103],
but since Jan. 1, 2011, has been in effect.
Allows loans to soil conservation districts that
Omits reference to conservation districts.
No change to current law.
cannot obtain credit elsewhere, up to $500,000, for
the purchase of equipment [7 U.S.C. 1944]
Emergency Loans. Authorizes direct and
Substantially the same, except as noted below. Subtitle A,
No reorganization of the ConAct. Changes to specific
guaranteed loans for recovery from natural disasters Chapter 3 of the ConAct. [Sec. 5001]
provisions noted below.
and quarantines declared by the Secretary or
Stafford Act emergencies declared by the President..
[7 U.S.C. 1961-1970]
Includes equine farmers and ranchers [7 U.S.C.
Does not mention equine farmers and ranchers in Sec.
No change to current law.
1961(a)]
3301 or Sec. 3002 (definitions) of the ConAct.
No comparable provision.
Adds commercial fishermen to list of eligible borrowers
No comparable provision.
for emergency loans. Section 3301(a) of the ConAct. [Sec.
5001]
Allows emergency loans for the following types of
Gives USDA discretion to allow alternative legal entities to Similar to the Senate bill, but specifies a 75% ownership
entities: cooperatives, corporations, partnerships,
qualify for emergency loans. Section 3301(b)(3) of the
requirement in certain instances. [Sec. 5201]
joint operations, trusts, and limited liability
ConAct. [Sec. 5001]
companies. [7 U.S.C. 1961(a)]
Requires hazard insurance at the time the loss
Omits any exception for poultry farmers in the hazard
No change to current law.
occurred. Provides an exception for poultry
insurance requirement. Section 3301(d) of the ConAct
farmers who were unable to obtain insurance. [7
[Sec. 5001]
U.S.C. 1961(b)(3)]
Administrative Provisions. Sets other terms,
Substantially the same, except as noted below. Subtitle A,
No reorganization of the ConAct. Changes to specific
including loan servicing. [7 U.S.C. 1981-2008l]
Chapter 4 and Subtitle C of the ConAct [Sec. 5001]
provisions noted below.
Definitions. A qualified beginning farmer or
Replaces “median” with “average” in the definition of a
Similar to the Senate bill (replaces “median” with
rancher is defined, in general, as one with less than
qualified beginning farmer’s ownership limitation: “does
“average” in the definition of a qualified beginning farmer).
10 years of farming experience, meets participation
not exceed 30% of the average county acreage.” This
[Sec. 5302(b)] Also, gives USDA discretion to allow
CRS-71
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
and other requirements especial y if more than one
would expand eligibility if the average exceeds the median,
alternative legal entities to qualify as a beginning farmer or
person or entity is involved, and owns a farm that is
such as when small farms outnumber larger farms and a
rancher. [Sec. 5302(a)]
smaller than 30% of the median acreage size of
few large farms raise the average. Sec. 3002(26) of the
farms in the county. [7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(11)]
ConAct. [Section 6001]
Specifies that USDA shall offer to sell real property
Shortens to 75 days the time period for USDA to offer to
No change to current law.
not later than 135 days after acquiring it. [7 U.S.C.
sel real property. Section 3409(a)(1)(B)(i) of the ConAct
1985(c)(1)(B)(i)]
[Sec. 5001]
Authorizes appropriations of $5 million each year
Reauthorizes appropriations of $5 million each year
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 5301]
through FY2012 for a Beginning Farmer Individual
through FY2017. Section 3428 of the ConAct [Sec. 5001]
Development Account pilot program. [7 U.S.C.
1983b]
Authorizes specific loan levels for direct and
Reauthorizes the same loan levels through FY2017 and
Reauthorizes the same loan levels, targets, and
guaranteed farm ownership and farm operating loans continues the same program targets and reservations.
reservations through FY2017. [Sec. 5303 and Sec. 5305]
through FY2012, and reserves or targets funding for
Section 3431 of the ConAct [Sec. 5001]
certain types of borrowers. [7 U.S.C. 1994]
Adds a new priority for direct loans to beginning farmers
and ranchers who apply under the down payment loan
program or for joint financing arrangements. [Sec. 5304]
Credit Programs in Other Laws
State Agricultural Loan Mediation Programs.
Reauthorizes appropriations of $7.5 million annual y
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 5401]
Authorizes a matching grant program for states that
through FY2017. [Sec. 5101]
provide third party mediation services for
agricultural credit disputes. Appropriations
authorized at $7.5 million annually through FY2015.
[7 U.S C. 5106]
Loans to Purchasers of Highly Fractioned
Allows lending to intermediaries that may create revolving
Similar to the Senate bill by allowing lending to
Land. Authorizes the USDA farm loan program to
loan funds to relend to purchasers of highly fractioned
intermediaries that may create revolving loan funds to
lend to Indian tribes or tribal corporations to buy
land. Updates references to other laws, and requires
relend to purchasers of highly fractioned land. The House
highly fractioned land within the reservation. [25
regulatory consultation between USDA and the
bill does not contain a provision for updating references or
U.S.C. 488]
Department of the Interior. [Sec. 5102]
requiring interagency consultation. [Sec. 5501]
Requires certain levels of appraisal for land to qualify Simplifies appraisals for purchasers of highly fractioned
No change.
for highly fractioned land loans. [25 U.S.C. 488]
land by requiring only one appraisal recognized by USDA
or the Department of the Interior. [Sec. 5103]
CRS-72
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Title VI. Rural Development
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Reorganizes the Consolidated Farm and Rural
No comparable provision.
Act (ConAct) Authorizing statute for USDA’s rural
Development Act (ConAct). Consolidates rural
development programs. [7 U.S.C. 1921 et seq.]
development programs, makes technical changes to
various programs, eliminates programs, establishes criteria
for prioritizing loan and grants, eliminates the definition of
“rural” and “rural area” for water assistance and
community facilities. Makes technical changes to the Delta
Regional Authority and the Northern Great Plains
Regional Authority. [Sec. 6001]
Note: References below cite the new numbering of
the ConAct for provisions notably amended by the
Senate bill, followed in bold by the section of S.
3240 making the change.
Defining Rural Eligibility
Sec. 343(a)(13)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and
Retains Sec. 343 (a) definition of rural as any area other
No change to current law.
Rural Development Act (ConAct), as amended,
than a city or town with a population greater than 50,000
defines rural as any area other than a city or town
and the urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to such a
with a population greater than 50,000 and the
city or town.
urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to such a
city or town.
Eliminates the rural definition for water and waste water
No change to current law.
projects so that the definition above applies. Areas that
Defines rural and rural area for water and waste
were eligible for water and waste water funding under the
water programs as any town, city, or
prior definition will remain eligible for funding unless
unincorporated areas under 10,000 population.
USDA determines that the area is no longer “rural in
character.”
Defines rural and rural area for community facility
loan and grant program as any area other than a
Eliminates the rural definition for community facility loan
No change to current law.
town or city with a population greater than 20,000.
and grants so that the definition above applies. Areas that
were eligible for community facility funding under the prior
Establishes criteria for determining areas as “rural in
definition wil remain eligible for funding unless USDA
character” and makes certain exclusions for rural
determines that the area is no longer “rural in character.”
areas that could be classified as lying within an
“urbanized area.” [7 U.S.C. 1991(a(13)(A)]
Amends criteria for determining areas “rural in character”
and establishes priorities in making these determinations.
No change to current law.
Extends the current exclusion for “urbanized areas” where
a single road may cause a rural town to be included within
an urbanized area. Section 3002 28(A)(i) of the ConAct.
[Sec. 6001]
CRS-73
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Rural Community Programs
Rural Water Loan and Grant Program. Loans
Reauthorizes funding to make loans, grants, and loan
Reauthorizes the Rural Water and Waste Disposal Loan
and grants to support improvements to rural water
guarantees for the Rural Water and Waste Disposal Loan
and Grant Programs. Authorizes $15 million annually
systems. Authorizes $30 million annually FY2009-
and Grant Programs. Establishes priorities for rural water
FY2013-2017, subject to annual appropriations. [Sec. no.
2012, subject to annual appropriations. [7 U.S.C.
programs, including a priority for rural communities of
not yet available]
1926(a)(2]
5,500 or fewer permanent residents. Section 3501 (a)-
(d)(f) of the ConAct. [Sec. 6001]
Revolving Funds for Financing Water and
Reauthorizes funding for Revolving Funds for Financing
No change to current law, including no extension of
Waste Water Projects Program. Provides
Water and Wastewater Projects at $30 million annually
authorization to appropriate funds to the program.
capital to fund revolving loan funds for supporting
for FY2013-FY2017, subject to appropriations. Section
rural water projects. Authorizes $30 million annually 3501(e)(1) of the ConAct. [Sec. 6001]
for 2008-2012, subject to annual appropriations. [7
U.S.C. 1926(a)(2)(B)]
Emergency and Imminent Community
Reauthorizes funding for Emergency and Imminent
Reauthorizes funding for Emergency and Imminent
Water Assistance Program. Provides assistance
Community Water Assistance Program at $35 million
Community Water Assistance Program at $27 million
to water systems in rural communities of 10,000 or
annual y for FY2013-FY2017, subject to appropriations.
annual y for FY2013-FY2017, subject to appropriations.
less where there is a threat to potable water
Section 3501(e)(2) of the ConAct. [Sec. 6001]
[Sec. no. not yet available]
supplies. Authorizes funding of $35 million for each
fiscal year FY2008-2012. [7 U.S.C. 1926a(i)(2)]
Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants
Reauthorizes funding for Water and Waste Facility Loans
No change to current law.
to Alleviate Health Risks Provides loan and grant and Grants to Alleviate Health Risks at $60 million in loan
support to rural water systems to improve
subsidies, $60 million in grants, and $20 million in grants
sanitation and potable water supplies. Authorizes an
specifical y for Tribal groups annual y for FY2013-FY2017,
annual appropriation of $30 million in loan subsidies, subject to appropriations. Section 3501(e)(3)(B) of the
$30 million in grants, and $20 million in grants
ConAct. [Sec. 6001]
specifically for Tribal groups. [7 U.S.C. 1926c]
Grants for Water Systems for Rural and
Reauthorizes funding for the program and specifies
No change to current law, including no extension of
Native Villages in Alaska. Funding for water
eligibility for native villages for Alaska and Hawaii for
authorization to appropriate funds to the program.
projects to improve sanitation and potable water in
Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants to Alleviate
rural Alaska. Authorizes $30 million annually for
Health Risks to include Native Tribes, rural or native
FY2008-FY2012, subject to appropriations. [7
villages in Alaska and Hawaii. Section 3501(e)(3)(B) of the
U.S.C. 1926d]
ConAct. [Sec. 6001]
Solid Waste Management Grants. Provides
Reauthorizes funding for Solid Waste Management Grants
No change to current law.
grant assistance for communities to establish or
at $10 million annual y for FY2013-FY2017, subject to
improve solid waste management facilities. Subject
appropriations. Section 3501(e)(4) of the ConAct. [Sec.
to annual appropriations. [7 U.S.C. 1932(b)]
6001]
Rural Water and Wastewater Technical
Reauthorizes funding for Rural Water and Wastewater
No change to current law.
Assistance and Training Grants. Provides
Technical Assistance and Training Grants at the current
CRS-74
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
funding for technical and managerial expertise
allocation rate of between 1% and 3% of the total water
assistance from third-parties (e.g., National Rural
and waste water appropriation annual y for FY2013-
Water Association Program) to assist rural
FY2017. Section 3501(e)(5) of the ConAct. [Sec. 6001]
communities with various water and waste water
issues. Authorizes that between 1% and 3% of total
water and waste water appropriation be allocated to
these grants annual y for FY2008-FY2012. [7 U.S.C.
1926(a)(14)]
Rural Water and Waste Water Circuit Rider
Reauthorizes the Rural Water and Waste Water Circuit
Reauthorizes the Rural Water and Waste Water Circuit
Program. Provides funding to support technical
Rider Program. Authorizes funding of $25 million for
Rider Program. Authorizes funding of $20 million for
assistance to water rural water systems. [7 U.S.C.
FY2013 and each year thereafter, subject to annual
FY2013 and each year thereafter, subject to annual
1926(a)(19)]
appropriations. [Sec. 6001]
appropriations. [Sec. no. not yet available]
Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural
Reauthorizes funding for the SEARCH Program at such
No change to current law.
Communities and Households (SEARCH)
sums as necessary for FY2013-FY2017, subject to annual
Program. Provides grant assistance to communities appropriations. Section 3501(e)(6) of the ConAct. [Sec.
under 2,500 to help them prepare an application for
6001]
a water or waste water loan and grant. Up to 4% of
the funds appropriated for water and waste disposal
projects and essential community facilities may be
used to fund SEARCH grants. Authorizes funding
not to exceed $30 million in any fiscal year. [7
U.S.C. 2009ee]
Grants to Nonprofit Organizations to Finance No comparable provision.
Reauthorizes the Household Water Well Systems
the Construction, Refurbishing, and Servicing
Program. Authorizes $5 million for each year FY2013-
of Individually-Owned Household Water Well
2017. [Sec. no. not yet available]
Systems in Rural Areas for Individuals with
Low or Moderate Incomes. Provides funding to
third-party organizations with expertise in
residential well-water systems. Authorizes $10
mil ion annual y FY2008-2012, subject to
appropriations. [7 U.S.C. 1926(d)]
CRS-75
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Community Facilities Loan and Grant
Reauthorizes funding for Community Facilities Programs at Eliminates the provision reserving 10% of Community
Program. Provides loan, grant, and loan guarantees $10 million annual y for FY2013-FY2017, subject to annual
Facility funds for child day care facilities (7 U.S.C.
for “essential community facilities.” Most funding
appropriations.
1026(a)(19). [Sec. no. not yet available]
has supported projects for improved community
health and safety (e.g., health clinics, elder care
Establishes new priorities for Community Facilities loans
facilities, fire protection, emergency responders).
and grants, including prioritization for communities with
No comparable provision.
Authorizes such sums as necessary annual y, subject
less than 20,000 in population.
to appropriations. [7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(19)]
Also authorizes a new Technical Assistance for
Community Facilities Program as part of the current
No comparable provision.
Community Facilities Program. Provides technical
assistance and planning assistance to rural communities in
developing essential community facilities. Reauthorizes
such sums as necessary for FY2013-FY2017, subject to
annual appropriations. Section 3502(a)-(d)(e)(g) of the
ConAct. [Sec. 6001]
Tribal College and University Essential
Reauthorizes funding of $10 million each fiscal year
Authorizes funding of $5 million each fiscal year FY2013-
Community Facilities. Provides grant funding to
FY2013-2017.
2017. [Sec. no. not yet available]
entities that are tribal col eges to provide the federal
share of the cost of developing specific tribal college
or university essential community facilities.
Authorizes funding of $10 million each fiscal year
FY2008-2012. [7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(25)(C)]
Rural Business and Cooperative Development
Rural Business Opportunity Grants. Provides
Eliminates the program, but consolidates the program’s
Authorizes $15 million annually for each fiscal year
grant assistance of up to $1.5 million to identify
objectives within a broad rural business development
FY2013-FY2017.
business opportunities that will use local rural
grants program. Authorizes $65 mil ion annual y for the
resources, to train and provide technical assistance
broader program for FY2013-FY2017, subject to annual
to existing or prospective rural entrepreneurs, to
appropriations. Section 3601(a] of the ConAct. [Sec.
establish business support centers, and to support
6001]
local and regional economic development planning.
Authorizes $15 million annual y for FY2008-FY2012,
subject to appropriations. [7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(11)]
CRS-76
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Rural Business Enterprise Grants. Provides
Eliminates the program, but consolidates the program’s
No change to current law.
grant support of up to $50,000 to public bodies and
objectives within a broad rural business development
nonprofit corporations for measures designed to
grants program. Authorizes $65 mil ion annual y for the
facilitate small and emerging business enterprises, or
broader program (as above) for FY2013-FY2017, subject
the creation and expansion of rural distance learning to appropriations. Section 3601(a)of the ConAct. [Sec.
networks, among other eligible activities. Authorizes 6001]
funding not to exceed $50 million annually. Subject
to annual appropriations. [7 U.S.C. 1932(c)]
Value-Added Producer Grants. Provides grant
Reauthorizes funding for Value-Added Agricultural
Reauthorizes the Value-Added Product Grant Program.
support to agricultural producers to undertake
Producer Grants at $40 million annual y for FY2013-
Authorizes funding of $50 million each fiscal year FY2013-
projects that add value to commodities and thereby
FY2017, subject to annual appropriations. Also authorizes
2017. [Sec. 6203]
increase producer income. Also supports planning
$12.5 million annual y in mandatory spending for FY2014-
and business development for value-added projects.
FY2017. Establishes priority for projects in which at least
Authorizes $40 million annual y FY2009-2012
25% of the project recipients are beginning farmers or
subject to annual appropriations, in addition to $15
ranchers or socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.
million in mandatory spending to remain available
Section 3601(b) of the ConAct. [Sec. 6001]
until expended. [7 U.S.C. 1621]
Locally or Regionally Produced Agricultural
Reauthorizes the program for FY2012-2017. Requires that
Reauthorizes the program for FY2013-2017. Amends the
Food Products. Provides funding to increase
USDA produce an annual report that describes the
provision to state that not more than 7% of the funds of
domestic consumption of locally and regionally
projects carried out by the program. [Sec. 6001]
the Business and Industry Loan Guarantee program can be
produced agricultural products and to provide
used to fund locally or regionally produced agricultural
affordable food products in underserved rural and
food products. [Sec. no. not yet available]
urban areas. Reserves 5% of the funds of the
Business and Industry Loan Guarantee program for
support of locally and regionally produced food. [7
U.S.C. 1932(g)(9)(B)(v)(I)]
Agriculture Innovation Center
No comparable provision.
Authorizes funding of $1 million for each fiscal year
Demonstration Program. Provides grant
FY2013-2017. [Sec. 6203]
funding to producers for technical assistance in
developing agricultural-based businesses based on
value-added production. Authorizes funding of $6
mil ion annual y for FY2008-2012, subject to annual
appropriations. [7 U.S.C. 1632(b)(i)]
Rural Cooperative Development Grants.
Reauthorizes funding for grants at $50 million annual y for
Reauthorizes funding for grants at $40 million annually for
Facilitate the creation of jobs in rural areas through
FY2013-FY2017 subject to appropriations. Includes
FY2013-FY2017, subject to appropriations. [Sec. no. not
the development of new rural cooperatives, value-
directive to coordinate an interagency working group
yet available]
added processing, and rural businesses. Authorizes
among federal agencies to support cooperative
$50 million annual y for FY2008-FY2012, subject to
development. Section 3601(c) of the ConAct. [Sec. 6001]
appropriations. [7 U.S.C. 1932(e)(5)]
CRS-77
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural
Reauthorizes funding for ATTRA at $5 million annual y for
No change to current law, including no extension of
Areas (ATTRA). Provides grant support at an
FY2013-FY2017, subject to appropriations. Section
authorization to appropriate funds to the program.
agricultural institution (e.g., universities) for
3601(d) of the ConAct. [Sec. 6001]
information activities to agricultural producers.
Authorizes $5 million annual y for FY2008-FY2012,
subject to appropriations. [7 U.S.C. 1932]
Business and Industry Direct and Guaranteed
Reauthorizes funding of $75 million annually for FY2013-
No change to current law.
Loans. Provides loans for a wide variety of
FY2017, subject to appropriations. Raises initial fee to 3%
projects to support business development in rural
from current authorization of 2%. Reauthorizes a 5%
areas and to increase and retain jobs in rural areas.
carve-out of guaranteed loan authority for Locally or
Subject to annual appropriations. (Note: Direct loan
Regionally Produced Agricultural Food Products. Section
program has not been funded since 2002.) [7
3601(e) of the ConAct. [Sec. 6001]
U.S.C. 1932(a)(2)(A)]
Intermediary Relending Program (IRP). The
Reauthorizes funding for IRP at $50 million annual y for
Reauthorizes and amends the program. Requires that loans
IRP provides direct loans at 1% interest to
FY2013-FY2017, subject to appropriations. Section
be for purposes and subject to the terms and conditions
intermediaries to finance business facilities and
3601(f)(1) of the ConAct. [Sec. 6001]
specified in the 1st, 2nd, and last sentences of Section
community development projects in rural areas of
623(a) of the Community Economic Development Act of
25,000 population or less. The Rural Business
1981 (42 U.S.C. 9812(a). Limits authorization of funds to
Service loan to an intermediary is used to establish
no more that $10 million for each fiscal year FY2013-2017.
or fund a revolving loan program to provide financial
[Sec. no. not yet available]
assistance to ultimate recipients for community
development projects, establishment of new
businesses or expansion of existing businesses.
Subject to annual appropriations. [7 U.S.C 1932]
Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance
Reauthorizes funding the program at $40 million annual y
Reauthorizes funding for the program at $20 million
Program. Provides grant support to third-party
for FY2013-FY2017, subject to appropriations. Also
annual y for FY2013-FY2017, subject to appropriations.
entities who assist rural entrepreneurs in
provides $3.75 million annual y in mandatory spending for
[Sec. no. not yet available]
establishing microenterprises in rural areas.
FY2014-FY2017. Section 3601(f)(2) of the ConAct. [Sec.
Authorizes $4 million in mandatory spending for
6001]
FY2009-FY2011 and $3 million for FY2012. Also
authorizes $40 million annual y in discretionary
spending for FY2009-FY2012, subject to
appropriations. [7 U.S.C. 1981 et seq.]
CRS-78
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Rural Business Investment Program. Modeled
Reauthorizes funding for the program at $25 million
Reauthorizes the Rural Business Investment Program.
on the Small Business Administration’s Small
annual y through FY2017, subject to appropriations.
Authorizes funding of $20 million for each fiscal year
Business Investment Companies, the Rural Business
Provides authority for USDA to establish capital
FY2013-2017. [Sec. no. not yet available]
Investment Program provides funding to help
requirements, establish fees for applicants applying for a
capitalized Rural Business Companies that, in turn,
license to operate as a rural business investment company,
provide loans to rural businesses. Authorizes $50
and ensures the majority of capital of each rural business
mil ion for the period FY2008-FY2012, subject to
company is invested in rural concerns. Section 3602 of the
appropriations. [7 U.S.C. 2009cc et seq.]
ConAct. [Sec. 6001]
Rural Business Collaborative Investment
Eliminates the program.
No change to current law, including no extension of
Program. Provides loan and grant support to rural
authorization to appropriate funds to the program.
regions to establish regional competitiveness by
fostering collaboration among rural businesses, rural
institutions, and entrepreneurs. Establishes
multijurisdictional and multisectoral Regional Rural
Investment Boards and provides Regional Innovation
Grants. Authorizes $135 million for the period
FY2008-FY2012, subject to annual appropriations.
Program was never implemented. [7 U.S.C.
2009dd]
General Rural Development Provisions
General authority for USDA to award grants and to Reauthorizes and contains general provisions for loan and
No change to current law.
make and guarantee loans to various entities [7
grant authority. Section 3701of the ConAct. [Sec. 6001]
U.S.C. 1926]
No comparable provision.
Strategic Economic and Community Development. No comparable provision.
Authorizes USDA to prioritize otherwise eligible
applications that support strategic economic and
community development and establishes criteria for
evaluating applications. Section 3703(a)of the ConAct.
[Sec. 6001]
Rural Development Loan Procedures.
No comparable provision.
Simplifies the loan application process. Directs USDA to
Provision addresses procedures for approving
the maximum extent possible to provide a one-page
USDA Rural Development loans and grants. [7
application and other simplified application procedures.
U.S.C. 1983(a)]
[Sec. no. not yet available]
Rural Development Insurance Fund.
Continues permanent authority for the Rural
No change to current law.
Authorizes a revolving fund for the discharge of the
Development Insurance Fund. Section 3704 of the
obligations of USDA under contracts guaranteeing
ConAct. [Sec. 6001]
or insuring rural development loans. Funds not
needed for current operations are deposited in the
CRS-79
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
U.S. Treasury for credit to the fund, or invested in
obligations guaranteed by the United States [7
U.S.C. 1929a]
Rural Economic Area Partnership (REAP).
Establishes process for USDA to designate new Rural
No change to current law.
The program assists communities dealing with
Economic Area Partnership zones. Section 3705(a) of the
geographic and economic isolation, low density
ConAct. [Sec. 6001]
population, absence of nearby metropolitan centers,
historic dependence on agribusiness, out-migration,
and economic upheaval to develop strategies for
revitalization Zones. [7 U.S.C. 1932]
National Rural Development Partnership. A
State Rural Development Partnership. Establishes a
Reauthorizes State Rural Development Councils. Makes no
state-federal rural economic development
federal-state partnership called the State Rural
other changes to current law. [Sec. no. not yet
coordinating entity operating through State Rural
Development Partnership. The Partnership is composed of available]
Development Councils and a National Rural
state rural development councils whose purpose is to
Development Coordinating Committee. [7 U.S.C.
build regional capacity in rural communities. The
2008m]
Partnership is designed to maximize public- and private-
sector cooperation to minimize regulatory redundancy.
The federal government will act as a partner or facilitator
to provide states with technical and administrative support
necessary to plan and implement rural development
strategies tailored to meet local needs. [Sec. 6001]
No comparable provision.
No comparable provision.
Program Metrics. Directs USDA to begin collecting data
on the economic activities created through its loan and
grant funding. Specifically directs USDA to measure the
short and long-term viability of award recipients, and to
submit a report to Congress every two years on the
actions taken to use the data, the number of jobs created,
the value of wages, and other economic data deemed
relevant. [Sec. 6204]
Rural Telecommunications and Electrification: Rural Electrification Act
Definition of Rural Area. Defines rural and rural
Amends the definition of rural area for programs
No change to current law.
area to mean any area other than a city or town or
authorized by the Rural Electrification Act to be the same
unincorporated place with a population greater than
as the definition in Section 3002 (28)(A)(i): any area other
20,000 residents, and any area within the service
than a city or town with a population greater than 50,000
area of an electric, telephone, or telephone bank
and the urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to such a
borrower under Section 13(3)the Rural
city or town. [Sec. 6101]
Electrification Act. [7 U.S.C. 913]
CRS-80
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Guarantees for Bonds and Notes Issued for
Reauthorizes guarantees for bonds and notes issued for
Identical to the Senate provision. [Sec. 6103]
Electrification or Telephone Purposes.
electrification or telephone purposes for 2012-2017. [Sec.
Provides for federal guarantees for bonds and notes
6102]
that finance rural electrification and telephone
infrastructure. [7 U.S.C. 940c-1(f)]
Access to Broadband Telecommunications
Reauthorizes funding for the program at $50 million
Gives priority to applicants that offer to provide
Services in Rural Area. Provides loan guarantees
annual y for 2008-2017, subject to appropriations.
broadband service to the greatest proportion of
to establish broadband telecommunications
Amends Section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act to
households that prior to the provision of services, had no
infrastructure in rural areas. Subject to annual
establish a grant component to the Broadband Loan
incumbent service provider. [Sec. no. not yet available]
appropriations. [7 U.S.C. 950bb]
Program. Establishes priorities for communities: (1)
without a local service provider, (2) with populations of
less than 20,000, (3) with a high proportion of low-income
residents, and (4) experiencing significant out-migration.
Also establishes a maximum grant limit of 50% of a
project’s development costs, but gives USDA the authority
to increase the grant amount to 75% for remote
communities and those with low-income residents. The
provision also establishes priority to broadband
applications that offer service to the greatest proportion
of unserved rural households or rural households that do
not have broadband service but meet the minimum
acceptable levels of service. Priority would be given to
communities with populations of 20,000 or less, or those
experiencing outmigration, or those that are isolated from
population centers, or those that have a high percentage
of low-income residents. [Sec. 6104]
Expansion of 911 Access. Authorizes expanding
Reauthorizes expansion of 911 access through FY2017.
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 6104]
the emergency telephone service of 911 in rural
[Sec. 6103]
areas by using any funds otherwise made available
for telephone loans for each of FY2008-FY2012.
Section 315(d) of the Rural Electrification Act. [7
U.S.C. 940(e)d]
CRS-81
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Grants for NOAA Weather Radio
No comparable provision.
Authorizes $1 million each fiscal year FY2013-FY2017,
Transmitters. Provides grant funding to public and
subject to appropriations. [Sec. no. not yet available]
nonprofit entities for the federal share of the cost of
acquiring radio transmitter to increase coverage of
rural areas by the all hazards weather radio
broadcast system of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration. Authorizes funding of
such sums as necessary for FY2008-2012, subject to
annual appropriations. [7 U.S.C. 2008p]
Distance Learning and Telemedicine
Reauthorizes funding at current level through 2017. [Sec.
Authorizes funding of $65 million for each fiscal year
Program. Provides grants to rural hospitals,
6201]
FY2013-2017. [Sec. 6201]
clinics, schools, and libraries to develop and improve
their telecommunications infrastructure. Section
233A of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990. Authorizes funding of $100
mil ion annual y through FY2012, subject to
appropriations. [7 U.S.C. 950aaa]
No comparable provision.
Amends Subtitle E of Title VI of the 2002 farm bill (P.L.
No comparable provision.
101-171) to authorize a new Rural Energy Savings
Program, which would provide 0% interest rate loans to
eligible Rural Utilities Service borrowers to fund loans to
qualified consumers to implement energy efficiency
measures. [Sec. 6202]
Backlog Rural Development Applications.
Provides for one-time mandatory funding of $50 million
No comparable provision.
Section 6029 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy
for pending rural development loan and grant applications.
Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246) provided a one-time
[Sec. 6203]
$120 million in mandatory spending for pending
rural development loan and grant applications. [122
Stat. 1955]
No comparable provision.
Study of Rural Transportation Issues. Directs USDA
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 6205]
and the Department of Transportation to jointly conduct
a study regarding the movement of agricultural products,
domestically renewable fuels, domestically produced
resources for electricity production, and economic
development for rural areas. Designates particular topics
for the study to address. Study is to be updated triennially.
[Sec. 6204]
CRS-82
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
No comparable provision.
Amends Section 203 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of
No comparable provision.
1946 (7 U.S.C. 1622) to direct USDA to participate on
behalf of the interests of agriculture and rural America in
al proceedings pertaining to freight rail policy of the
Surface Transportation Board. [Sec. 6205]
Regional Development Authorities
Delta Regional Authority. The Authority is an 8-
Reauthorizes funding through FY2017 at the current level
Authorizes $12 million each fiscal year FY2013-FY2017,
state state-federal regional planning and
of $30 million annual y, subject to annual appropriations.
subject to appropriations. [Sec. no. not yet available]
development entity that provides loan and grant
Also makes technical amendments to the operation of the
support for economic development projects in rural
Authority. Sections 3801 through 3814 of the ConAct.
counties in the Mississippi Delta area. Authorizes
[Sec. 6001]
$30 million annual y for FY2008-2012 subject to
appropriations. [7 U.S.C. 2009aa et seq.]
Northern Great Plains Regional Authority.
Reauthorizes funding through FY2017 at the current level
Authorizes funding of $2 million for each fiscal year
Authorizes an economic development commission
of $30 million annual y, subject to annual appropriations.
FY2013-2017, subject to appropriations. [Sec. no. not yet
that develops regional plans and makes loans and
Also makes technical amendments to the authority.
available]
grants for infrastructure and economic development
Increases the cap on administrative expenses from 5% to
in five Great Plains States. Authorizes $30 million
10%. Sections 3821 through 3835 of the ConAct. [Sec.
annual y for FY2008-2012, subject to appropriations. 6001]
[7 U.S.C. 2009bb et seq.]
NOTE: See also Title XII-Miscellaneous, Section
12205, for changes made in the Senate bill to other
regional commissions authorized by the 2008 farm bill.
CRS-83
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Title VII. Research, Extension, and Related Matters
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research
No comparable provision.
Establishes the “Foundation for Food and Agriculture
No comparable provision.
Research,” a new nonprofit corporation designed to
supplement USDA’s basic and applied research activities,
and provides total mandatory funding of up to $100 million
from the Commodity Credit Corporation. Federal funding
is available only to the extent that the foundation secures
an equal amount of non-federal matching funds for each
dollar of expenditure. The foundation will solicit and
accept private donations to award grants or enter into
agreements for col aborative public/private partnerships
with scientists at USDA and in academia, non-profits, and
the private sector. [Sec. 7601]
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (NARETPA), As Amended
Authorizes the National Agricultural Research,
Extends authority through FY2017 and adds “consult with
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7102]
Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory
industry groups” to the Board’s list of duties. [Sec. 7101]
Board. The Board reviews and provides consultation
on priorities for research, extension, education, and
economics to the Secretary, land-grant colleges and
universities, and Congress. [7 U.S.C. 3123]
Amended by the Specialty Crops Competitiveness
Amends requirements to provide for diversity of the
Amends requirements to include research on: (1)
Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-465) to establish and al ow
specialty crops represented, and to ensure ongoing
improving quality and taste of processed specialty crops
USDA to appoint members to a permanent specialty consultation with diverse sectors of the specialty crop
and (2) use of remote sensing in production practices.
crops committee responsible for studying the scope
industry. [Sec. 7102]
[Sec. 7103]
and effectiveness of research, extension, and
economics programs affecting the specialty crop
industry. [7 U.S.C. 3123a]
Authorizes a program to defray the school loans of
Authorizes an additional matching competitive grant
Nearly identical to Senate bill. [Sec. 7104]
veterinary medical school graduates who agree to
program with qualified entities to develop, implement, and
serve for limited time periods in underserved areas.
sustain veterinary services. Authorizes $10 million per
Funding subject to appropriations. [7 U.S.C. 3151a] year, subject to annual appropriations. [Sec. 7103]
Authorizes grants/fellowships to land grant colleges
Reauthorizes at $40 million per year for FY2013-17,
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7105]
and universities for food and agricultural sciences
subject to appropriations. [Sec. 7104]
education. Annual appropriations of $60 million
authorized through FY2012. [7 U.S.C. 3152]
CRS-84
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Authorizes USDA to enter into a wide variety of
Reauthorizes at $5 million per year, subject to
Similar to the Senate bill except removes authority for
grants and other col aborative agreements with
appropriations. Provides preference to policy research
making non-competitive grants. [Sec. 7106]
private and public educational institutions,
centers that have extensive databases, models, and
corporations, and individuals to conduct
demonstrated experience in providing Congress with
independent research and public policy analysis on
agricultural projections and analysis at the farm, regional,
food and agriculture. Appropriations of such sums as national, and international levels. [Sec. 7105]
necessary are authorized through FY2012. [7 U.S.C.
3155]
Authorizes USDA to make grants to Alaska Native-
Reauthorizes at $10 million per year for FY2013-17,
No comparable provision.
serving institutions to assist in carrying out
subject to appropriations. [Sec. 7106]
education, applied research, and related community
development programs. Annual appropriations of
$10 million authorized through FY2012. [7 U.S.C.
3156]
Authorizes USDA to make grants for research on
No comparable provision.
Repeals current law. [Sec. 7107]
human nutrition intervention and health promotion.
Appropriations of such sums as necessary are
authorized through FY2012. [Sec. 3174]
Requires USDA to conduct pilot research program
No comparable provision.
Repeals current law. [Sec. 7108]
to combine medical and agricultural research.
Annual appropriations of $10 million authorized
through FY2012. [Sec. 3174]
Authorizes USDA to establish a national education
Reauthorizes at $90 million per year for FY2013-2017,
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7109]
program for disseminating results of food and
subject to appropriations. [Sec. 7107]
human nutrition research performed or funded by
USDA. Annual appropriations of $90 million
authorized through FY2012. [7 U.S.C. 3175]
Authorizes animal health and disease research. [7
Reauthorizes at $25 million per year for FY2013-2017,
Reauthorizes at $15 million per year for FY2013-2017,
U.S.C. 3195(a)]
subject to appropriations. [Sec. 7108]
subject to appropriations [Sec. 7110]
Authorizes research on national or regional
No comparable provision.
Repeals current law. [Sec. 7111]
problems in agriculture. [7 U.S.C. 3196]
Authorizes annual appropriations of $25 million
Reauthorizes at $25 million per year and $8 million per
Similar to the Senate bill and amends to support tropical
through FY2012 for NARETPA Grants to upgrade
year, respectively, for FY2013-2017, subject to
agricultural research in insular areas. [Sec. 7112 and Sec.
agricultural and food sciences facilities at 1890 land
appropriations. [Sec. 7109 and Sec. 7110]
7113]
grant colleges, including Tuskegee University. [7
U.S.C. 3222b(b)] Annual appropriations of $8
mil ion authorized through FY2012 for insular area
land-grant institutions. [7 U.S.C. 3222b–2(d)]
CRS-85
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Authorizes grants to Hispanic-serving institutions to
Reauthorizes at $40 million per year for FY2013-2017,
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7115]
strengthen educational capacity. Annual
subject to appropriations. [Sec. 7111]
appropriations of $40 million authorized through
FY2012. [7 U.S.C. 3241]
The term "Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and
No comparable provision.
Allows institutions to opt out of the designation. [Sec.
universities" means col eges or universities that
7101]
qualify as Hispanic-serving institutions and offer
degree programs in agriculture-related fields. [7
U.S.C. 3103(10)(A)]
Authorizes national research and training virtual
No comparable provision.
Repeals current law. [Sec. 7114]
centers. [7 U.S.C. 3222c]
Authorizes competitive grants for international
Reauthorizes at $5 million per year for FY2013-2017,
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7116]
agricultural science and education programs.
subject to appropriations. [Sec. 7112]
Appropriations of such sums as necessary are
authorized through FY2012. [7 U.S.C. 3292b]
Authorizes competitive grants for the acquisition of No comparable provision.
Repeals current law. [Sec. 7117]
special purpose scientific research equipment.
Appropriations of such sums as necessary are
authorized through FY2012. [7 U.S.C. 3310a]
Authorizes university agricultural research.
Reauthorizes for FY2013-2017, subject to appropriations.
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7118]
Appropriations of such sums as necessary are
[Sec. 7113]
authorized through FY2012. [7 U.S.C. 3311]
Authorizes agricultural extension activities.
Reauthorizes for FY2013-2017, subject to appropriations.
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7119]
Appropriations of such sums as necessary are
[Sec. 7114]
authorized through FY2012. [7 U.S.C. 3312]
USDA may retain up to 4% of amounts made
No comparable provision.
The 4% limit does not apply to programs that currently
available for agricultural research, extension, and
contain a limitation that is less than 4%. [Sec. 7120]
teaching assistance programs for the administration
of those programs. [7 U.S.C. 3315]
Authorizes research on supplemental and alternative Reauthorizes at $1 million per year for FY2013-2017,
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7121]
crops, subject to appropriations. [7 U.S.C. 3319d]
subject to appropriations, and amends so that only
competitive grants can be awarded. [Sec. 7115]
Authorizes competitive grants to non-land grant
Reauthorizes for FY2013-2017, subject to appropriations.
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7122]
colleges of agriculture. Appropriations of such sums
[Sec. 7116]
as necessary are authorized through FY2012. [7
U.S.C. 3319i(b)]
CRS-86
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Authorizes grants for a cooperative research and
Reauthorizes at $5 million per year for FY2013-2017,
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7123]
extension program to encourage the development,
subject to appropriations, and amends so that only
management, and production of aquatic food
competitive grants can be awarded. [Sec. 7117]
species. [7 U.S.C. 3322(b)]
Authorizes rangeland research. Annual
Reauthorizes at $2 million per year for FY2013-2017,
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7124]
appropriations of $10 million authorized through
subject to appropriations. [Sec. 7118]
FY2012. [7 U.S.C. 3336(a)]
Authorizes biosecurity planning/response.
Reauthorizes at $20 million per year for FY2013-2017,
Identical to the Senate bill, except annual funding is $10
Appropriations of such sums as necessary are
subject to appropriations. [Sec. 7119]
million. [Sec. 7125]
authorized through FY2012. [7 U.S.C. 3351(a)]
Authorizes resident instruction & distance education Reauthorizes at $2 million per year for FY2013-2017,
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7126]
grants for insular area institutions of higher
subject to appropriations, and amends so that only
education. Appropriations of such sums as necessary competitive grants can be awarded. [Sec. 7120]
are authorized through FY2012. [7 U.S.C. 3362(a)]
No comparable provision.
No comparable provision.
The recipient of a competitive grant under a covered law
that involves applied research or extension and is
commodity-specific or state-specific must provide
matching funds or in-kind contributions of equal value to
the grant. [Sec. 7127]
Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990, As Amended
Provides for research on best utilization of biological Reauthorizes at $40 million per year for FY2013-2017,
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7201]
applications. Annual appropriations of $40 million
subject to appropriations. [Sec. 7201]
authorized. [7 U.S.C. 5814]
Provides for a research and education program on
Reauthorizes at $20 million per year for FY2013-2017,
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7202]
integrated resource management and integrated
subject to appropriations. [Sec. 7202]
crop management. Annual appropriations of $20
million authorized. [7 U.S.C. 5821]
Provides for information on sustainable agriculture.
For FY2013-17, reauthorizes appropriations of such sums
Identical to the Senate bill except reauthorizes
Appropriations of such sums as necessary are
as necessary for sustainable agriculture [Sec. 7203] and
appropriations of $5 million per year for sustainable
authorized. [7 U.S.C. 5831] Education/training for
$20 million per year for education/training [Sec. 7204],
agriculture [Sec. 7203] and $20 million per year for
Cooperative Extension Service agents and other
subject to appropriations.
education/training. [Sec. 7204]
professionals is also provided. Annual appropriations
of $20 million authorized. [7 U.S.C. 5832]
Provides for a national genetics resources program.
Reauthorizes at $1 million per year for FY2013-2017,
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7205]
Appropriations of such sums as necessary are
subject to appropriations. [Sec. 7205]
authorized through FY2012. [7 U.S.C. 5844(b)]
CRS-87
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Provides for a national agricultural weather
Reauthorizes at $1 million per year for FY2013-2017,
Repeals current law. [Sec. 7206]
information system. Annual appropriations of $5
subject to appropriations. [Sec. 7206]
mil ion authorized through FY2012. [7 U.S.C. 5851
et seq.]
Provides for a rural electronic commerce extension
No comparable provision.
Repeals current law. [Sec. 7207]
program to expand and enhance electronic
commerce practices and technology to be used by
small businesses in rural areas. [7 U.S.C. 5923]
Provides for a research initiative called the
No comparable provision.
Repeals current law. [Sec. 7208]
"Agricultural Genome Initiative" to study and map
agriculturally significant genes. [7 U.S.C. 5924]
Provides for research and extension on a number of
Reauthorizes at $25 million per year for FY2013-2017,
Reauthorizes research for FY2013-2017, subject to
high-priority topics, including aflatoxin, prickly pears, subject to appropriations. Removes specific references to
appropriations. Removes specific references to certain
and deer tick ecology. Appropriations of such sums
certain research and extension topics and adds reference
research and extension topics and adds research
as necessary are authorized through FY2012. [7
to research on crops used for feedstuffs. Adds a new pulse references to honey bee health disorders; and bed bugs,
U.S.C. 5925]
crop health and extension initiative. [Sec. 7207]
and other pests, including pests that the Secretary
determines are a risk to public health. [Sec. 7209]
Provides for research and extension on technologies No comparable provision.
Repeals current law. [Sec. 7210]
for animal waste management and related air
quality management and odor control. [7 U.S.C.
5925a]
Establishes the Organic Agriculture Research and
Reauthorizes OREI with some program changes. Provides
Similar to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7211]
Extension Initiative (OREI), providing grants to
CCC funds of $16 million (FY2013-FY2017) and extends
facilitate the development of organic agriculture
authority for appropriated funding of $25 million through
production and processing. Provides mandatory
FY2017. [Sec. 7208]
CCC funds of $18 million (FY2009) and $20 million
annual y (FY2010-FY2012), and authorizes annual
appropriations of $25 million (FY2009-FY2012). [7
U.S.C. 5925b]
Provides for research and extension to enhance the
No comparable provision.
Repeals current law. [Sec. 7212]
production of biomass energy crops and the energy
efficiency of agricultural operations. [7 U.S.C.
5925e]
Authorizes competitive research and extension
Reauthorizes at $5 million per year for FY2013-FY2017,
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7213]
grants for improving the farm business management
subject to appropriations. [Sec. 7209]
knowledge and skills of agricultural producers.
Appropriations of such sums as necessary are
authorized. [7 U.S.C. 5925f(d)]
CRS-88
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Authorizes regional centers of excellence.
Reauthorizes at $10 million per year for FY2013-FY2017,
Similar to the Senate bill. Requires USDA to prioritize
Appropriations of such sums as necessary are
subject to appropriations. USDA may prioritize funding.
funding. [Sec. 7214]
authorized through FY2012. [7 U.S.C. 5925]
[Sec. 7210]
Authorizes red meat food safety research center. [7
No comparable provision.
Repeals current law. [Sec. 7215]
U.S.C. 5929]
Authorizes an assistive technology program for
Reauthorizes at $5 million per year for FY2013-FY2017,
Identical to the Senate bill except reauthorizes at $3
farmers with disabilities. Annual appropriations of $6 subject to appropriations. [Sec. 7211]
mil ion per year for FY2013-FY2017, subject to
mil ion authorized through FY2012. [7 U.S.C.
appropriations. [Sec. 7216]
5933(c)(1)]
Authorizes National Rural Information Center
Reauthorizes at $500,000 per year for FY2013-FY2017,
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7217]
Clearinghouse. Annual appropriations of $500,000
subject to appropriations. [Sec. 7212]
authorized through FY2012. [7 U.S.C. 3125b(e)]
Agriculture Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (AREERA), As Amended
USDA establishes procedures that provide for
Amends law to emphasize that “relevance” of the
Nearly identical to Senate bill. [Sec. 7301]
scientific peer review of agricultural research grants
underlying research and extension programs to the
administered, on a competitive basis, by its National
affected industry shall be considered in evaluating grant
Institute of Food and Agriculture. [7 U.S.C. 7613]
applications. [Sec. 7301]
Section 406, as amended, establishes the “Integrated
Reauthorizes program and extends authority to
Nearly identical to Senate bill. [Sec. 7302]
Research, Education, And Extension Competitive
appropriate funds for FY2013-2017. [Sec. 7302]
Grants Program.” Included is the Organic
Transitions Program (ORG), which funds research,
extension, and education programs to improve the
competitiveness of organic producers and producers
transitioning to organic practices. Appropriations of
such sums as necessary are authorized through
FY2012. [7 U.S.C. 7626]
Provides for a coordinated program of research,
No comparable provision.
Repeals current law. [Sec. 7303]
extension, and education to improve the
competitiveness, viability, and sustainability of small
and medium size dairy, livestock, and poultry
operations. [7 U.S.C. 7627]
Section 408(e) authorizes research on diseases of
Reauthorizes program at $10 million per year for FY2013-
No comparable provision.
wheat, triticale, and barley caused by Fusarium
FY2017, subject to appropriations. [Sec. 7303]
graminearum or by Tilletia indica. Appropriations of
such sums as necessary are authorized through
FY2012. [7 U.S.C.7628(e)]
CRS-89
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Provides for establish a program to conduct
No comparable provision.
Repeals current law. [Sec. 7304]
research, testing, and evaluation of programs for the
control and management of Johne's disease in
livestock. [7 U.S.C. 7629]
Section 410(d) authorizes grants for youth
Reauthorizes program at $3 million per year for FY2013-
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7305]
organizations. Appropriations of such sums as
FY2017, subject to appropriations. [Sec. 7304]
necessary are authorized through FY2012. [7
U.S.C.7630(d)]
Section 7311 of the 2008 farm bill amended the
Reauthorizes SCRI. Provides mandatory CCC funds of $25 Similar to the Senate bill. Requires USDA to award
AREERA to establish the Specialty Crop Research
mil ion (FY2013); $30 million annually (FY2014-FY2015);
competitive grants based on an initial scientific peer review
Initiative (SCRI), providing mandatory CCC funds of
$65 million (FY2016); and $50 mil ion (FY2017 and each
conducted by a panel of subject matter experts and a
$30 million (FY2008) and $50 mil ion annual y
fiscal year thereafter). Extends authority to appropriate
USDA review and ranking for merit, relevance, and impact
(FY2009-FY2012), plus authorizes $100 million
funds through FY2017. Requires USDA consult with the
conducted by a panel of specialty crop industry
annual y (FY2008-FY2012), subject to
specialty crops committee during the peer and merit
representatives. [Sec. 7306]
appropriations. [7 U.S.C. 7632]
review process. [Sec. 7305]
Sec. 604 of AREERA authorizes the Food Animal
Reauthorizes program and extends authority to
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7307]
Residue Avoidance Database. Appropriations of
appropriate funds for FY2013-FY2017. [Sec. 7306]
such sums as necessary are authorized through
FY2012. [7 U.S.C. 7642]
Sec. 612 of AREERA authorizes National Swine
No comparable provision.
Repeals current law. [Sec. 7308]
Research Center. [P.L. 105-185; 112 Stat. 605]
AREERA establishes the Office of Pest Management
Reauthorizes appropriations of $3 million annually
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7309]
Policy to coordinate USDA’s policies and activities
(FY2013- FY2017). [Section 7307]
related to pesticides and pest management tools.
Authorizes appropriations of such sums as necessary
through FY2012. [7 U.S.C. 7653]
Amends Title VI of AREERA [7 U.S.C. 7651 et seq.] to
No comparable provision.
establish four “Regional Integrated Pest Management
Centers” (located in the north central, northeastern,
southern, and western regions) to provide research and
extension programs, outreach, and response to
information needs, among other purposes. [Sec. 7308]
Requires USDA to conduct a performance
No comparable provision.
Repeals current law. [Sec. 7310]
evaluation to determine whether federally funded
agricultural research, extension, and education
programs result in public goods that have national
or multistate significance. [7 U.S.C. 7671 et seq.]
CRS-90
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Authorities in Other Laws
Provides for development of critical agricultural
Reauthorizes at $2 million per year for FY2013-2017,
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7401]
materials. Appropriations of such sums as necessary
subject to appropriations. [Sec. 7401]
are authorized through FY2012. [7 U.S.C. 178n]
1994 institutions (tribally controlled colleges) are
Updates the list of institutions. Makes changes in grant
Nearly identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7402]
defined. [7 U.S.C. 301]
process. [Sec. 7402]
Authorizes funding for costs of agricultural research
Extends authority to appropriate funds through FY2017.
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7403]
facilities (experiment stations) under the Research
[Sec. 7403]
Facilities Act. Appropriations of such sums as
necessary are authorized through FY2012. [7 U.S.C.
390d(a)]
Authorizes carbon cycle research. [7 U.S.C. 6711]
No comparable provision.
Repeals current law. [Sec. 7404]
The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI)
Reauthorizes at $700 million per year for AFRI through
Similar to the Senate bill. Adds emphasis on plant-based
makes competitive grants for fundamental and
FY2017. Directs USDA to streamline the competitive
foods that are major sources of nutrients of concern,
applied research, and for purchasing research
grant process for eligible institutions with limited
zoonotic diseases in wildlife reservoirs presenting a
equipment. Authorized funding at $700 million
resources. [Sec. 7404]
potential concern to public health or domestic livestock,
annual y from FY2008 through FY2012, subject to
data for safe and effective therapeutic applications of
appropriations. [7 U.S.C. 450i]
animal drugs, conservation practices and technologies
designed to address nutrient losses and improve water
quality, pest management for minor agricultural use and
for use on specialty crops. [Sec. 7405]
USDA operates a National Agricultural Library to
Reauthorizes through FY2017 the authority to lease
Similar to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7511]
serve as the primary agricultural information
property of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center or
resource of the United States. [7 U.S.C. 3125a]
the Library to any individual or entity. [Sec. 7405]
For annual funds made available to the National
No comparable provision.
Agricultural Library, the Secretary shall use not more than
$1 million per year to support the dissemination of
objective agricultural and food law research and
information through partnerships with institutions of
higher education. [Sec. 7602]
The Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978
Reauthorizes at $30 million per year for FY2013-FY2017,
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7406]
(P.L. 95-306) authorizes educational and technical
subject to appropriations. [Sec. 7406]
aid via state extension agencies and eligible
universities and colleges. Authorizes annual
appropriations of $30 million (FY2009-FY2012). [16
U.S.C. 1671-1676]
CRS-91
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Section 10 of the National Aquaculture Act of 1980
Extends authority to appropriate funds through FY2017.
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7407]
establishes USDA as the lead Federal agency for
[Sec. 7407]
coordinating and disseminating national aquaculture
information. Authorizes annual appropriations of $3
million through FY2012. [16 U.S.C. 2801]
Authorized through April 4, 2001, the use of remote No comparable provision.
Repeals current law. [Sec. 7408]
sensing to anticipate potential food, feed, and fiber
shortages. and provide timely information to assist
farmers with planting decisions. [7 U.S.C. 5935]
Requires reports on producers and handlers for
No comparable provision.
Repeals current law. [Sec. 7409]
organic products [7 U.S.C. 5925b note; P.L. 107-
171], genetical y modified pest-protected plants
[P.L. 107-171; 116 Stat. 462], and nutrient banking
for the purpose of enhancing the health and
viability of watersheds in areas with large
concentrations of animal producing units [7 U.S.C.
5925a note; P.L. 107-171].
Establishes the Beginning Farmer and Rancher
Provides mandatory funding of $17 million per year for
Similar to Senate bill, with mandatory annual funding at
Development Program; provides training, education,
FY2013-FY2017 (to be available until expended) and
$10 million. Not less than 5% of funds are to be used to
outreach/technical assistance initiatives. Provides
extends authority to appropriate funds through FY2017.
support beginning farmers who are military veterans.
mandatory CCC funds of $18 million (FY2009) and
List of groups receiving funding set-aside (not less than
Recipients of grants may not use more than 10% of funds
$19 million annual y (FY2010-FY2012), plus
25% of total) is expanded to include military veterans.
for indirect costs. Adds emphasis for agricultural
authorizes $30 million annual y (FY2008-FY2012),
State grants are to be made on a competitive basis for
rehabilitation and vocational training for veterans. No
subject to appropriations. [7 U.S.C. 3319f]
establishing and improving farm safety at the local level.
comparable provision to farm safety in House bill. [Sec.
[Sec. 7408]
7410]
Under Section 8 of P.L. 87-788 (commonly known
No comparable provision.
Adds the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
as the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act),
to the list of included territories. [Sec. 7411]
the term “State" includes Puerto Rico, the Virgin
Islands, and Guam. [16 U.S.C. 582a-7]
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
Establishes a communication center to prepare for
Reauthorizes programs at $2 million per year for FY2013-
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7501]
an agricultural disease emergency or threat to
FY2017, subject to appropriations. [Sec. 7501]
agricultural biosecurity. Appropriations of such sums
as necessary are authorized for FY2008 through
FY2012. [7 U.S.C. 8912]
Provides assistance to build local capacity in
Reauthorizes at $15 million per year for FY2013-FY2017,
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7502]
agricultural biosecurity planning, preparedness, and
subject to appropriations. [Sec. 7502]
response. Appropriations of such sums as necessary
CRS-92
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
are authorized for FY2008 through FY2012. [7
U.S.C. 8913]
Establishes a competitive grant program to
Reauthorizes program at $15 million per year for FY2013-
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7503]
encourage basic and applied research and the
FY2017, subject to appropriations.. [Sec. 7503]
development of qualified agricultural
countermeasures to respond to an outbreak of plant
disease. Annual appropriations of $50 million are
authorized for FY2008 through FY2012. [7 U.S.C.
8921(b)]
Establishes a competitive grant program to promote
Reauthorizes at $5 million per year for FY2013-FY2017,
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7504]
the development of teaching programs in disciplines
subject to appropriations. [Sec. 7504]
closely allied to the food and agriculture system to
increase the number of trained individuals with an
expertise in agricultural biosecurity. Appropriations
of such sums as necessary are authorized for
FY2008 through FY2012. [7 U.S.C. 8922(e)]
Prohibits the Grazinglands Research Laboratory at
Reauthorizes provision through FY2017. [Sec. 7511]
Nearly identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7512]
El Reno, Oklahoma from being declared excess or
surplus Federal property.
In the annual budget process, the President is
Requires the budget submission to include sufficient
Nearly identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7513]
required to submit to Congress a single budget line
information for Congress to thoroughly evaluate and
item reflecting the total amount requested by the
approve future spending plans with regard to extramural
President for funding for research, education, and
competitive grants programs and intramural research
extension activities of the Research, Education, and
spending. New language is added to create transparency
Economics mission area of USDA for each fiscal year and accountability for USDA research programs. [Sec.
and for the preceding 5 years. [7 U.S.C. 7614c]
7512]
Establishes a program of research relating to natural
Reauthorizes at $7 million per year for FY2013-FY2017,
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7517]
products, including products from plant, marine, and
subject to appropriations. [Sec. 7513]
microbial sources. Appropriations of such sums as
necessary are authorized for FY2008 through
FY2012. [7 U.S.C. 5937]
Establishes bioenergy research programs through
Consolidates and amends the Sun Grant Program to
Nearly identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 7518]
“sun” grants to land grant institutions and five
expand input from other appropriate federal agencies and
regional centers. The research is to enhance
replace authority for gasification research with
national energy security through the development,
bioproducts research. Makes program competitive by
distribution, and implementation of biobased energy
removing designation of certain universities as regional
technologies. Annual appropriations of $75 million
centers. Reauthorizes at $75 million per year for FY2013-
(FY2008-FY2012) are authorized [7 U.S.C. 8114]
FY2017, subject to appropriations. [Sec. 7514]
CRS-93
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Authorizes research and education grants to study
No comparable provision.
Repeals current law. [Sec. 7514]
the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. [7
U.S.C. 3202]
Authorizes competitive grants for a Farm and Ranch
No comparable provision.
Repeals current law. [Sec. 7515]
Stress Assistance Network. [7 U.S.C. 5936]
Authorizes competitive grants to carry out a seed
No comparable provision.
Repeals current law. [Sec. 7516]
distribution program to administer and maintain the
distribution of vegetable seeds donated by
commercial seed companies. [7 U.S.C. 415-1]
Requires a study and report on food deserts (area
No comparable provision.
Repeals current law. [Sec. 7519]
with limited access to affordable food). [P.L. 110-
246; 122 Stat. 2039]
Authorizes competitive grants for agricultural and
No comparable provision.
Repeals current law. [Sec. 7520]
rural transportation research and education
activities. [Sec. 7 U.S.C. 5938]
No comparable provision.
No comparable provision.
Provides for conveyance of land comprising the subtropical
horticulture research station in Florida. [Sec. 7521]
USDA may negotiate agreements granting
No comparable provision.
Adds provision allowing recognition of donors. [Sec.
concessions at the National Arboretum to nonprofit
7522]
scientific or educational organizations. [Sec. 20
U.S.C. 196]
No comparable provision.
No comparable provision.
Requires USDA to submit to Congress a report on the
fungus fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum race 4 and
the impact of such fungus on cotton. [Sec. 7523]
CRS-94
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Title VIII. Forestry
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Program Repeal
Sec. 4 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of Repeals FLEP, effective October 1, 2012. [Sec. 8001]
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 8001]
1978 (CFAA, P.L. 95-313), as amended, authorizes
and establishes the Forest Land Enhancement
Program (FLEP) between FY2002-FY2008. The
program was not reauthorized in the 2008 farm bill.
[16 U.S.C. 2301]
Sec. 6 of the CFAA, as amended, authorizes and
Repeals WFAP, effective October 1, 2012. [Sec. 8002]
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 8002]
establishes the Watershed Forestry Assistance
Program (WFAP) between FY2004-FY2008.
Funding has never been appropriated. [16 U.S.C.
2301b]
Sec. 18 of the CFAA, as amended, authorizes and
Repeals the Cooperative National Forest Products
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 8003]
establishes the Cooperative National Forest
Marketing Program, effective October 1, 2012. [Sec.
Products Marketing Program between FY1988-
8003]
FY1991. Since FY1993, funding is appropriated
through the Economic Action Program (EAP),
administered by the U.S. Forest Service. [16 U.S.C.
2112]
S. 8402 of the 2008 farm bill, as amended, authorizes Repeals the Hispanic-serving institution agricultural land
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 8004]
the Hispanic-serving institution agricultural
national resources leadership program, effective October
land national resources leadership program
1, 2012. [Sec. 8004]
to provide undergraduate forestry scholarships.
Funding has never been appropriated. [16 U.S.C.
1649a]
Sec. 303 of the Healthy Forest Restoration Act of
Repeals the Tribal watershed forestry assistance program,
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 8005]
2003 (HFRA, P.L. 108-148), as amended, authorizes
effective October, 1, 2012. [Sec. 8005]
and establishes the Tribal watershed forestry
assistance program between FY2004-FY2008.
Funding has never been appropriated. [16. U.S.C.
6542]
Sec. 322 of the Department of the Interior and
No comparable provision.
Repeals Sec. 322. [Sec. 8006]
Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 1993 (P.L.
102-381), requires the U.S. Forest Service to
provide public notice and comment, and appeals
process for land and resource management plans
CRS-95
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
developed under the Forest and Rangeland
Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 [16
U.S.C. 1612, note]
Sec. 428 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of
No comparable provision.
Prohibits Sec. 428 from applying to any project or activity
2012, requires USDA to implement a pre-decisional
implementing a land and resource management plan that is
objection process for land and resource
categorically excluded from an environmental assessment
management plans developed under the Forest and
(EA) or environmental impact statement (EIS) under the
Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). [Sec. 8006]
1974. [16 U.S.C. 6515, note]
Reauthorization of Forestry-Related Programs
Sec. 2A(f)(1) of the CFAA, as amended, authorizes
Reauthorizes funding to carry out the state-wide
No comparable provision.
up to $10 million in annual appropriations between
assessment and strategies for forest resources at $10
FY2008-FY2012 to carry out the state-wide
million annually through FY2017. [Sec. 8101]
assessment and strategies for forest
resources. [16 U.S.C. 2101a(f)(1)]
Sec. 5(h) of the CFAA, as amended, permanently
Eliminates permanent authority to receive annual
No comparable provision.
authorizes such sums as necessary to be
appropriations of such sums as necessary, and instead
appropriated each fiscal year after 1996, to carry
authorizes FSP to receive $50 million annual y for FY2013-
out the Forest Stewardship Program (FSP).
FY2017, subject to appropriations. [Sec. 8102]
FSP was created to improve timber production and
environmental protection on nonfederal forest lands
and received average annual appropriations of
approximately $30 million from FY2008-FY2012.
[16 U.S.C. 2103a(h)]
Sec. 7 of the CFAA, as amended, permanently
Eliminates permanent authority to receive annual
Eliminates permanent authority to receive annual
authorizes such sums as necessary to be
appropriations of such sums as necessary, and instead
appropriations of such sums as necessary, and instead
appropriated to carry out the Forest Legacy
authorizes FLP to receive $200 million annually for
authorizes FLP to receive such sums as necessary for
Program (FLP). FLP was created to protect
FY2013-FY2017, subject to appropriations. Provides
FY2012 and $55 million annually between FY2013 and
forests that might soon be cleared for non-forest
flexibility for using other funding sources. [Sec. 8103]
FY2017, subject to appropriations. [Sec. 8101]
uses and received average annual appropriations of
approximately $58 million from FY2008-FY2012.
[16 U.S.C. 2103c]
Sec. 7a of the CFAA, as amended, permanently
Eliminates permanent authority to receive annual
Eliminates permanent authority to receive annual
authorizes such sums as necessary to be
appropriations of such sums as necessary, and instead
appropriations of such sums as necessary, and instead
appropriated to carry out the Community Forest
authorizes the program to receive $50 million annual y for
authorizes the program to receive such sums as necessary
and Open Space Conservation program. The
FY2013-FY2017, subject to appropriations. [Sec. 8104]
for FY2012 and $1.5 million annually for FY2013-FY2017,
program provides financial assistance to local
subject to appropriations. [Sec. 8102]
governments, tribes, and nonprofit organizations for
preventing the conversion of forestland to non-
CRS-96
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
forest uses. Appropriations between FY2010-
FY2012 for this program were less than $2 million
annually. [16 U.S.C. 2103d]
Sec. 9i of the CFAA, as amended, permanently
Eliminates permanent authority to receive annual
No comparable provision.
authorizes such sums as necessary to be
appropriations of such sums as necessary, and instead
appropriated to carry out urban and community
authorizes the program to receive $50 million annual y
forestry assistance. The program was created to
through for FY2013-FY2017, subject to appropriations.
expand awareness and use of urban tree cover and
[Sec. 8105]
received an average annual appropriations of
approximately $30 million from FY2008-FY2012.
[16 U.S.C. 2105i]
Sec. 2371(d)(2) of the Food, Agriculture,
Reauthorizes funding to carry out the rural revitalization
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 8201]
Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-624,
technologies program at $5 million annually through
1990 farm bill), as amended, authorizes
FY2017, subject to appropriations. [Sec. 8201]
appropriations of $5 million annually through
FY2012 to carry out the rural revitalization
technologies program. [7 U.S.C. 6601(d)(2)]
Sec. 2405 of the Global Climate Change Prevention
Eliminates authority to receive such sums as necessary,
Similar to Senate bill, except authorizes $6 million annually
Act of 1990 (within the 1990 farm bill), as amended,
and instead reauthorizes the Office of International
for FY2013-FY2017, subject to appropriations. [Sec.
authorizes such sums as necessary to be
Forestry at $10 million annually for FY2013-FY2017,
8202]
appropriated to administer the Office of
subject to appropriations. [Sec. 8202]
International Forestry until FY2012. The office
received an average annual appropriations of
approximately $7.5 million from FY2008-FY2012. [7
U.S.C. 6704]
Sec. 401 of the HFRA, as amended, lists insects and
Adds the mountain pine beetle to the list of insect
No comparable provision.
diseases identified by Congress as adversely affecting infestations and diseases identified by Congress. [Sec.
forest health. [16 U.S.C. 6551(a)]
8203(a)]
No comparable provision.
Requires USDA to designate treatment areas in at least
No comparable provision.
one national forest in each state, if requested by the
Governor of the state, where there is declining forest
health from insect or disease infestation. Authorizes
appropriations of $200 million annually through FY2017.
New Sec. 405 of the HFRA [Sec. 8203(b)]
Sec. 406 of the HFRA, as amended, authorizes such
Reauthorizes funding to carry out the assessment program
No comparable provision.
sums as necessary to be appropriated to carry out
at such sums as necessary annual y through FY2017,
an insect and disease assessment program though
subject to appropriations. Amended Sec. 407. [Sec.
FY2008. [16 U.S.C. 6556]
8203(c)]
CRS-97
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Sec. 347 of the Department of the Interior and
Repeals current authority and adds similar provisions to
Reauthorizes current authority to September 30, 2017.
Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 1999 (P.L.
create a new Sec. 602 of the HFRA, as amended.
[Sec. 8204]
105-277), as amended, authorizes the Forest Service
Authorizes stewardship contracts, of 5-10 years, to
and Bureau of Land Management to enter into
achieve land management goals. Includes performance,
stewardship end-result contracting projects
monitoring, evaluation, and reporting requirements. [Sec.
(stewardship contracts) to enter into contracts or
8204]
agreements for services to achieve land management
goals and meet local and rural community needs.
Authority expires September 30, 2013. [16 U.S.C.
2104, note]
Sec. 508 of the HFRA, as amended, authorizes the
Eliminates mandatory funding authority and replaces with
Eliminates mandatory funding authority and replaces with
Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) to
authorization to receive appropriations of $9.75 million
authorization to receive appropriations of $9.75 million
receive $9.75 million of mandatory funding annually
annual y through FY2017. Adds a definition of “acreage
annually through FY2017. Provides flexibility for funding
through FY2012. [16 U.S.C. 3578] Sec. 502(e)(3) of
owned by Indian tribes.” Enrollment options are
technical assistance. Does not include the Senate language
the HFRA, as amended, authorizes the enrol ment of unchanged. Provides flexibility for funding technical
related to acreage owned by Indian tribes. [Sec. 8203]
acreage owned by Indian tribes into HFRP through
assistance. [Sec. 8205]
30-year contracts, 10-year cost-share agreements,
or any combination thereof. [16 U.S.C. 6572(e)(3)]
National Forest Critical Area Response
No comparable provision.
No comparable provision.
Note: The National Forest Critical Area Response
subtitle is similar to a stand-alone bill introduced in the
House (H.R. 4331). [Sec. 8301-8304]
No comparable provision.
No comparable provision.
Defines critical area, National Forest System, and
Secretary. [Sec.8301]
No comparable provision.
No comparable provision.
Requires the designation of critical areas with the National
Forest system to address deteriorating forest health and
future risks to forest health. Requires USDA to use the
most recent annual forest health aerial surveys to
determine current forest health, and the National Insect
and Disease Risk map to determine future risks to forest
health. The first critical area must be designated within 60-
days of enactment and critical areas will not expire for 10-
years. [Sec. 8302]
No comparable provision.
No comparable provision.
Allows the use of expedited procedures (environmental
analysis, administrative review, and judicial review), with
some modifications, to be used for critical areas. Exempts
critical areas from the notice and comment and appeals
requirements for land and resource management plans.
CRS-98
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Excludes projects less then 10,000 acres from conducting
an EA or an EIS, unless the land is in a National
Wilderness Preservation System, federal land where
vegetation removal is prohibited, wilderness study area, or
inconsistent with land and resource management plan.
[Sec. 8303]
No comparable provision.
No comparable provision.
Authorizes agreement and contracts with state foresters
to provide restoration and protection services on National
Forest System land. Agreements and contracts are exempt
from certain timber sale requirements. NEPA decisions
may not be delegated through agreements or contracts.
[Sec. 8304]
Miscellaneous Forestry Provisions
Sec. 4 of the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry
Waives the matching requirements for 1890 Institutions
No comparable provision.
Act (P.L. 87-788), as amended, establishes funding
for allocations below $200,000. [Sec. 8301(a)]
requirements for col ege and university forestry-
related research. [16 U.S.C. 582a-3]
Sec. 8 of the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry
Adds Federated States of Micronesia, American Samoa,
No comparable provision.
Act, as amended, defines ‘states’ as including Puerto
Northern Mariana Islands, and the District of Columbia to
Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. [16 U.S.C.
the definition of ‘state.’ [Sec. 8301(b)]
582a-7]
Sec. 3(e) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable
Requires USDA to revise the strategic plan for forest
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 8401]
Resources Research Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-307), as
inventory and analysis and report revisions to congress.
amended, requires USDA to establish a program to
[Sec. 8302]
inventory and analyze public and private forests and
their resources. [16 U.S.C. 1642(e)]
Sec. 1252 of FSA, as amended, authorizes an
No comparable provision.
Authorizes a program similar to the Agricultural
Agriculture Conservation Experienced
Conservation Experienced Services (ACES) program
Service Program (ACES), such that USDA can
under the conservation title (Title II) to provide technical
enter into agreements with organizations to provide
services for conservation-related program and authorities
technical assistance (excludes administrative tasks)
on National Forest Service lands. [Sec. 8402]
using qualified individuals 55 years or older. [16
U.S.C. 3851]
CRS-99
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Title IX. Energy
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Definitions
Advanced Biofuel. Fuel derived from renewable
Same as current law. [Sec. 9001]
Same as current law. [Sec. 9001]
biomass other than corn kernel starch. Includes
biofuel derived from sugar and starch other than
corn kernel starch, renewable biodiesel, biogas
produced from organic matter, as well as other fuels
(e.g., home heating fuels, and aviation and jet fuels)
from cellulosic biomass (including organic waste
material). [7 U.S.C. 8101(3)]
Biobased Product. A commercial or industrial
Same as current law. [Sec. 9001]
Similar to current law except for the explicit inclusion of
product—i.e., intermediate, feedstock, or end
forestry products that meet biobased content
product (other than food or feed)—composed in
requirements, notwithstanding the market share the
whole or in part of biological products including
product holds, the age of the product, or whether the
renewable agricultural and forestry materials.
market for the product is new or emerging. [Sec. 9001]
[7 U.S.C. 8101(4)]
Biofuel. A fuel derived from renewable biomass.
Same as current law. [Sec. 9001]
Same as current law. [Sec. 9001]
[7 U.S.C. 8101(5)]
Biomass Conversion Facility. A facility that
Same as current law. [Sec. 9001]
Same as current law. [Sec. 9001]
converts renewable biomass into heat, power,
biobased products, or advanced biofuels.
[7 U.S.C. 8101(6)]
Biorefinery. A facility (including equipment and
Same as current law. [Sec. 9001]
Same as current law. [Sec. 9001]
processes) that converts renewable biomass into
biofuels and biobased products, and may produce
electricity. [7 U.S.C. 8101(7)]
No comparable provision.
No comparable provision.
Forest Product. a product made from materials derived
from the practice of forestry or the management of
growing timber including pulp, paper, paperboard, pellets,
and wood products, and any recycled products derived
from forest materials. [Sec. 9001]
Renewable Biomass. Includes- (A) materials, pre-
Same as current law. [Sec. 9001]
Same as current law. [Sec. 9001]
commercial thinnings, or invasive species from
National Forest System land and public lands that
are: byproducts of designated preventive
treatments (removed to reduce hazardous fuels, to
CRS-100
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
reduce or to contain disease or insect infestation, or
to restore ecosystem health), not used for higher
value products, and harvested in accordance with
applicable law and land management plans and
requirements for old-growth maintenance,
restoration, and management and large-tree
retention, or (B) any organic matter available on a
recurring basis from non-federal or Indian land
including: renewable plant material (including
agricultural commodities, plants and trees, and
algae) and waste material (including crop residue,
vegetative waste, wood waste and residues, animal
waste and byproducts, and food and yard waste).
[7 U.S.C. 8101(12)]
No comparable definition.
Renewable Chemical. A monomer, polymer, plastic,
No comparable definition.
formulated product, or chemical substance produced from
renewable biomass. [Sec. 9001]
Renewable Energy. Energy derived from a wind,
Same as current law. [Sec. 9001]
Same as current law. [Sec. 9001]
solar, renewable biomass, ocean (including tidal,
wave, current, and thermal), geothermal, or
hydroelectric source. [7 U.S.C. 8101(13)]
No comparable definition.
No comparable definition.
Renewable Energy System. a system that produces
energy from a renewable source including distribution
components necessary to move energy produced by such
a system to the initial point of sale, but not any mechanism
for dispensing energy at retail (e.g., a blender pump).
[Sec. 9001]
Authorized Programs
Biobased Markets Program. Extended by the
Extends the Biobased Markets Program through FY2017
Extends current law through FY2017. Authorizes to be
2008 farm bill. Requires federal agencies to
including, in addition to preference for biobased products,
appropriated $2 million annually for FY2013-FY2017. No
purchase products with maximum biobased content
establish a targeted biobased-only procurement
mandatory funding is authorized. [Sec. 9002]
subject to availability and flexibility and performance
requirement for federal agencies. Limits reporting on the
standards. Minimum biobased content standards
availability, relative price, performance, and environmental
applied to federal contracts on case-by-case basis.
and public health benefits of biobased materials subject to
Continued voluntary labeling. Authorized
the availability of data. Adds reporting requirements by
mandatory funding of $1 million for FY2008 and $2
procuring federal agencies and a focus on innovative
mil ion annual y for FY2009-FY2012. Authorized to
production and marketing processes. Mandates (within 1
be appropriated $2 million annual y for FY2009-
year of enactment) designation of intermediate ingredients
FY2012 for testing and labeling. [7 U.S.C. 8102]
or feedstocks and assembled and finished biobased
CRS-101
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
products according to guidelines. Adds auditing and
compliance activities to ensure proper use of biobased
labeling. Adds an outreach, education, and promotion
component (with annual reports) to increase awareness of
biobased products. Mandates study (and report) by USDA
to assess economic impact of biobased product industry,
due 180 days after enactment. Encourages expedited
coordination, review and approval (with appropriate
technical assistance) of forest-related biobased products.
Authorizes mandatory funding of $3 million annual y for
FY2013-FY2017. Authorizes to be appropriated $2 million
annual y for FY2013-FY2017. [Sec. 9002]
Biorefinery Assistance Program. Established by Renamed as the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical,
Extends current law through FY2017 except that the
the 2008 farm bill. Assists in development of new
and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance
program is limited to loan guarantees (grants are
and emerging technologies for advanced biofuels by
Program. Extends and expands the program to include
eliminated), demonstration-scale biorefineries are no
providing competitive grants (up to 30% of total
renewable chemical (as defined above in Sec. 9001) and
longer eligible for loan guarantees. Authorizes to be
project costs) and loan guarantees (limited to $250
biobased product manufacturing (defined as development,
appropriated $75 million annually for FY2013-FY2017.
mil ion or 80% of project cost) for construction
construction, and retrofitting of technological y new
No mandatory funding is authorized. [Sec. 9003]
and/or retrofitting of demonstration-scale
commercial-scale processing and manufacturing equipment
biorefineries to demonstrate the commercial
and required facilities used to convert renewable
viability of one or more processes for converting
chemicals and other biobased outputs into commercial-
renewable biomass to advanced biofuels. Provided
scale end products). Extends grants and loan guarantee
mandatory funding of $75 million in FY2009 and
availability to the development and construction of
$245 million in FY2010, available until expended, for
renewable chemical and biobased product manufacturing
loan guarantees. Authorized to be appropriated
facilities. Authorized mandatory funding of $100 million
$150 million annual y for FY2009-12 for grants.
for FY2013 and $58 million each for FY2014-FY2015, but
[7 U.S.C. 8103]
not more than $25 million of FY2013-FY2015 may be used
to promote biobased product manufacturing. Authorized
to be appropriated $150 million annual y for FY2013-
FY2017. [Sec. 9003]
Repowering Assistance Program. Established
Repeals the Repowering Assistance Program and transfers
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 9004]
by the 2008 farm bill. Provides funds to reduce or
the remaining funds (of approximately $25 million to
eliminate the use of fossil fuels for processing or
remain available until expended) to the Rural Energy for
power in biorefineries in existence at enactment.
America Program (REAP). [Sec. 9004]
Not more than 5% of funds are available to eligible
producers with a refining capacity exceeding 150
mil ion gallons of advanced biofuel per year.
Provided mandatory CCC funding of $35 million for
FY2009, available until expended. Authorized to be
appropriated $15 million annual y for FY2009-12.
[7 U.S.C. 8104]
CRS-102
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels.
Extends the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels
Nearly identical to the Senate bill, except the House
Established by the 2008 farm bill. Provides
Program through FY2017. Authorizes to be appropriated
authorizes to be appropriated $50 million annually for
payments to producers to support and expand
$20 million annual y for FY2013-FY2017. No mandatory
FY2013-FY2017. [Sec. 9005]
production of advanced biofuels by entering into
funding is authorized. [Sec. 9005]
contracts to pay producers for production of eligible
advanced biofuels. Provided mandatory funding of
$55 million (FY2009), $55 million (FY2010), $85
mil ion (FY2011), and $105 million (FY2012).
Authorized to be appropriated $25 million annual y
(FY2009-12) [7 U.S.C. 8105]
Biodiesel Fuel Education Program. Extended
Extends the the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program through
Extends the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program through
by the 2008 farm bill. Awards competitive grants to
FY2017. Authorizes mandatory funding of $1 million
FY2017. Authorizes to be appropriated $2 million
nonprofit organizations that educate fleet operators
annual y for FY2013-FY2017. Authorizes to be
annual y for FY2013-FY2017. No mandatory funding is
and the public on biodiesel benefits. Provided
appropriated $1 million annual y for FY2013-FY2017. [Sec. authorized. [Sec. 9006]
mandatory CCC funding of $1 million annual y
9006]
(FY2008-FY2012). [7 U.S.C. 8106]
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
Extends REAP through FY2017. Grants are limited to the
Nearly identical to the Senate bill except that the grant
Established by the 2008 farm bill. Provides financial
lesser of $500,000 or 25% of the cost of the RES or EEI
ceiling of $500,000 is not imposed in the House, and no
assistance of grants, guaranteed loans, and
activity. Repeals the use of REAP funds for feasibility
mandatory funding is authorized—instead, authorizes to
combined grants and guaranteed loans for the
studies. Adds a 3-tiered application process with separate
be appropriated $45 million annually for FY2013-FY2017.
development and construction of renewable energy
application processes for grants and loan guarantees for
[Sec. 9007]
systems (RES) and for energy efficiency
RES and EEI projects based on the project cost: tier-1 for
improvement (EEI) projects (eligible entities include
projects < $80,000; tier-2 for $80,000 < projects <
rural small businesses and agricultural producers);
$200,000; and tier-3 for projects > $200,000. Authorizes
grants for conducting energy audits and for
mandatory funding of $48.2 million annually for FY2013-
conducting renewable energy development
FY2017. Authorizes to be appropriated $20 million
assistance (eligible entities include state, tribe, or
annual y for FY2013-FY2017. [Sec. 9007]
local governments, land-grant colleges and
universities, rural electric cooperatives, and public
power entities); and grants for conducting RES
feasibility studies (eligible entities include rural small
businesses and agricultural producers). Grants are
limited to $500,000 for RES and $250,000 for EEI
activities up to 25% of the cost of the RES or EEI
activity. Loan guarantees are limited to a max of
$25 million and a min of $5,000 up to 75% of the
cost of a funded activity. Provides mandatory funds:
$55 million (FY2009), $60 million (FY2010), $70
mil ion (FY2011), and $70 million (FY2012).
Authorizes $25 million annual y, subject to
appropriations (FY2009-FY2012). [7 U.S.C. 8107]
CRS-103
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Biomass Research & Development Initiative
Extends BRDI through FY2017. Authorizes mandatory
Extends BRDI through FY2017. No mandatory funding is
(BRDI). Created originally under the Biomass
funding of $26 million annually for FY2013-FY2017.
authorized. Authorizes to be appropriated $20 million
Research & Development Act of 2000 [P.L. 106-
Authorizes to be appropriated $30 million annually for
annual y for FY2013-FY2017. [Sec. 9008]
224], and extended by the 2008 farm bill. Provides
FY2013-FY2017. [Sec. 9008]
competitive funding as grants, contracts, and
financial assistance for research, development, and
demonstration of technologies and processes
leading to commercial production of biofuels and
biobased products. Provides for coordination
between USDA and DOE work related to biofuels
and biobased products research and development
programs through the Biomass Research and
Development Board. Provides mandatory funding:
$20 million (FY2009), $28 million (FY2010), $30
mil ion (FY1022), and $40 million (FY2012).
Authorizes to be appropriated $35 million annually
(FY2009-FY2012). [7 U.S.C. 8108]
Rural Energy Self-Sufficiency Initiative.
No provision. Hence, program funding authority would
No provision. Hence, program funding authority would
Established by amended section 9009 [Sec. 9001] of
expire after FY2012.
expire after FY2012..
the 2008 farm bill. Provides cost-share (up to 50%)
grants for rural communities to assess energy
systems and to make improvements. Authorizes to
be appropriated $5 million annual y (FY2009-
FY2012); however, no funds were ever appropriated
and no rules were ever promulgated.
[7 U.S.C. 8109]
Feedstock Flexibility Program. Established by
Extends the Feed Stock Flexibility Program through
Identical to the Senate bill.
the 2008 farm bill. Authorizes use of CCC funds
FY2017. [Sec. 9009]
(such sums as necessary) to purchase sugar
(intended for food use but deemed to be in surplus)
for resale as a biomass feedstock to produce
bioenergy. USDA would implement the program
only in those years where purchases are determined
to be necessary to ensure that the sugar program
operates at no cost to the federal government. [7
U.S.C. 8110]
Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP).
Extends BCAP through FY2017. Excludes algae as an
Extends BCAP through FY2017. Removes criteria defining
Established by the 2008 farm bill. Provides financial
eligible crop; changed enrolled land eligibility; includes crop eligible materials and exclusions to eligible materials.
assistance to owners and operators of agricultural
residue from crops receiving Title I payments as eligible
Removes al support for CHST. No mandatory funding is
land and non-industrial private forest land who wish
material, but extends exclusion to any whole grain from a
authorized. Authorizes to be appropriated $75 million
CRS-104
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
to establish, produce, and deliver biomass
Title I crop, as well as bagasse. One-time establishment
annual y for FY2013-FY2017. [Sec. 9010]
feedstocks under two categories of assistance: (A)
payments are limited to no more than 50% of cost of
establishment and annual payments are provided
establishment, not to exceed $500 per acre ($750 per
under contract between USDA and participating
acre for socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers).
producers including a one-time payment of up to
CHST matching payments may not exceed $20 per dry
75% of cost of establishment for perennial crops,
ton but are available for a period of 4 years. Not later
and annual payments (i.e., rental rates based on a set than 4 years after enactment, USDA shall submit a report
of criteria) of up to 5 years for non-woody and 15
on best practice data and information gathered from
years for woody perennial biomass crops, and (B)
participants. Authorizes mandatory funding of $38.6
matching payments at a rate of $1 for each $1 per
mil ion annual y for FY2013-FY2017. Not less than 10%,
ton provided up to $45 per ton for a period of 2
nor more than 50% ,of funding may be used for CHST.
years to help eligible material owners with
[Sec. 9010]
collection, harvest, storage, and transportation
(CHST) of eligible material for use in a qualified
biomass conversion facility. Eligibile material
excludes Title I crops, animal waste and byproducts,
food and yard waste, and algae. Provides mandatory
CCC funding of such sums as necessary annually for
FY2008-FY2012. [7 U.S.C. 8111]
Forest Biomass for Energy Program.
Repeals the Forest Biomass for Energy Program.
No comparable provision.
Established by the 2008 farm bill. Requires the
[Sec. 9011]
Forest Service to conduct a competitive research
and development program to encourage use of
forest biomass for energy. Authorized to be
appropriated $15 million annual y (FY2009-FY2012).
[7 U.S.C. 8112]
Community Wood Energy Program.
Extends the Community Wood Energy Program through
Extends the Community Wood Energy Program through
Established by the 2008 farm bill. Provides grants of
FY2017. Authorizes grants of up to $50,000 to be made
FY2017. Authorizes to be appropriated $2 million
up to $50,000 for up to 50% of the cost for
to establish or expand biomass consumer cooperatives
annual y for FY2013-FY2017. [Sec. 9011]
communities to plan and install wood energy
that will provide consumers with services or discounts
systems in public buildings. The energy system
relating to the purchase of biomass heating systems or
acquired with grant funds shal not exceed an output products (including their delivery and storage). Any
of 50,000,000 Btu per hour for heating and 2
biomass consumer cooperative that receives a grant must
megawatts for electric power production.
match at least the equivalent of 50% of the funds toward
Authorized to be appropriated $5 million annual y
the establishment of expansion of a biomass consumer
(FY2009-FY12). [7 U.S.C. 8113]
cooperative. Authorizes to be appropriated $5 million
annual y for FY2013-FY2017. [Sec. 9012]
Biofuels Infrastructure Study. The 2008 farm
No comparable provision.
Repeals the requirement to conduct the study (and
bill required USDA to conduct a study (and report)
report). [Sec. 9012]
to assess the infrastructure needs for expanding the
domestic production, transport, and distribution of
CRS-105
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
biofuels given current and likely future market
trends with recommendations for such
infrastructure through 2025 based on needs, costs,
and other factors. No specific time frame or funding
was provided. [Sec. 9002 of P.L. 110-246]
Renewable Fertilizer Study. The 2008 farm bill
Requirement to conduct the study is repealed. [Sec.
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 9013]
required USDA to conduct a study to assess the
9013]
current state of knowledge on the potential for the
production of fertilizer from renewable energy
sources in rural areas. Study was to be completed
within one year of receiving an appropriation.
Authorized to be appropriated $1 million for
FY2009. [Sec. 9003 of P.L. 110-246]
CRS-106
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Title X. Horticulture
(unless otherwise specified)
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Marketing and Promotion, and Trade
Block Grants to States. The Specialty Crops
Reauthorizes program through FY2017. Increases
Nearly identical to the Senate bill. Changes effective
Competitiveness Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-465), as
mandatory funding to $70 million annually (FY2013
October 1, 2012. [Sec. no. not yet available]
amended by the 2008 farm bill, authorized block
through FY2017), which would also raise the minimum
grants to states to support projects in marketing,
grant amount received by each state/territory. Of the
research, pest management, and food safety, among
funds provided, al ows for multistate project grants
other purposes. Current mandatory CCC funding is
involving food safety, plant pests and disease, crop-specific
$55 million annual y (FY2010-FY2012). [7 U.S.C.
projects addressing common issues, and any other area as
1621 note]
determined by USDA, with increased funding starting at $1
mil ion (FY2013) to $5 million (FY2017). Allows for
multistate projects for research. Establishes limits on use
of funding for program administration. [Sec. 10008]
Changes effective October 1, 2012. [Sec. 10011]
Farmers' Market Promotion Program
Reauthorizes the current program, but changes the scope
Similar to the Senate bill, except that the House bill limits
(FMPP). The Farmer-to-Consumer Direct
and name of the program to the “Farmers Market and
the annual appropriations authority to $10 million
Marketing Act (P.L. 94-463), as amended, originally
Local Food Promotion Program.” Expands the program to
annual y, and caps administrative expenses at 5% of
authorized the FMPP to promote farmers' markets,
include local and regional food enterprises that process,
funding. Also requires USDA, when awarding grants, to
roadside stands, community-supported agriculture
distribute, aggregate, store, and market locally or
give priority to proposals for projects that benefit
programs, agri-tourism activities, and other direct
regional y produced food products, designating 50% of
underserved communities, mid-sized farm and ranch
producer-to-consumer market opportunities.
available funds for this purpose. Increases mandatory
operations, and local and regional food systems. Changes
Authorized annual appropriations for grants to local
funding to $20 million annually (FY2013 through FY2017),
effective October 1, 2012. [Sec. no. not yet available]
governments and nonprofit organizations. Current
and separately authorizes $20 million. each year (FY2013-
mandatory CCC funding is $10 mil ion annually
FY2017), subject to appropriations. Establishes that no
Note: Another related provision is in Title IV (Nutrition, the
(FY2011-FY2012). [7 U.S.C. 3005]
more than 10% of funds can be used for program
Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program). [Sec. 4201]
administration. [Sec. 10003] Changes effective October 1,
2012. [Sec. 10011]
Note: Another related provision is in Title IV (Nutrition, the
Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program). [Sec. 4202]
Transporting Specialty Crops. Section 10403 of
Repeals authorization under section 10403 of the 2008
Identical to the Senate bill. Changes effective October 1,
the 2008 farm bill authorized grants to various
farm bill. [Sec. 10002] Changes effective October 1, 2012. 2012. [Sec. no. not yet available]
public and private entities to improve transporting
[Sec. 10011]
specialty crops to markets. Authorized
appropriations of such sums as necessary.
CRS-107
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
The Export Apple Act provides for the
No comparable provision.
Exempts apples shipped to Canada in bulk bins (i.e., bins
inspection and certification of U.S. apples before
with apples weighing more than 100 lbs.) from provisions
entering foreign commerce. [7 U.S.C. 584]
of the Export Apple Act. Requires USDA to issue
regulations to carry out this provision within 90 days of
enactment. [Sec. no. not yet available]
Import Controls. The Agricultural Adjustment
No comparable provision.
Adds olive oil to the list of commodities. [Sec. no. not yet
Act prohibits the importation of certain agricultural
available]
commodities unless those imports meet the grade,
size, quality, and maturity provisions that govern the
marketing of domestic production under federal
marketing orders. [7 U.S.C. 608-e1(a)]
No comparable provision.
No comparable provision.
Specialty Crop Report to Congress. Requires USDA
to submit a report on specialty crop production by small-
holder women, minority and socially disadvantaged
producers, which includes an assessment of the number of
such producers and the economic and social challenges
they face, among other issues. Report is to be completed
one year after enactment and submitted to the House
Agriculture Committee, with updates on the progress of
the report given to the Committee every 90 days. [Sec.
no. not yet available]
Trade Promotion. See also Title III (Trade) for
See Title III, Trade. [Sec. 3205] and [Sec. 3102]
See Title III, Trade. [Sec. 3205] and [Sec. 3102]
reauthorization of Technical Assistance for Specialty
Crops (TASC) [7 U.S.C. 5680] and the Market
Access Program (MAP) [7 U.S.C. 5623]
Organic Certification
National Organic Program (NOP). The
Reauthorizes NOP with appropriations of $15 million
Reauthorizes NOP with appropriations authority
Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990 (P.L.
annual y (FY2013-FY2017). Provides mandatory funding of
established at the current level of $11 million annually
101-624, Title XXI; part of the 1990 farm bill), as
$5 million in FY2013 (available until expended) to
(FY2013-FY2017). Provides mandatory funding of $5
amended by the 2008 farm bill, authorized the NOP
modernize the NOP’s database and technology systems.
million in FY2013 (available until expended) to modernize
to develop and enforce national standards for
Requires USDA to submit a report to the agriculture
the NOP database and technology systems. No
organically-produced agricultural products.
committees, within 180 days after enactment, describing,
comparable provision for the USDA study that is required
Authorized appropriations were $11 million in
among other things, the feasibility of establishing an
in the Senate bill. Changes effective October 1, 2012. [Sec.
FY2012, plus additional sums as necessary. [7 U.S.C. organic research and promotion program. [Sec. 10005]
no. not yet available]
6522]
Changes effective October 1, 2012. [Sec. 10011]
Enforcement. OFPA provides for enforcement
Amends OFPA’s recordkeeping, investigations, and
Amends OFPA’s investigations and enforcement
and penalties for violations of the program’s labeling
enforcement provisions. [Sec. 10009] Changes effective
provisions. Changes effective October 1, 2012. [Sec. no.
CRS-108
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
requirements for certified organic products. [7
October 1, 2012. [Sec. 10011]
not yet available]
U.S.C. 6519]
Financial Assistance. Section 524(b) of the
Authorizes $23 million in mandatory CCC funding annually Repeals NOCCSP effective October 1, 2012. [Sec. no.
Federal Crop Insurance Act, as amended, authorizes
(FY2013-FY2017) and combines the two programs to
not yet available]
the Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA)
include (1) organic certification cost share assistance (50%
program. AMA provides financial and technical to
of funds); (2) activities to support risk management
producers in 16 specified states for conservation
education and outreach under the Federal Crop Insurance
practices, risk mitigation, and market diversification.
Act (26% of funds); and (3) agricultural management
Provides $15 million in annual mandatory funding in
assistance grants to producers in states with low federal
FY2008 through FY2014, and $10 million each fiscal
crop insurance participation, for various conservation
year thereafter. Requires 50% to NRCS, 40% to
purposes (24% of funds). See Title XI, Crop Insurance.
RMA, and 10% to AMS. [7 U.S.C. 1524(b)]
[Sec. 11027] Per-person payments are limited to $50,000
in any one year.
Section 10606 of the 2002 farm bill established the
National Organic Certification Cost Share Program
For NOCCSP, based on the stated formula, total funding
(NOCCSP). to help producers and handlers of
over the 5-year period (FY2013-FY2017) would be about
organic products obtain certification. Provided $22
$57.5 million.
million in mandatory funding in FY2008 (available
until expended). [7 U.S.C. 6523]
Data and Information Collection
Market News. Section 10107 of the 2008 farm bill
Reauthorizes program at $9 million in annual
Identical to the Senate bill. Changes effective October 1,
authorized support for the collection and
appropriations through FY2017. [Sec. 10001] Changes
2012. [Sec. no. not yet available]
dissemination of market news for specialty crops.
effective October 1, 2012. [Sec. 10011]
Authorized appropriations $9 million annual y
(FY2008-FY2012) to remain available until
expended. [7 U.S.C. 1622b(b)]
Organic Production and Market Data
Reauthorizes $5 million in mandatory funding (available
Nearly identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. no. not yet
Initiatives (ODI). Section 7407 of the 2002 farm
until expended) and extends annual appropriations
available]
bill, as amended by the 2008 farm bill, required
authority of $5 million through FY2017 (available until
USDA to keep segregated data on organic
expended). [Sec. 10005] Changes effective October 1,
production and marketing. Provided $5 million in
2012. [Sec. 10011]
mandatory CCC funding, plus authorized
appropriations of $5 million annually (FY2008-
FY2012), both available until expended. Specified
that $3.5 million of available mandatory funds be
allocated to AMS. [7 U.S.C. 5925c]
No comparable provision.
Requires USDA to collect data on the production and
No comparable provision.
marketing of locally or regionally produced agricultural
food products; facilitate interagency collaboration and data
sharing on programs related to local and regional food
CRS-109
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
systems; and monitor the effectiveness of programs
designed to expand or facilitate local food systems.
Requires USDA to submit a report to House and Senate
agriculture committees, within 1 year after enactment,
describing its progress and identifying any additional needs
related to developing local and regional food systems.
[Sec. 10004] Changes effective October 1, 2012. [Sec.
10011]
Food Safety and Quality Standards
Produce Safety Education. Section 10105 of the
Reauthorizes appropriations of $1 million annually to
Identical to the Senate bill. Changes effective October 1,
2008 farm bill amended the Agricultural Research,
remain available until expended (FY2013- FY2017). [Sec.
2012. [Sec. no. not yet available]
Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (P.L.
10006] Changes effective October 1, 2012. [Sec. 10011]
105-185) to implement a program to educate fresh
produce industry personnel and consumers on ways
to reduce pathogens in fresh produce. Authorized
appropriations of $1 million annually to remain
available until expended [7 U.S.C. 7655a(c)]
No comparable provision.
Within 180 days after enactment, requires USDA to
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. no. not yet available]
submit to the Food and Drug Administration a report that
describes an appropriate federal standard for the identity
of honey, and shal consider the March 2006 Standard of
Identity citizens petition filed with FDA. [Sec. 10010]
Plant Pest and Disease Management
Pest and Disease Control. Sections 10201 and
Repeals program under Section 10202 of the 2008 farm
Similar to the Senate bill, except that the House bill
10202 of the 2008 farm bill amended the Plant
bill and authorizes a consolidated plant pest and disease
provides mandatory funding of $71.5 million in FY2013 and
Protection Act (PPA) to authorize an early plant
management and disaster prevention program, named the
each fiscal year thereafter. Changes effective October 1,
pest detection and surveillance system and threat
“National Clean Plant Network”. Consolidates and
2012. [Sec. no. not yet available]
identification/mitigation, among other activities, and
increases available mandatory funding levels: $60 million
a National Clean Plant Network where the specialty
annual y (FY2013-FY2016) and $65 million for FY2017 and
crop industry can obtain pest- and disease-free
each fiscal year thereafter. [Sec. 10007] Changes effective
planting stock. Provided mandatory CCC funds
October 1, 2012. [Sec. 10011]
reaching $50 million in FY2012 (with provisions for
annual funding of $50 million annually thereafter),
plus another $5 million in FY2008 (available until
expended). [7 U.S.C. 7721]
See also Title VII (Research) for reauthorization of
See Title VII, Research. [Sec. 7307] and [Sec. 7308]
See Title VII, Research. [Sec. 7309]
the Office of Pest Management Policy and other pest
management policies [7 U.S.C. 7653]
CRS-110
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Exemptions from Certain Regulatory Requirements
Plant Biotechnology. PPA governs USDA’s
No comparable provision.
Three provisions:
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s
(APHIS) regulation of the introduction and
(1) Amends PPA to permit any person to petition USDA
movement of al plant pests, noxious weeds, and
for a determination that an organism subject to regulation
plant products capable of harboring plant pests
as a plant pest is not a plant pest for purposes of the PPA.
involved in interstate or foreign commerce. It
USDA would be required to conduct a “plant pest risk
governs all “regulated articles,” meaning any material
assessment” to determine the likelihood that such an
or tangible object that could harbor plant pests or
organism is a plant pests. USDA would also conduct an
noxious weeds. The statute also regulates the
“environmental analysis” that would be the sole analysis
introduction into the environment and
regarding the effects on the environment of an organism
transportation of any bioengineered plant organism.
that is the subject of a petition. On the basis of these
[7 U.S.C. 7701, et seq.]
analyses, USDA would issue a determination within one
year that an organism is or is not a plant pest. Should
USDA fail to meet the time period for the determination,
the plant organism shall be deemed not to be a plant pest
under the PPA. Pertains to organisms containing a plant-
incorporated protectant as defined by 40 CFR. 174.3 and
regulated under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (FIFRA, 7 U.S.C. 136a et seq.). [Sec. no.
not yet available]
(2) Grants USDA exclusive regulatory authority under the
Plant Protection Act to regulate any living state of a plant,
including any nucleic acid or other genetic material, with
the exception of a pesticidal substance contained in a plant
or a plant-incorporated protectant as defined under 40
CFR 174.3 and regulated under FIFRA. [Sec. no. not yet
available]
(3) Requires USDA to submit a report to Congress on
regulation of biotechnology. [Sec. no. not yet available]
Pesticide Registration. Authorization to col ect
No comparable provision.
Reauthorizes (FY2013 through 2017) and modifies fee
fees under the Pesticide Registration Improvement
col ection provisions under “PRIA 2 (2007).”
Renewal Act (PRIA 2, (P.L. 110-94), expires on a
phase-out schedule at the end of FY2012 (certain
Reauthorizes and increases annual aggregate limits for
fees can be col ected at a reduced rate (by 40% then
maintenance fees from $22.0 million to $27.8 million for
70%) in FY2013 and FY2014. PRIA 2 reauthorized
FY2013-FY2017. Raises the annual maximum fee for
and revised fee collection provisions initially
registrants with not more than 50 registrations from
established under the Pesticide Registration
$71,000 to $115,500, and those with over 50 from
Improvement Act or “PRIA 1” (included in the
$123,000 to $184,800; for small business (as defined) with
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2004, P.L. 108-
not more than 50 registrations from $50,000 to $70,600,
and those with more than 50 from $86,000 to $122,100.
CRS-111
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
199). Amended the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide,
Extends current prohibition of collection of any other fees
and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) [7 U.S.C.136-136y ]
during FY2013- FY2017 for the registration of pesticides.
and Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA)
New provision for small business waiver of maintenance
[21 U.S.C. §346a)]. Modified the framework for
fees of 25% applicable to the first registration if certain
col ecting fees to enhance and accelerate the
defined conditions are met. Extends authorization to use
agency’s pesticide licensing (registration) activities;
maintenance fees for review of inert ingredients, and
included reauthorization of maintenance fees [7
expedited review of registrations for end-use identical or
U.S.C. 136a-1(i)] primarily to support activities
similar to existing registered pesticide.
related to existing registrations, and established
registration service fees [7 U.S.C. §136w-8(m)] to
Modifies definitions under the Reregistration and
be submitted with applications for new registrations.
Expedited Processing Fund with regard to use of the funds
to “offset” the costs of reregistration; removes
requirement that offset is the same portion as
appropriated funds. New provision authorizes use of funds
(not more than $800,00) to improve technology systems
and enhance tracking of registration decisions.
Extends prohibition of the collection of tolerance fees
under FFDCA through FY2017.
Reauthorizes Pesticide Registration Service fees FY2013
through FY2017 (and on reduced schedule FY2018-
FY2019). Effective for registration applications received
FY2013 through FY2015; 5% increase in the fee as of
FY2015. Applicable schedule of fees and decision times for
completing reviews to be modified as recorded in the
future in the Congressional Record.
Extends requirement for EPA annual reports (FY2014
through FY2017); modifies and adds certain reporting
requirements. [Sec. no. not yet available]
Biological Opinions. Under the Endangered
No comparable provision.
Creates an exception for amending pesticide registrations
Species Act (ESA), federal agencies (such as EPA)
from ESA requirements for consultation, when a BiOp was
are required to avoid jeopardy to listed species and
issued before a certain date. The exception would require
adverse modification of designated critical habitat in
BiOps to comply with recommendations by a study to be
their actions. They consult with the Fish and Wildlife
conducted by the National Academy of Sciences. Explicitly
Service (FWS) or the National Marine Fisheries
applies to BiOps completed prior to the date of
Service (NMFS), which issue Biological Opinions
completion of the study yet allows amendment of the
(BiOps) on jeopardy. If a BiOp finds a pesticide, or a
pesticide registration only if that BiOp complies with the
specific use of it, would jeopardize a listed species,
recommendations of the forthcoming study. Appears to
EPA would violate ESA if it allowed that pesticide or
apply only to BiOps completed before January 1, 2014 at
specific use. EPA restricts specific uses through
the latest, and gives no guidance for BiOps completed
labeling requirements. [16 U.S.C. 1536]
after that date. [Sec. no. not yet available]
CRS-112
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Discharge Permits. In October 2011, EPA issued
No comparable provision.
Amends FIFRA and the CWA to provide that neither EPA
a Pesticide General Permit (PGP) requiring a Clean
nor a state may require a CWA permit for discharge of a
Water Act (CWA) discharge permit for certain
pesticide whose use has been authorized pursuant to
pesticide applications in or near waters of the
FIFRA. Defines specified circumstances where a permit
United States. EPA and states are implementing this
would be required (e.g., municipal or industrial treatment
permit requirement. Pertains to section 402 of
works effluent that contains pesticide or pesticide
CWA [33 U.S.C. 1342]
residue). Changes effective October 1, 2012. [Sec. no. not
yet available]
NOTE: Provision is same as a separate House-passed bill
(H.R. 872), except that H.R. 872 would be effective upon
its enactment.
Vector Organisms. FIFRA defines a vector
No comparable provision.
Adds bed bugs to the definition of a vector organism.
organism as any organism capable of transmitting the
[Sec. no. not yet available]
causative agent of human disease or capable of
producing human discomfort or injury, including
mosquitoes, flies, fleas, cockroaches, or other
insects and ticks, mites, or rats. [7 U.S.C. 136(oo)]
Research (Title VII) – Related Issues
See also Title VII (Research) for reauthorization of
See Title VII, Research. [Sec. 7305], [Sec. 7208], [Sec.
See Title VII, Research. [Sec. 7306], [Sec. 7211], [Sec.
the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) [7
7302] and [Sec. 7102]
7302] and [Sec. 7103]
U.S.C. 7632], the Organic Agriculture Research and
Extension Initiative (OREI) [7 U.S.C. 5925b], the
Organic Transitions Program (ORG) [7 U.S.C.
7626], and certain pest management activities [7
U.S.C. 7653]
Nutrition (Title IV) – Related Issues
See also Title IV (Nutrition) for reauthorization of
See Title IV. Nutrition. [Sec. 4201] and [Sec. 4205]
See Title IV. Nutrition. [Sec. 4203] and [Sec. 4204]
Section 32 funding to purchase fruits, vegetables,
and certain other specialty food crops [7 U.S.C.
612c-4] and grants to achieve “hunger-free
communities", among other related activities [7
U.S.C. 7517]
CRS-113
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Title XI. Crop Insurance
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
New or Revised Insurance Products
Permanently authorized by the Federal Crop
Retains current program and makes available to crop
SCO provision is similar to the Senate bill except that
Insurance Act, the federal crop insurance program
producers an additional policy called Supplemental
acres covered by Revenue Loss Coverage (RLC) or STAX
makes available subsidized crop insurance to
Coverage Option (SCO) to cover part of the deductible
are not eligible for SCO. [Sec. 11003]
producers who purchase a policy to protect against
under the producer’s underlying policy. SCO is an area-
individual farm losses in yield, crop revenue, or
wide (e.g., county) yield or revenue loss policy, whereby
whole farm revenue. In general, policies offer a
an indemnity is paid on area losses greater than 10% of
guarantee at the individual farm level or area-wide
normal level and not more than the deductible level (e.g.,
(e.g., county) level. The producer selects coverage
25%) selected by the producer in the underlying individual
level and absorbs the initial loss through the
policy. If the farmer participates in ARC under Title I,
deductible. The insurance guarantee is based on the
the10% loss trigger is reduced to 21%. SCO policies are to
expected market price (i.e., no statutory minimum
be made available for all crops if sufficient data are
prices as in some farm programs).
available. Premium subsidized at 70%. Coverage to begin
no later than the 2013 crop year. [Sec. 11001]
Crop insurance policies are available for more than
Beginning with the 2013 crop, the FCIC shall make
STAX provision is same as in Senate bill except a minimum
100 crops, including farm program crops such as
available to producers of upland cotton the Stacked
price of $0.6861 per pound is used in the calculation of the
wheat, corn, soybeans, cotton, peanuts, and rice, as
Income Protection Plan (STAX), which is a revenue-based,
insurance guarantee if it is higher than the expected
well as many specialty crops, fruit trees, pasture,
area-wide policy that may be purchased as a stand-alone
market price. FCIC reinsures 100% of the liability
rangeland, and forage crops. Area-wide policies are
policy or purchased in addition to any other individual or
associated with this provision. [Sec. 11016]
available for some but not al program crops.
area policy. Indemnifies losses in county revenue of greater
Policies are sold and serviced through private
than 10% of expected revenue but not more than the
insurance companies. The insurance companies'
deductible level (e.g., 25%) in the underlying individual
losses are reinsured by USDA, and their
policy (or not more than 30% if used as stand-alone
administrative and operating costs are reimbursed
policy). Premium subsidy is 80%. For individual producers,
by the federal government. Crop insurance is
indemnities for STAX and other policies cannot overlap.
administered by the U.S. Department of
Includes a provision that allows use of only recent yields in
Agriculture’s (USDA's) Risk Management Agency
guarantee. [Sec. 11011]
(RMA), which operates and manages the Federal
Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) [7 U.S.C. 1501
et seq.]
Beginning with the 2013 crop, the FCIC shall make
By crop year 2013, FCIC is required to make available a
available a revenue crop insurance program for peanuts
revenue policy for peanut producers [Sec. 11010 and
based on a price equal to the Rotterdam price index for
Sec. 11017] as in Senate bill and a downed rice policy and
peanuts, as adjusted to reflect the farmer stock price of
margin coverage policy for rice producers. [Sec. 11010]
peanuts in the United States. [Sec. 11012]
CRS-114
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Requires FCIC to improve coverage for organic
Requires FCIC to offer by 2015 price elections for al
Extends 2008 farm bill provision to improve organic crop
crops. [U.S.C. 1522(c)(10)]
organic crops that reflect prices of organic (not
insurance. [Sec. 11021]
conventional) crops. FCIC must submit an annual report
to Congress on crop insurance for organic crops. [Sec.
11021]
FCIC shal not conduct any pilot program that
FCIC may conduct a pilot program to provide financial
No comparable provision.
provides insurance protection against a risk if a
assistance for producers of underserved crops and
policy is generally available from private companies.
livestock (including specialty crops) to purchase an index-
[7 U.S.C. 1523(a)]
based weather insurance product from a qualified private
insurance company. The subsidy shall not exceed 60% of
the estimated premium amount. Unlike FCIC policies, the
private insurance companies would maintain exclusive
rights to rate and manage the policies. Provides mandatory
funds of $10 million per year for FY2013 through FY2017.
[Sec. 11024]
Policy Fees and Premiums
Catastrophic yield policies (CAT) are available for
To reduce government costs, the CAT premium (fully paid Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 11004]
yield losses greater than 50%. Premium is fully
by government) shal be reduced by the percentage equal
subsidized, and producer pays an administrative fee
to the difference between the average loss ratio
of $300 per crop per county. [7 U.S.C. 1508(d)(2)]
(premiums divided by indemnities times 100) for the crop
and 100%, plus a reasonable reserve. [Sec. 11002]
Administrative fee on CAT policy is waived for
Fee is also waived for beginning farmers or ranchers. [Sec.
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 11015]
limited resources farmers. [7 U.S.C. 1508(b)(5)(E)] 11026]
Premium subsidies for buy-up coverage (above
Beginning farmers or ranchers shall receive premium
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 11015]
CAT) depends on level of coverage. [7 U.S.C.
assistance that is 10 percentage points greater than
1508(e)]
provided to others. Other provisions are also designed to
assist beginning farmers and ranchers. [Sec. 11026]
FCIC may provide a performance-based premium No change from current law.
Repeals provision. [Sec. 11005]
discount for a producer of an agricultural
commodity who has good insurance or production
experience relative to other producers in the same
area. [7 U.S.C. 1508(d)]
No comparable provision.
Establishes adjusted gross income (AGI) limit on crop
No comparable provision.
insurance subsidies. Beginning with the 2014 reinsurance
year (2014 crop year), crop insurance premium subsidies
are reduced by 15 percentage points for producers with
average AGI greater than $750,000. Reduction in effect
only after USDA determines that the change does not (1)
CRS-115
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
significantly increase premiums for producers at lower
income levels, (2) reduce crop insurance coverage
availability, or (3) increase total cost of the crop insurance
program. [Sec. 11032]
Enterprise Units and Coverage
Crops are insured based on geographic units defined The subsidy for enterprise and whole farm units is made
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 11006]
in the insurance policy. The basic unit covers land in
permanent (previously a pilot basis). [Sec. 11003]
one county with the same tenant/landlord. An
optional unit is a basic unit divided into smaller units
Beginning with the 2013 crop year, separate enterprise
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 11007] Also, beginning
by township section. An enterprise unit covers al
units will be available for irrigated and nonirrigated
with the 2014 crop year, a producer who grows a crop on
land of a single crop in a county for a producer,
acreages of crops. [Sec. 11004]
both dry land and irrigated land may elect a different
regardless of tenant/landlord structure. A whole
coverage level for each production practice. [Sec. 11014]
farm unit covers more than one crop. For a policy
with an enterprise or whole farm unit paragraph, on
a pilot basis, the percentage of the premium paid
by the government shall provide the same dollar
amount of premium subsidy per acre as for other
units, up to 80%. [7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(5)]
Data Collection for Yield Guarantees; Yield Adjustments
FCIC bases policy guarantees on a producer’s actual
Specifically directs FCIC to use county data collected by
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 11008]
production history (APH) for the crop, or on
USDA’s Risk Management Agency and/or National
county yields for area-wide policies. The APH is
Agricultural Statistics Service. If such data are not available,
based on producer yields for the prior 4 to 10
it may use other data considered appropriate by the
years. [7 U.S.C. 1508(g)(2)]
Secretary of Agriculture. [Sec. 11005]
If, for one or more of the crop years used to
Beginning with the 2013 crop year, the yield plug is
For all crop years, the yield plug is increased to 70% of the
establish the producer’s actual production history of
increased to 70% of the applicable transitional yield. [Sec.
applicable transitional yield. [Sec. 11009]
an agricultural commodity, the producer's recorded
11006]
or appraised yield of the commodity was less than
60% of the applicable transitional yield (based on 10-
year historical county average yield), FCIC shall
either exclude any of such recorded or appraised
yield or replace each excluded yield with a yield
equal to 60% of the applicable transitional yield.
Concept is known as a “yield plug.” [7 U.S.C.
1508(g)(4)(B)]
CRS-116
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Policy Research Development, Review, and Approval
Under sections 522 and 523 of the Federal Crop
Al ows FCIC to conduct research and development
Same as current law (i.e.., does not provide authority for
Insurance Act, FCIC may enter into contracts to
activities to maintain or improve existing policies or
FCIC to conduct research itself) but revises high priority
carry out research and development for new crop
develop new policies. Highest research priorities become
research topics as specified in Senate bill. [Sec. 11020]
insurance policies (but may not conduct research
policies that increase participation by producers of
itself). FCIC shall establish as one of the highest
underserved agricultural commodities, including sweet
research priorities the development of a pasture,
sorghum, sorghum for biomass, specialty crops, sugarcane,
range, and forage program. It shall provide a
and dedicated energy crops [Sec. 11022]
payment to an applicant for research and
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 11010]
development costs. FCIC may approve up to 50% of
FCIC shall review any policy developed under section
the projected total research and development costs
522(c)or any pilot program developed under section 523
to be paid in advance to an applicant. [7 U.S.C.
and submit the policy or program to the Board if it finds
1522(c)]
that the policy or program will likely result in a viable and
marketable policy and would provide coverage in a
significantly improved form. [Sec. 11007]
For cost reimbursement, the 50% limitation may be waived No comparable provision.
and, upon request of the submitter, an additional 25%
advance payment may be made. [Sec. 11015]
FCIC is required to contract for studies on the feasibility
Similar to the Senate bill plus studies for policies on
of insuring (1) specialty crop producers for food safety and biomass sorghum and sweet sorghum energy crops and
contamination-related losses [Sec. 11017], (2) swine
poultry catastrophic disease outbreaks. [Sec. 11020 and
producers for a catastrophic disease event [Sec. 11018],
Sec. 11021]
(3) producers of fresh-water catfish against reduction in
the margin between the market value of catfish and
selected production costs (the FCIC Board shall review
this policy and approve it under certain conditions) [Sec.
11019], and (4) commercial poultry production against
business disruptions caused by integrator bankruptcy and
poultry producers for a catastrophic event [Sec. 11020].
Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) and AGR-Lite
FCIC is to conduct activities or enter into contracts to
Identical to the Senate bill, except maximum liability is $1.0
policies insure revenue of the entire farm rather
develop a whole farm risk management insurance plan (with
million. [Sec. 11021]
than an individual crop. Both use a producer's five-
liability up to $1.5 million) that pays an indemnity if gross
year historical farm average revenue as reported on
farm revenue is below 85% (compared with 80%
the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax return form
currently). Coverage may include value of packing,
(Schedule F or equivalent forms). Coverage levels
packaging or other on-farm activities. FCIC may provide
range from 65% to 80% of historical revenue. [7
diversification-based discounts for producers with
U.S.C. 1523]
diversified operations. [Sec. 11016]
A private sector entity can propose an insurance
For private sector submissions, adds similar language found No comparable provision.
plan to be added to the FCIC portfolio of products.
in Section 11007 plus directs FCIC to establish priorities
CRS-117
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
A process must be established to review and
for specific types of submissions. [Section 11008] As part
approve products. [7 U.S.C. 1508(h)]
of the submission process, the applicant must consult with
producer groups potential y affected. [Sec. 11009]
FCIC may conduct a pilot program approved by the
Eliminates the requirement that FCIC evaluate pilot
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 11022]
Board to evaluate whether a proposal or new risk
programs and submit a report to Congress. [Sec. 11023]
management tool is suitable for the marketplace and
addresses the needs of producers. [7 U.S.C.
1523(a)]
All costs associated with conducting livestock
No comparable provision.
Maximum amount for livestock programs is $50 million
programs shall not exceed $20 million per year in
per year for FY2013 and subsequent years. [Sec. 11023]
FY2004 and subsequent years. [7 U.S.C.
1523(b)(10)]
Crop Production on Native Sod and Conservation Compliance
Subject to a geographic condition below, native sod
Nationwide, for native sod during the first four years of
Same as Senate bill, except provision only applies to the
planted to an insurable crop (over 5 acres) is
planting, crop insurance premium subsidies are 50
Prairie Pothole National Priority Area. [Sec. 11013]
ineligible for crop insurance and the noninsured
percentage points less than under current schedule and
crop disaster assistance program for the first 5 years yield guarantees are affected. Also, no benefits are
of planting. May apply to virgin prairie converted to
available under NAP or general commodity programs.
cropland only in the Prairie Pothole National
Requires annual report on the change in cropland areas in
Priority Area, if elected by the state. [7 U.S.C.
each county and state. [Sec. 11028]
1508(o)]
See “Title II: Conservation” for a provision that establishes No comparable provision.
a prerequisite that a producer must be in compliance with
conservation requirements (within five years) and wetland
requirements in order to receive crop insurance premium
subsidies,. [Sec. 2609]
Standard Reinsurance Agreement and Risk-Sharing
The Standard Reinsurance Agreement (SRA)
Any savings generated from a renegotiated SRA must be
Same as Senate bill [Sec. 11012]. Also directs FCIC to
between FCIC and private companies defines
used for programs administered by the Risk Management
make an additional annual expense reimbursement of $41
expense reimbursements and risk-sharing by the
Agency. [Sec. 11010]
million (for reinsurance years 2011 through 2015) to
government, including the terms under which the
insurance companies selling polices for crops not eligible
government provides subsidies and reinsurance (i.e.,
for benefit under Title I (i.e., specialty crops). [Sec.
insurance for insurance companies) on eligible crop
11011]
insurance contracts sold or reinsured by insurance
companies. FCIC may renegotiate the SRA once
The U.S. Government Accountability Office is directed to
No comparable provision.
every 5 years. [7 U.S.C. 1508(k)]
conduct a study regarding fraudulent claims filed, and
benefits provided under the crop insurance program. [Sec.
11031]
CRS-118
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Miscellaneous Crop Insurance Provisions
Inaccurate information on an insurance application
FCIC shall establish procedures that allow an agent and
Similar provision as in the Senate bill. [Sec. 11018]
can result in noncompliance, which voids the policy
approved insurance provider to correct information
and may disqualify the producer for up to 5 years
regarding producer name and eligibility information that is
[7 U.S.C. 1515(c)]
provided by a producer for the purpose of obtaining
coverage. [Sec. 11013]
USDA, an approved insurance provider and its
No comparable provision.
If authorized by a producer, USDA’s Farm Service Agency
employees and contractors, and any other person
shall provide to an insurance agent or approved insurance
may not disclose to the public information furnished
provider any information or maps that may assist the agent
by a producer. [7 U.S.C. 1502(c)]
or provider insuring the producer. [Sec. 11001]
Adjustments to producer premiums are prohibited
No comparable provision.
To deter potential violators, FCIC is required to publish in
as an inducement to purchase crop insurance, with
detail (but without disclosing identities) any violations of
few exceptions. [7 U.S.C. 1508(a)(9)]
this provision. [Sec. 11002]
All information provided to the public by the agency
Requires FCIC and RMA to use plain language when
No comparable provision.
shal be in plain, understandable language. [5 U.S.C.
issuing regulations and guidance related to plans and
601 note relating to regulatory planning and
polices of crop insurance, and to improve its website for
review]
producers seeking information on crop insurance.
Requires a report to Congress describing the
Department’s efforts. [Sec. 11030]
USDA is to ensure that new hardware and software
USDA shall develop and implement an acreage report
Identical to the Senate bill, except notification date is set
for administering the program are compatible with
streamlining initiative project to allow producers to report for one year later. [Sec. 11019]
that already used by USDA agencies in order to
acreage and other information directly to USDA. FCIC
maximize data sharing needed for proper program
may use up to $25 million in fiscal 2013 and $10 to $15
delivery. [7 U.S.C. 1515(j)] Funding is provided
mil ion per year for FY2014 through FY2017 from the
from the insurance fund: $15 mil ion for each of
insurance fund. USDA shall notify Congress on the status
FY2008 through FY2010 and not more than $9
of the project no later than July 1, 2013. [Sec. 11014]
mil ion in FY2011. [7 U.S.C. 1515(k]
The Agricultural Management Assistance Program
Authorizes $23 million in mandatory CCC funding annually Removes tree plantings and soil erosion control from the
provides financial assistance to producers in 16
(FY2013-FY2017) and combines the two programs to
list of approved practices. Permanently authorizes $10
specific states to mitigate risk through financial
include (1) organic certification cost share assistance (50%
million in annual mandatory funding with 30% to NRCS
instruments, diversification, or resource
of funds); (2) activities to support risk management
(conservation), 10% to AMS (organic certification), and
conservation practices. Provides $15 million in
education and outreach under the Federal Crop Insurance
60% RMA (risk management). [Sec. 2506 in Title II—
annual mandatory funding in FY2008 through
Act (26% of funds); and (3) agricultural management
Conservation]
FY2014, and $10 million each fiscal year thereafter.
assistance grants to producers in states with low federal
Requires 50% for conservation, 40% for risk
crop insurance participation, for various conservation
management, and 10% for organic certification. [7
purposes (24% of funds). Per-person payments are limited
U.S.C. 1524] Section 10606 of the 2002 farm bill
to $50,000 in any one year. [Sec. 11027]
established a National Organic Certification Cost-
CRS-119
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Share Program to help producers and handlers of
organic products obtain certification. Provided $22
million in mandatory funding in FY2008 (available
until expended). [7 U.S.C. 6523]
Noninsured Crop Assistance Program. The
Through FY2017, makes available additional coverage for
Similar to Senate bill except as indicated below. [Sec.
Noninsured Crop Assistance Program (NAP) has
NAP at 50% to 65% of established yield and 100% of
11024]
permanent authority under Section 196 of the
average market price. Premium for additional coverage is
Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 5.25% times the product of the selected coverage level and
1996, and receives such sums as necessary in
value of production (acreage times yield times average
mandatory funding. Growers of crops not insurable
market price). The premium for additional coverage is
under the crop insurance program are eligible for
reduced by 50% for limited resource, beginning, and
NAP. A payment is made to an eligible producer
socially disadvantaged farmers.
whose actual production is less than 50% of the
established (historical) yield for the crop. The
For producers with fruit crop losses in 2012, payments
No comparable provision.
payment rate is 55% of the average market price.
associated with additional coverage are made retroactively
Producers pay a fee of $250 per crop per county, or (minus premium fees) in counties declared a disaster due
$750 per producer per county, not to exceed
to freeze or frost.
$1,875 per producer. [7 USC 7333]
Eliminates NAP for crops/grasses used for grazing (to
No comparable provision.
reduce overlap with livestock disaster programs in Title
I—Commodity Programs), ferns, and tropical fish.
Increases base NAP fee to $260 per crop per county, or
No comparable provision.
$780 per producer per county, not to exceed $1,950 per
producer. Senate NAP provisions are in Title XII. [Sec.
12204]
CRS-120
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Title XII. Miscellaneous
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Socially Disadvantage Producers and Limited-Resource Producers
Outreach and Assistance for Socially
Expands program authority to include farmers and
Nearly identical to the Senate bill, except the House
Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers.
ranchers who are veterans. Provides $5 million in
provides $10 million in mandatory funding. [Sec. 12201]
Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged
mandatory funding, and authorizes $20 million annual y,
Farmers and Ranchers was established by Sec. 2501
subject to annual appropriations for FY2013-FY2017. [Sec.
of the 1990 farm bill. The program provides
12001]
education and outreach to minority and limited-
resource farmers and ranchers. The 2008 farm bill
created an Office of Small Farms and Beginning
Farmers and Ranchers to ensure access to all USDA
programs for small, beginning, and socially
disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Also requires
USDA to document the number, location, and
economic contributions of socially disadvantaged
and limited-resource farmers and ranchers. Provides
the program with $15 million in mandatory funding
for FY2009 and $20 million annually for FY2010-
FY2012. [7 U.S.C. 2279(a)]
Office of Advocacy and Outreach. The Office of For the Office of Advocacy and Outreach, authorizes such
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 12202]
Advocacy and Outreach as authorized in the 2008
sums as necessary for FY2009 through FY2012, and $2
farm bill carries out the Outreach and Assistance for mil ion annual y for FY2013-FY2017, subject to annual
Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and
appropriations. [Sec. 12002]
Veteran Farmers and Ranchers, and also oversees
the Minority Farmer Advisory Committee and
carries out the functions of the Office of Outreach
and Diversity previously handled by the Office of
Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights. [7 U.S.C.
6934(f)(3)]
Livestock
No comparable provision.
Wildlife Reservoir Zoonotic Disease Initiative.
No comparable provision.
Amends Title IV of the Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Education Reform Act of 1998. [7 U.S.C. 7621 et
seq.] Establishes an initiative through competitive grants
for research and development of surveillance methods,
vaccinations, vaccination delivery systems, or diagnostic
tests. The targeted diseases are brucellosis, bovine
tuberculosis, and other high priority disease initiatives
conducted under Sec. 1672 of the Food, Agriculture,
CRS-121
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 [7 U.S.C. 5925].
The research may be conducted by federal agencies,
national laboratories, universities, research institutes, and
state agricultural experiment stations. The grants are not
to exceed 10 years and require matching funds of at least
25% of the federal contribution. $7 million per year is
authorized to be appropriated FY2012-FY2017. [Sec.
12101]
Trichinae Certification Program. Sec. 11010 of
Reauthorizes current level of $1.5 million each year
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 12102]
the 2008 farm bill established a voluntary trichinae
through FY2017, subject to annual appropriations. [Sec.
certification program. [7 U.S.C. §8304 note] The
12102]
program certifies compliance with best production
practices and is designed to enhance swine and pork
producers’ ability to export fresh pork and pork
products. Authorizes appropriation of $1.5 million
for Sec. 11010 and funds as necessary to carry out
Sec. 10405 of the Animal Health Protection Act
(AHPA) for FY2008 through FY2012. [7 U.S.C.
8304(d)(1)]
National Aquatic Animal Health Plan. Sec.
Extends funding authority for the plan through FY2017.
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 12103]
11013 of the 2008 farm bill authorized USDA, under [Sec. 12103]
Sec. 10411 of the AHPA, [7 U.S.C. 8310] to enter
into cooperative agreements for the purpose of
detecting, controlling, or eradicating diseases of
aquaculture species and promoting species-specific
best management practices on a cost-share basis.
Secretary may use authorities from AHPA [7 U.S.C.
8301 et seq.] to carry out the plan. Authorizes such
sums as necessary to be appropriated in each fiscal
year, FY2008-FY2012. [7 U.S.C. 8322]
No comparable provision.
Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program.
No comparable provision.
Establishes a competitive grant program through USDA’s
Agricultural Marketing Service to improve the sheep
industry, including infrastructure, business, resource
development, or innovative approaches for long-term
needs. $1.5 million in CCC mandatory funds for FY2013
to be used and remain available until expended. [Sec.
12104]
The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center
Amends provisions of the NSIIC. Amends the percentage
No comparable provision.
(NSIIC) promotes the strategic development of the
of funds from 3% to 10% that may be used for
CRS-122
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
U.S. sheep and goat industry. It provides financial
administration of the NSIIC, and removes the
assistance for the enhancement and marketing of
authorization of appropriations. Re-designates the NSIIC
sheep and goat products with an emphasis on
from the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
infrastructure development. NSIIC is funded through [7 U.S.C. 2008(j)] to the Agricultural Marketing Act of
appropriations, as well as receipts from products or
1946 [7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.]. [Sec. 12104]
services, fees and royalties from licensing, proceeds
from sales of assets, loan or equity interest, and
donations. [7 U.S.C. 2008(j)]
National Sheep Industry Improvement
See above. Removes authorization of appropriations.
Reauthorizes $10 million per year for FY2012 to FY2017,
Center. See description above.
subject to appropriations. [Sec. 12101]
No comparable provision.
Feral Swine Eradication Pilot Program. Establishes a
No comparable provision.
pilot program to study the (1) nature and extent of
damage caused by feral swine; (2) methods to eradicate or
control feral swine; and (3) methods to restore damage
caused by feral swine. USDA’s Natural Resources
Conservation Service and Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service are to coordinate on the program. The
program is to be administered on a cost-sharing basis with
the federal share not to exceed 75%. The non-federal
share may be in-kind contribution. $2 million per year is
authorized to be appropriated for FY2013-2017. [Sec.
12105]
Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL). The 2002
No comparable provision.
Requires that USDA submit a report to the House and
and 2008 farm bills established mandatory COOL
Senate Agriculture Committees within 90 days of
for fruits and vegetables, red meats, chicken,
enactment to explain steps to be taken to bring the United
seafood, peanuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, and
States into compliance with the WTO decisions on
ginseng. In response to Canada’s and Mexico’s
COOL. [Sec. no. not yet available]
World Trade Organization (WTO) challenge of
COOL, the WTO found that parts of COOL violate
WTO rules. [7 U.S.C. 1638]
Sections 11005 and 11006 of the 2008 farm bill (P.L.
No comparable provision.
Repeal of Regulations Under the Packers and
110-246) addressed livestock and poultry marketing
Stockyard Act. Repeals four regulations on livestock and
practices by amending the Packers and Stockyards
poultry marketing practices in 9 C.F.R. 201 that USDA
Act, and requiring USDA to issue regulations
finalized February 7, 2011. Also, prohibits USDA from
implementing the changes. The final regulations
finalizing other provisions that were proposed in
address the applicability to live poultry, the
Implementation of Regulations Required Under Title XI of the
suspension of the delivery of birds, additional capital
Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008; Conduct in
investments, remedying a breach of contract, and
Violation of the Act, (75 Fed. Reg. 35338), and from issuing
arbitration. [7 U.S.C. 181 et seq.]
other similar regulations or policies. [Sec. no. not yet
available]
CRS-123
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
No comparable provision.
No comparable provision.
Meat and Poultry Processing Report. Requires USDA
to submit a report to Congress on steps to meet the
needs of small and very small meat and poultry growers
and processors. The report is to include options for an
electronic label submission process for meat label approval
and increased public access to label information. The
report is to be submitted within one year of enactment of
this act. [Sec. no. not yet available]
Other Miscellaneous Provisions
No comparable provision.
Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison. Amends
Similar to Senate bill, except it does not include a section
Subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture
on contracts and cooperative agreements. [Sec. no. not
Reorganization Act of 1994 [7 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.] by
yet available]
establishing in USDA a position of Military Veterans
Agricultural Liaison to provide information to returning
veterans on beginning farmer training, agricultural
vocational and rehabilitation programs. Liaison would
provide information on availability and eligibility for
participation, serve as a resource, and advocate on behalf
of veterans within USDA. To carry out this provision, the
liaison may enter into contracts or cooperative
agreements with research centers of the Agricultural
Research Service, institutes of higher education, and
nonprofit organizations to conduct research on smal
farms, develop educational materials, conduct workshops,
training, mentoring activities, and provide internships.
[Sec. 12201]
Information Gathering. USDA may not disclose
Adds language to clarify and strengthen the conditions
No comparable provision.
information about an agricultural operation, farming
necessary to release data about farms to state and local
or conservation practice, or land that was provided
government agencies. Such state and other government
by the producer or landowner in order to qualify
agencies would need to prove that the data are “required
for a USDA program, nor the geospatial information
for implementing” the state program. Moreover, the data
maintained by USDA about the agricultural land or
may only be used by the state agency, political subdivision,
operations mentioned above. Exceptions are
or local agency; and the data would be protected from
provided for the limited release of data to federal,
subsequent disclosure by the state or agency. [Sec.
state, local or tribal agencies working in cooperation 12202]
with USDA when providing technical or financial
assistance for the above land or when responding to
pest and disease threats. However, USDA must
determine that the data will not be subsequently
disclosed. The prohibition on data disclosure does
CRS-124
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
not affect the release of payment information that is
otherwise authorized or data that are released in an
aggregate, personally unidentifiable form. [7 U.S.C.
8791; also known as Section 1619 of the 2008
farm bill]
Grants to Improve Supply, Stability, Safety,
Extends the grant program with $10 million per year
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. 12301]
and Training of Agricultural Labor Force.
authorized to be appropriated for FY2013-FY2017. [Sec.
Provides grants to train farm workers in new
12203]
technologies and workers with specialized skills for
higher value crops. Authorized funds to be
appropriated as necessary for FY2008-FY2012. [7
U.S.C. 2008q-1(d)]
Noninsured Crop Assistance Program. The
Reauthorizes through FY2017, and makes available
Similar to the Senate bill except as indicated below. House
Noninsured Crop Assistance Program (NAP) has
additional coverage for NAP at 50% to 65% of established
NAP provisions are in Title XI. [Sec. 11024]
permanent authority under Section 196 of the
yield and 100% of average market price. Premium for
Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of additional coverage is 5.25% times the product of the
1996, and receives such sums as necessary in
selected coverage level and value of production (acreage
mandatory funding. Growers of crops not insurable
times yield times average market price). The premium for
under the crop insurance program are eligible for
additional coverage is reduced by 50% for limited
NAP. A payment is made to an eligible producer
resource, beginning, and socially disadvantaged farmers.
whose actual production is less than 50% of the
established (historical) yield for the crop. The
For producers with fruit crop losses in 2012, payments
No comparable provision.
payment rate is 55% of the average market price.
associated with additional coverage are made retroactively
Producers pay a fee of $250 per crop per county, or (minus premium fees) in counties declared a disaster due
$750 per producer per county, not to exceed
to freeze or frost.
$1,875 per producer. [7 USC 7333]
Eliminates NAP for crops/grasses used for grazing (to
No comparable provision.
reduce overlap with livestock disaster programs in Title
I—Commodity Programs), ferns, and tropical fish.
Increases base NAP fee to $260 per crop per county, or
No comparable provision.
$780 per producer per county, not to exceed $1,950 per
producer. [Sec. 12204]
Regional Economic and Infrastructure
Al ows the cap on administrative expenses for any
No comparable provision.
Development. The 2008 farm bill (Section 14217)
Commission to exceed 10% should the Commission
established three new regional development
receive an annual appropriation of less then $10 million.
authorities: a Northern Border Regional
[Sec. 12205]
Commission, a Southeast Crescent Regional
Commission, and a Southwest Border Regional
Commission. These commissions develop a regional
development plan and then make infrastructure
loans and grants to eligible entities in their
CRS-125
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
respective regions. [40 U.S.C. 15101 et seq.]
Authorizes annual appropriations of $30 million to
each of the Commissions. Not more than 10% of
appropriated funds to any Commission can be used
for administrative expenses. [40 U.S.C. 15751(b)]
No comparable provision.
Canada Geese Removal. If the Federal Aviation
No comparable provision.
Administration determines that a population of Canada
geese residing on National Park Service land within 5 miles
of any commercial airport poses a risk to air traffic, USDA,
through its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, will
publish a management plan by the first molting season
fol owing enactment. The plan must provide for the
removal of geese on all applicable land within one year of
its publication. Also, by June 1, 2012, USDA is to issue a
decision on a plan for removing geese from National Park
Service land near JFK International Airport in New York.
This removal is to be completed by August 1, 2012. [Sec.
12206]
No comparable provision.
Office of Tribal Relations. Amends Title III of the
Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec. no. not yet available]
Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7
U.S.C. 3125a) to establish an Office of Tribal Relations
within the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture. The
Office of Tribal Relations wil coordinate the Department’s
activities with Native American tribes. [Sec. 12207]
Section 11016 of the Food Conservation, and
Repeal of Catfish Inspection and Grading Program
No comparable provision.
Energy Act of 2008 [P.L. 110-246; 2008 farm bill]
at USDA. Repeals the provisions of Section 11016 of the
made catfish an amenable species under the Federal
2008 farm bill. [Sec. 12208]
Meat Inspection Act [21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.] and
subject to inspection by USDA instead of FDA, and
amended the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 [7
U.S.C. 1622 et seq.] to establish a voluntary fee
based grading program for catfish.
No comparable provision.
Sense of the Senate. It is the sense of the Senate that
No comparable provision.
nothing in this act or an amendment made by this act
should manipulate prices or interfere with the free market.
[Sec. 12209]
No comparable provision.
Acer Access and Development Program. Authorizes
Nearly identical to the Senate bill, except that the House
grants to state and tribal governments to promote the
authorizes the program through FY2017. [Sec. no. not
CRS-126
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
domestic maple syrup industry. The grants are to promote yet available]
research and education, resource sustainability, and
marketing, and to encourage owners of private lands with
species of trees in the genus Acer to initiate or expand
maple sugaring activities. The provision defines maple
sugaring as the collection of sap from any species of trees
in the genus Acer for the purpose of boiling to produce
food. USDA is to promulgate regulations to carry out the
provision; $20 million per year is authorized to be
appropriated for FY2012-FY2015. [Sec. 12210]
Definition of Rural for Purposes of the
Retains the current definition of rural and rural area, but
No comparable provision.
Housing Act of 1949. Defines rural and rural area
raises the population threshold for eligibility from 25,000
for purposes of eligibility for rural housing funding.
to 35,000. Further provides that any area deemed a rural
[42 U.S.C. 1490]
area during the period January 1, 2000, and ending
December 31, 2010, shall continue to be classified as a
rural area until receipt of data from the 2020 decennial
census. [Sec 12211]
Exclusions under the Animal Welfare Act.
Amends the Animal Welfare Act to exclude from
No comparable provision.
The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) provides authority
regulation the exhibition of domesticated household pets
to USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection
where the owner derives less than a substantial portion of
Service to regulate commercial exhibitions of
income from the exhibition of an animal that resides
animals to the public. The AWA also specifically
exclusively at the residence of the pet owner. [Sec.
excludes from regulation certain exhibitions of
12212]
animals (e.g., purebred cat and dog shows, livestock
shows, rodeos). [7 U.S.C. 2132(h)]
Animal Fighting Venture Prohibition. The
Amends the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit knowingly
Similar to the Senate bill in that it prohibits knowingly
Animal Welfare Act prohibits and provides penalties
attending an animal fighting venture or causing a minor to
attending or causing a minor to attend an animal fighting
for sponsoring or exhibiting an animal in an animal
attend such a venture. Confirms that penalties for
venture, but does not include the confirmation of penalties
fighting venture. [7 U.S.C 2156] Penalties are
violations are prescribed and enforced under 18 U.S.C. 49.
provision. [Sec. no. not yet available]
prescribed and enforced by [18 U.S.C. 49]
[Sec. 12213]
Prohibition on closure or relocation of county No comparable provision.
Prohibits USDA from closing or relocating a county or
offices for the Farm Service Agency. Section
field office of the FSA if the office has a high workload
14212 of the 2008 farm bill sets limits and requires
compared with other offices in the state. Requires USDA
notifications for closing or relocating Farm Service
to conduct an evaluation of the workload of all FSA offices
Agency (FSA) offices. [7 U.S.C. 6932a]
open on January 1, 2012. The evaluations are to be
completed 18 months after enactment. [Sec. no. not yet
available]
High Plains Water Study. Section 2901 of the
No comparable provision.
Extends provisions so that participants will not be denied
2008 farm bill (P.L. 110-246) requires that
program benefits under the 2012 farm bill. [Sec. no. not
CRS-127
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
agricultural producers who participate in a one-time
yet available]
study of the Ogallala aquifer recharge potential in
the High Plains of Texas not be denied program
benefits available under the 2008 farm bill. The
studies inform state and local water conservation
investments and policies to help manage the Ogallala
aquifer.
No comparable provision.
No comparable provision.
Interference in Interstate Commerce. Prohibits any
state or local government from setting standards or
conditions on the production or manufacture of
agricultural products, and then using such standards to
prevent interstate sales of the agricultural products. [Sec.
no. not yet available]
No comparable provision.
No comparable provision.
Flood Protection in the Missouri River Basin. In
response to 2011 floods, this provision directs USDA, in
conjunction with other federal agencies, to take steps to
increase flood protection for agricultural producers in the
Missouri River basin, specifically Hamburg, Iowa and
surrounding communities. [Sec. no. not yet available]
The Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act
Prohibiting Use of Presidential Election Campaign
No comparable provision.
provides federal funds for certain aspects of
Funds for Party Conventions. Amends Chapter 95 of
presidential campaigns. [26 U.S.C. 9001 et seq.]
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 by striking section
See CRS Report RL34630, Federal Funding of
9008 that provides federal funds for presidential
Presidential Nominating Conventions: Overview and
nominating conventions. Provisions are effective for
Policy Options, by R. Sam Garrett and Shawn Reese.
elections after December 31, 2012. Also, requires that any
funds returned to the Treasury by a national committee of
a political party after enactment of this act are to be used
for deficit reduction. [Sec. 12214]
The Budget Control Act of 2011 (BCA; P.L. 112-25)
Reports on Effects of Defense and Non-Defense
No comparable provision.
established an automatic spending reduction process Budget Sequestration. Requires three reports related
that includes sequestration (the cancel ation of
to sequestration under paragraphs (7)(A) and (8) of
budgetary resources) if the BCA’s Joint Select
section 251(A) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency
Committee on Deficit Reduction did not reach
Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 901a). The reports
agreement on federal deficit reduction over a 10-
are: (1) from the director of the Office of Management and
year period ending in FY2021. No agreement was
Budget on the impact of sequestration of funds, due no
reached and sequestration process is scheduled to
later than 30 days from enactment of this act; (2) from the
take place at the beginning of 2013. [2 U.S.C. 901a] President on details of required sequestration, due no
See CRS Report R41965, The Budget Control Act of
later than 60 days from enactment of this act or October
CRS-128
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Current Law/Policy
Senate-Passed Farm Bill (S. 3240)
House Agric. Comm. Bill, as amended (H.R. 6083)
2011, by Bill Heniff Jr., Elizabeth Rybicki, and
30, 2012, whichever is earlier; and (3) from the Secretary
Shannon M. Mahan.
of Defense on the impact of sequestration on national
defense accounts, due no later than August 15, 2012. [Sec.
12215]
CRS-129
The 2012 Farm Bill: Comparison of S. 3240 and H.R. 6083 with Current Law
Author Contact Information
Ralph M. Chite, Coordinator
Randy Schnepf
Section Research Manager
Specialist in Agricultural Policy
rchite@crs.loc.gov, 7-7296
rschnepf@crs.loc.gov, 7-4277
Dennis A. Shields
Renée Johnson
Specialist in Agricultural Policy
Specialist in Agricultural Policy
dshields@crs.loc.gov, 7-9051
rjohnson@crs.loc.gov, 7-9588
Megan Stubbs
Joel L. Greene
Specialist in Agricultural Conservation and Natural
Analyst in Agricultural Policy
Resources Policy
jgreene@crs.loc.gov, 7-9877
mstubbs@crs.loc.gov, 7-8707
Charles E. Hanrahan
Remy Jurenas
Senior Specialist in Agricultural Policy
Specialist in Agricultural Policy
chanrahan@crs.loc.gov, 7-7235
rjurenas@crs.loc.gov, 7-7281
Randy Alison Aussenberg
Claudia Copeland
Analyst in Nutrition Assistance Policy
Specialist in Resources and Environmental Policy
raussenberg@crs.loc.gov, 7-8641
ccopeland@crs.loc.gov, 7-7227
Jim Monke
Robert Esworthy
Specialist in Agricultural Policy
Specialist in Environmental Policy
jmonke@crs.loc.gov, 7-9664
resworthy@crs.loc.gov, 7-7236
Tadlock Cowan
M. Lynne Corn
Analyst in Natural Resources and Rural
Specialist in Natural Resources Policy
Development
lcorn@crs.loc.gov, 7-7267
tcowan@crs.loc.gov, 7-7600
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to CRS editor Laura Comay for her technical assistance in publishing this report.
Congressional Research Service
130