The 2026 Farm Bill (H.R. 7567): Comparison with Current Law

The 2026 Farm Bill (H.R. 7567): Comparison with Current Law

The 2026 Farm Bill (H.R. 7567): Comparison with Current Law

April 27, 2026 (R48918)
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Contents

Introduction

Budgetary Impact

Title-by-Title Summary

Title I, Commodity Program

Commodity Policy

Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs

Title II, Conservation

Conservation Reserve Program

Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Conservation Stewardship Program

Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

Forest Conservation Easement Program

Other Conservation Programs

Title III, Trade

Title IV, Nutrition

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Food Distribution Programs

Other Nutrition Programs and Policies

Title V, Credit

Title VI, Rural Development

Rural Health Care

Broadband Deployment

Water and Waste Disposal Infrastructure

Other Issues

Title VII, Research, Extension, and Related Matters

Title VIII, Forestry

Title IX, Energy

Title X, Horticulture, Marketing, and Regulatory Reform

Title XI, Crop Insurance

Implications for Policyholders

Implications for Approved Insurance Providers

Implications for USDA

Title XII, Miscellaneous

Livestock and Other Animals

Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994

National Security

Other Miscellaneous Provisions

Tables

Table 1. Estimated Changes in Mandatory Spending in H.R. 7567

Table 2. Baseline Projections by Title of the Farm Bill

Table 3. Increases in Spending Subject to Appropriation in H.R. 7567

Table 4. Title I, Commodities

Table 5. Title II, Conservation

Table 6. Title III, Trade

Table 7. Title IV, Nutrition

Table 8. Title V, Credit

Table 9. Title VI, Rural Development

Table 10. Title VII, Research, Extension, and Related Matters

Table 11. Title VIII, Forestry

Table 12. Title IX, Energy

Table 13. Title X, Horticulture, Marketing, and Regulatory Reform

Table 14. Title XI, Crop Insurance

Table 15. Title XII, Miscellaneous

Summary

Congress has established federal policy related to the food and agriculture sectors through periodic farm bills since the 1930s. The farm bill is an omnibus, multiyear law and is the primary piece of legislation that governs an array of agricultural and food programs. The most recent farm bill, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 farm bill; P.L. 115-334), expired in 2023. It was extended three times, for a year at a time. The latest law to extend the farm bill passed in November 2025 and extended the 2018 farm bill through FY2026 and crop year 2026 (P.L. 119-37, Division E, §5002).

The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567) would add, amend, and reauthorize some of the programs in the 2018 farm bill. H.R. 7567 was introduced on February 13, 2026. The House Committee on Agriculture considered the bill and ordered it reported favorably, as amended, to the House on March 5, 2026, by a vote of 34-17. This report provides a summary of each title included in H.R. 7567, as amended and ordered reported. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) relied on House Rules Committee Print 119-22, which reflects the introduced version of H.R. 7567 with the House Committee on Agriculture's adopted amendments. Following the summary of each of the 12 titles included in H.R. 7567, this report includes tables describing each provision in the bill and provides a direct comparison of these provisions to current law.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a score of H.R. 7567, as introduced, on February 20, 2026, ahead of the House Committee on Agriculture markup. The score indicates that the bill would be budget neutral for mandatory (direct) spending over an 11-year budget window (FY2026-FY2036). In the shorter term, it is expected to increase mandatory spending by $162 million over the first six years (FY2026-FY2031).

Across Titles I through XII, H.R. 7567 would reauthorize and amend food and agricultural policies in a wide variety of ways, including the following examples. Title 1 of H.R. 7567 would suspend non-expiring farm bill commodity support provisions from the 1930s and 1940s through crop year 2031. Under Title II of H.R. 7567, the Conservation Reserve Program would be reauthorized at its current level of 27 million acres through FY2031. Title III of the bill would move the responsibilities of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Food for Peace Act (P.L. 83-480), as amended, to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), including administration of Food for Peace Title II Grants. Title IV of the bill would generally extend the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other related nutrition programs through September 30, 2031, and it would include new policies such as authority for states to outsource SNAP certification operations, discretionary funding for local food purchases for food banks and other entities, and the expansion of SNAP food purchases eligible for nutrition incentives. Title V of H.R. 7567 would increase the maximum loan amounts for individual farmers and ranchers who borrow from USDA. Under Title VI of H.R. 7567, USDA would expand the prioritization of funding for certain rural development programs to include projects that address substance abuse and behavioral, maternal, and mental health services.

Title VII of the bill would amend extension and research funding for 1890 land-grant institutions—historically Black colleges and universities designated as land-grant institutions under the Second Morrill Act of 1890—by increasing minimum funding levels for research and extension activities relative to other land-grant institutions and by requiring state governors to annually certify their ability to meet matching fund requirements. Title VIII of the bill addresses a variety of issues related to forestry research, assistance to nonfederal forest owners, and management of federal forestlands, including by amending existing programs and introducing new authorities. Title IX of the bill would reauthorize most of the 2018 farm bill energy title programs and make modifications to selected programs. Title X of H.R. 7567 would reauthorize and amend existing programs and create a new program that supports specialty crops, organic agriculture, local and regional food systems, hemp production, and pesticide regulation. Title XI of the bill would modify the definition of veteran farmers and ranchers used in the Federal Crop Insurance Program and increase premium subsidies available for these individuals, among other program changes. Title XII of H.R. 7567 would require USDA to evaluate the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program and to submit a report on USDA support for livestock and poultry operations during animal disease outbreaks to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction.

Introduction

Congress has established federal policy related to the food and agriculture sectors through periodic farm bills since the 1930s. The farm bill is an omnibus, multiyear law and is the primary piece of legislation that governs an array of agricultural and food programs. Policy areas addressed in farm bills have expanded from providing support for selected commodities to providing support for a wide range of programs and policies, such as commodity support, conservation, trade, domestic nutrition assistance, credit, rural development, research, forestry, energy, horticulture, and crop insurance.¹

The farm bill contains a number of different authorities for programs to exist, operate, and receive funding. Certain programs are permanently authorized and would continue in the absence of new farm legislation. Other farm bill programs have authorizations that expire approximately every five years and require reauthorization to continue. The most recent farm bill, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 farm bill; P.L. 115-334), expired in 2023. It was extended three times, for a year at a time: in November 2023 to cover FY2024 and crop year 2024 (P.L. 118-22, Division B, §102); in December 2024 to cover FY2025 and crop year 2025 (P.L. 118-158, Division D, §4101); and in November 2025 to cover FY2026 and crop year 2026 (P.L. 119-37, Division E, §5002).

Congress amended selected provisions of the 2018 farm bill through Title I of the FY2025 budget reconciliation law (P.L. 119-21).² The FY2025 budget reconciliation law did not reauthorize all expired or expiring programs or authorizations of the 2018 farm bill. For mandatory spending programs, budget reconciliation rules did not allow policy changes that did not have a budgetary effect. Policy change and reauthorizations to discretionary spending programs were not allowed under budget reconciliation. The FY2025 budget reconciliation law included changes for mandatory spending programs in certain titles, including the commodities, nutrition, crop insurance, and conservation titles, as well as relatively smaller programs with mandatory funding in the trade, research, energy, horticulture, and miscellaneous titles.

The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567) would add, amend, and reauthorize some of the programs in the 2018 farm bill. H.R. 7567 was introduced on February 13, 2026. The House Committee on Agriculture considered the bill and ordered it reported favorably, as amended, to the House on March 5, 2026, by a vote of 34-17. The bill was reported on April 21, 2026, with the committee's report, H.Rept. 119-620. Members submitted 155 committee amendments. During markup,

45 amendments passed by vote (including 1 manager's amendment, 5 as part of an en bloc amendment, and 1 second-degree amendment to another amendment);³

29 amendments failed by vote (3 amendments failed by voice vote, and 26 amendments failed by recorded vote);

32 amendments were offered and withdrawn after discussion;

47 amendments were not offered; and

2 amendments were ruled out of order as not germane.

The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry has not marked up a farm bill during the 119th Congress.

On February 26, 2026, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) published a score of H.R. 7567 based on the bill introduced on February 13, 2026.⁴ The score indicated that the bill would increase mandatory spending outlays by $162 million over six years (FY2026-FY2031) and cause no increase in mandatory spending over 11 years (FY2026-FY2036).

This report provides a summary of each title included in H.R. 7567, as reported by the House Committee on Agriculture. Following the summary of each of the 12 titles included in H.R. 7567, this report includes tables describing each provision in the bill and provides a direct comparison of these provisions to current law. For any program authority affected by an extension, the most recent extension law is noted.

Budgetary Impact

CBO released a score of H.R. 7567, as reported, on April 24, 2026, ahead of House floor consideration. The score indicates that the bill would be budget neutral for mandatory (direct) spending over an 11-year budget window (FY2026-FY2036).⁵ In the shorter term, it is expected to increase mandatory spending by $162 million over the first six years (FY2026-FY2031) (Table 1). Changes in the score are relative to the February 2026 CBO baseline (Table 2).⁶

The largest budgetary changes to mandatory spending are in the conservation title; the bill would reduce outlays for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by $786 million over FY2026-FY2036 and redistribute funding to other conservation programs, most with temporary budget effects. The bill would also extend authority in the trade title to replenish the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust; its budget effects would be offset from restructuring trade promotion authorities that were included in FY2025 budget reconciliation law (P.L. 119-21). The bill also extends funding in the energy title for the Biobased Markets Program, offset by a rescission to the Biorefinery Assistance Program.

For discretionary spending programs, CBO estimates that increases in spending that are subject to appropriation total $22 billion over 5 years (FY2027-FY2031) and $22 billion over 10 years (FY2027-FY2036) (Table 3). FY2026 is not included in these estimates since appropriations have already been enacted. Estimated outlays from these authorizations of appropriation are nearly $16 billion over 5 years (FY2027-FY2031) and $21 billion over 10 years (FY2027-FY2036). Detail is not available about the amounts that are reauthorization of currently authorized appropriations, and the amounts that are new programming.

Budget Background for the Farm Bill

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

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

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

Four titles of the farm bill account for 99% of the baseline projection (nutrition, crop insurance, farm commodities, and conservation). The total 10-year farm bill baseline is $1.374 trillion over FY2027-FY2036 (Table 2). This total is 1% ($10 billion) less than the 10-year total in the January 2025 baseline ($1.384 trillion) before enactment of budget reconciliation in 2025 (P.L. 119-21). However, it is distributed differently among the titles of the farm bill after P.L. 119-21 decreased projected outlays in the nutrition title and increased projected outlays in all the other titles.

Table 1. Estimated Changes in Mandatory Spending in H.R. 7567

(million dollars, mandatory outlays)

Title and program

FY2026-FY2031

FY2026-FY2036

Title I. Commodities

Tree Assistance Program

5

0

Title I Subtotal

5

0

Title II. Conservation

Environmental Quality Incentives Program

-593

-786

Conservation Stewardship Program

47

49

Feral Swine Eradication and Control Program

56

56

Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act

50

54

Emergency Conservation Program

43

0

Emergency Watershed Program

16

15

Farm Management Incentive Payments

11

11

Transition Option for Certain Farmers

47

47

Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, including Adjusted Gross Income provision

173

216

Forest Conservation Easement Program

198

227

Regional Conservation Partnership Program

53

110

Title II Subtotal

101

-1

Title III. Trade

Agricultural Trade Promotion and Facilitation

-35

-70

Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act

70

70

Title III Subtotal

35

0

Title VI. Rural Development

2

0

Title VII. Research, Extension, and Related Matters

1

1

Title VIII. Forestry

20

0

Title IX. Energy

Biobased Markets Program

16

18

Biorefinery Assistance

-18

-18

Title IX Subtotal

-2

0

Total Changes in Mandatory Spending

162

0

Source: CRS, using Congressional Budget Office (CBO), "H.R. 7567, Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026," April 24, 2026, https://www.cbo.gov/publication/62376.

Notes: Estimated changes in outlays are relative to the February 2026 CBO baseline (https://www.cbo.gov/data/baseline-projections-selected-programs). Omits titles with a score of $0 or unspecified amounts less than +/-$500,000. Some titles in the CBO score did not have program-level detail.

Table 2. Baseline Projections by Title of the Farm Bill

(million dollars, 10-year mandatory outlays)

Farm Bill Title

FY2027-FY2036 (February 2026)

Title I. Commodities

142,625

Title II. Conservation

73,004

Title III. Trade

8,280

Title IV. Nutrition

985,379

Title VII. Research

3,510

Title IX. Energy

535

Title X. Horticulture

2,440

Title XI. Crop Insurance

155,539

Title XII. Miscellaneous

2,248

Total

1,373,560

Sources: CRS analysis of CBO, "Details About Baseline Projections for Selected Programs," February 2026, https://www.cbo.gov/data/baseline-projections-selected-programs, for the five largest titles and amounts in law for programs in other titles.

Note: Not all farm bill titles have programs that receive mandatory spending and projected baseline. Amounts in the February 2026 baseline incorporate policy changes as a result of 2025 budget reconciliation in P.L. 119-21, as well as changed economic assumptions.

Table 3. Increases in Spending Subject to Appropriation in H.R. 7567

($ millions, discretionary authorizations of appropriation and estimated outlays)

Title and program

FY2027-FY2031

FY2027-FY2036

Title II. Conservation

Authorization of appropriations

750

750

Estimated outlays

627

750

Title III. Trade

Authorization of appropriations

625

625

Estimated outlays

357

490

Title IV. Nutrition

Authorization of appropriations

1,196

1,196

Estimated outlays

997

1,066

Title V. Credit

Authorization of appropriations

1,190

1,190

Estimated outlays

325

405

Title VI. Rural Development

Authorization of appropriations

4,705

4,705

Estimated outlays

2,542

4,691

Title VII. Research, Extension, and Related Matters

Authorization of appropriations

8,324

8,361

Estimated outlays

5,869

8,345

Title VIII. Forestry

Authorization of appropriations

4,225

4,225

Estimated outlays

3,886

4,225

Title IX. Energy

Authorization of appropriations

715

715

Estimated outlays

516

715

Title X. Horticulture, Marketing and Regulatory Reform

Authorization of appropriations

495

495

Estimated outlays

458

495

Title XII. Miscellaneous

Authorization of appropriations

219

219

Estimated outlays

208

219

Total

Authorization of appropriations

22,444

22,481

Estimated outlays

15,785

21,401

Source: CRS, using Congressional Budget Office (CBO), "H.R. 7567, Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026," April 24, 2026, https://www.cbo.gov/publication/62376.

Notes: Authorization amounts are for specific appropriations; indefinite amounts that would need to be estimated are not included. Title I (Commodities) and Title XI (Crop Insurance) do not contain any specific authorizations of appropriations.

Title-by-Title Summary

Title I, Commodity Program⁷

The commodity title of H.R. 7567 would authorize and amend many of the agricultural commodity support and disaster assistance programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (Table 4).⁸ Title I of the FY2025 budget reconciliation law (P.L. 119-21) amended and/or reauthorized various programs included in the commodity title of the 2018 farm bill through the 2031 crop year.⁹ As a result, H.R. 7567 does not include provisions related to many of these programs, and the scope of the commodity title in H.R. 7567 is limited compared to previous farm bills.

Commodity Policy

H.R. 7567 would suspend non-expiring farm bill commodity support provisions from the 1930s and 1940s through crop year 2031.¹⁰ In addition, H.R. 7567 would mandate that dairy product manufacturers report production costs and yield information to USDA. This information would be used to update factors that represent the costs to manufacture a dairy product (i.e., make allowances) for the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) system. The bill would clarify the timeline for USDA to submit certain dairy reports to House Agriculture Committee and Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee. The bill would make the Dairy Forward Pricing Program permanent.¹¹

H.R. 7567 would allow producers to repay certain commodity loans during a lapse in appropriations (i.e., during a government shutdown) when USDA employees may be furloughed.¹² The bill would authorize USDA to service loans for constructing or upgrading propane storage facilities that are primarily used for agricultural production.

The Secretary of Agriculture has broad authority to use Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funding to support agricultural commodities.¹³ H.R. 7567 would remove the exclusion for tobacco from the list of eligible agricultural commodities, thereby restoring tobacco eligibility for funding from the CCC.¹⁴

Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs

H.R. 7567 would expand covered losses under the Tree Assistance Program to commercial trees that are no longer commercially viable due to a natural disaster; provide payment recipients flexibility in replanting after losses; and authorize recipients the option of receiving an initial partial payment prior to incurring replanting or rehabilitation costs. In the bill, USDA's authority to offer initial partial payments would expire (sunset) on September 30, 2035. The bill would require USDA to establish a framework to provide assistance to specialty crop producers for certain losses, including economic crisis and market disruptions. The bill would authorize USDA to use block grants for administering supplemental ad hoc agricultural disaster assistance.¹⁵

Table 4. Title I, Commodities

Current Law/Policy

H.R. 7567 as Reported by the Committee

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

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

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

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

No comparable provision.

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

No comparable provision.

Assistance in the form of block grants. Authorizes USDA to use block grants when administering additional funds for agricultural disaster assistance to address losses for which other federal assistance is not already available. (§1004)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repayment of loans during a government shutdown. Provides for marketing assistance loans. (7 U.S.C. §9034; 7 U.S.C. §7272(d)) Establishes limits on government employment and services during a lapse in appropriations. (31 U.S.C. §1342)

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

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

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

No comparable provision.

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

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

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

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

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

The Secretary of Agriculture has broad authority of the CCC Charter Act (P.L. 80-89), as amended, to use CCC funding in fulfillment of its purpose to support agricultural commodities, excluding tobacco. (15 U.S.C. §714c)

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

Sources: Compiled by CRS from H.R. 7567 as reported by the House Committee on Agriculture (H.Rept. 119-620).

a. "Agriculture committees of jurisdiction" refers to the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Title II, Conservation¹⁶

The conservation title of H.R. 7567 contains reauthorizations, amendments, and new programs that aim to incentivize farmers and ranchers to voluntarily implement resource-conserving practices on private land. The proposed changes in H.R. 7567 center on expanding precision agricultural provisions and creating a new forest easement program (Table 5).¹⁷

Conservation Reserve Program

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides federal payments to landowners to remove agricultural land from production and restricts the conversion of grasslands to non-grazing uses. Under H.R. 7567, CRP would be reauthorized at its current level of 27 million acres through FY2031. Existing CRP subprograms would be reauthorized at current levels, including the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (8.6 million acres of total CRP acres), CRP grassland contracts (a minimum of 2 million acres of total CRP acres), and the Farmable Wetlands Program (not more than 750,000 acres total). Funding for CRP initiatives would be reauthorized, including $12 million total for forest management incentive payments and $50 million total for the Transition Incentive Program.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Conservation Stewardship Program

The two working lands programs—the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)—provide technical and financial assistance to farmers to improve land management practices. Many of the proposed amendments to EQIP and CSP would emphasize the use of precision agriculture practices and technology. The bill would create new subprograms and initiatives under both programs, including a U.S. southern border initiative under EQIP and a state assistance for soil health initiative under CSP. Funding for the new initiatives would come from existing funds authorized for EQIP and CSP. Payment limits restricting total funds received per person under EQIP and CSP, which have expired, would be reestablished and in effect through FY2031.¹⁸ The bill would use EQIP funding to pay for a new Forest Conservation Easement Program (FCEP) and funding increases in other conservation programs. In total, H.R. 7567 is estimated to reduce EQIP budget authority by $1.0 billion over 10 years (FY2026-2036), less sequestration. This is estimated to result in $786 million less in EQIP spending (outlays) over the same period, less sequestration.¹⁹

Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) provides financial and technical assistance through two types of easements: (1) agricultural land easements that limit nonagricultural uses on productive farm or grasslands, and (2) wetland reserve easements that protect and restore wetlands. Most of the changes to ACEP would focus on additional incentives for socially disadvantaged farmer participation, the federal share of easement costs, enforcement rights of an easement, and modification and exchange requirements. The bill would exempt ACEP participants from the adjusted gross income (AGI) limit, which restricts eligibility for various USDA programs to persons and legal entities whose average AGI is less than $900,000, unless 75% or more of the income is from farming, ranching, or silviculture activities.²⁰

Forest Conservation Easement Program

The bill would create a new Forest Conservation Easement Program (FCEP) that would fund two types of easements: forest land easements and forest reserve easements. Forest land easements would be similar to ACEP agricultural land easements in that they would protect the sustainability of forest lands by limiting non-forest land uses. Forest reserve easements would be similar to Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) easements in that they would protect and enhance forest ecosystems and species habitat. The bill would repeal HFRP and provide FCEP mandatory funding through FY2029.

Other Conservation Programs

H.R. 7567 includes adjustments to other conservation programs. The proposed adjustments would increase funding for those programs, such as the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Program. The bill also would make changes relating to streamlining, adjusting federal cost share, or altering eligibility requirements to programs including the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, the Emergency Conservation Program, and the Watershed Rehabilitation Program.

Nearly all of the conservation programs receive mandatory funding. Much of this funding was adjusted under the FY2025 budget reconciliation law.²¹ Under H.R. 7567, the conservation title is estimated to be budget neutral with reductions in EQIP offsetting increases in other programs.

Table 5. Title II, Conservation

Current Law/Policy

H.R. 7567 as Reported by the Committee

Subtitle A—Definitions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subtitle B—Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subtitle C—Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No comparable provision.

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

No comparable provision.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Establishment and administration. Increases the total limit for organic production conservation practices to a total of $200,000 for FY2027-FY2031. (§2202(d))

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

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

No comparable provision.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subtitle D—Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

No comparable provision.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No comparable provision.

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

Subtitle E—Other Conservation Programs

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

Conservation of private grazing land. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§2401)

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

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

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

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

No comparable provision.

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

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

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

Rehabilitation of structural measures near, at, or past their evaluated life expectancy. Provides 65%-100% of the cost of rehabilitating dams built by NRCS that are near, at, or past their evaluated life expectancy. Implemented as the Watershed Rehabilitation Program. (16 U.S.C. §1012(b)(2))

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

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

Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels for the Watershed Rehabilitation Program through FY2031. (§2403(c))

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

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

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

Emergency watershed program. Amends the floodplain easement requirements under the EWP program to include floodplain restoration, maintenance, and compatible use authority. Allows restoration on floodplain easements to be undertaken at levels above immediate impairment needs if it is in the best interest of the long-term health and protection of the watershed. (§2405)

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

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

No comparable provision.

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

Subtitle F—Funding and Administration

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Delivery of technical assistance. Defines a nonfederal certifying entity as a nonfederal entity, an Indian Tribe, or a state agency that is approved by USDA to certify third-party technical service providers. (§2502(a))

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

Delivery of technical assistance. Expands TSP definition to specifically include commercial and nonprofit entities, state and local governments, and federal agencies. Amends the certification process to allow for other nonfederal certifying entities to approve TSPs. Adds requirements, including application deadlines, for nonfederal certifying entities. (§2502(d))

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

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

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

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

No comparable provision.

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

No comparable provision.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No comparable provision.

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

Subtitle G—Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No comparable provision.

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

No comparable provision.

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

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

Wetland reserve easements. Renames subsection. Expands eligibility to federal and local agencies. Adds repair, assessment, and monitoring to the actions that could be carried out through a contract or agreement. (§2603(d))

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

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

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

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

No comparable provision.

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

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

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

Subtitle H—Forest Conservation Easement Program (FCEP)

No directly comparable provision.

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

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

Forest conservation easement program. Creates a new forest conservation easement program that funds two types of easements: forest land easements and forest reserve easements. Forest land easements are similar to ALEs under ACEP. Forest reserve easements are similar to easements under HFRP, which would be repealed upon enactment (§2902). Authorizes FCEP to acquire easements for the purpose of protecting the sustainability of forest lands by limiting non-forest land uses, protecting and enhancing forest ecosystems and species habitats, and carrying out the purposes of HFRP prior to repeal. (§2701)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Program means FCEP; and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subtitle I—Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)

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

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

Definitions. Defines seven terms under RCPP, including covered program to include ACEP, EQIP, CSP, HFRP, CRP, and Watershed Operations. (16 U.S.C. §3871a(1))

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

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

Regional conservation partnerships. Requires partnership agreements be entered into within 180 days after selection. Limits the information required in the agreement. (§2803(a))

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

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

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

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

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

Funding. Deletes provision and makes conforming amendments, with funding language for FY2027-FY2031 being moved to an earlier section (see §2501(a)(3)) with no change in funding levels. (§2805(a))

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sources: Compiled by CRS from H.R. 7567 as reported by the House Committee on Agriculture (H.Rept. 119-620).

a. "Agriculture committees of jurisdiction" refers to the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Title III, Trade²²

The trade title of H.R. 7567 addresses U.S. international food assistance and agricultural trade programs (Table 6).²³ Under the farm bill authority, U.S. international food assistance is distributed through three main programs: (1) Title II of Food for Peace (FFP Title II, which provides emergency and nonemergency food assistance); (2) Food for Progress, which supports agricultural development; and (3) the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, which procures food to be used in school programs and other feeding programs. Traditionally, these three programs have relied on U.S. agricultural commodities for their activities. However, recent farm bills have added flexibility to purchase food in local markets or to directly transfer cash or vouchers to needy recipients. Currently under statute, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) administers FFP Title II and USDA administers the other two programs.²⁴

H.R. 7567 would reauthorize all international food aid programs. The bill would move responsibilities of USAID under the Food for Peace Act (FFPA; P.L. 83-480), as amended, to USDA, including administration of FFP Title II Grants; require the use of at least 50% of available funds to procure U.S. agricultural commodities and related ocean transportation on U.S. flagged vessels; narrow FFPA Title II authorities to provide emergency food aid; and require the procurement of ready-to-use therapeutic foods for nonemergency food assistance under specified conditions of global child malnutrition.

H.R. 7567 would extend authorities for several other FFPA and related international programs, including the Farmer-to-Farmer program, Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust, and Global Crop Diversity Trust through FY2031. The bill would also create the International Agriculture Cultural Immersion and Exchange Program.

Current U.S. agricultural export promotion programs include the Market Access Program (MAP), the Foreign Market Development (FMD) Cooperator Program, the E (Kika) de la Garza Emerging Markets Program, and the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops. These programs fall under the umbrella Agricultural Trade Promotion and Facilitation Program and are administered by USDA. H.R. 7567 would increase annual mandatory Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funding for these programs for FY2027 totaling $500 million (up from $255 million). The bill would then increase annual funding for these programs to $533 million annually from FY2028 through FY2031. The bill would authorize an FMD subprogram beginning in FY2027 to improve infrastructure to address issues related to the loss or damage of U.S. agricultural exports in new and developing foreign markets. H.R. 7567 would reauthorize direct credits or export credit guarantees for agricultural exports to emerging markets of not less than $1 billion annually through FY2031. The bill would repeal the prohibition of MAP funding to assist mink trade associations and repeal a supplemental agricultural trade promotion program funded by mandatory CCC funding beginning in FY2027 at $285 million annually.

H.R. 7567 would require USDA to define the term common name for agricultural products and require USDA, in coordination with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), to negotiate U.S. rights to use common names for agricultural products in foreign markets. The bill would establish an interagency working group focused on the trade of seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables and an interagency task force for agricultural trade enforcement. H.R. 7567 would require the Government Accountability Office to submit a report to the House Committees on Agriculture and on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committees on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; and on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions with policy options available for USDA to support the competitiveness of U.S. shrimp and seafood producers in domestic and global markets. The bill would also require USDA and USTR to submit two reports to the House Committees on Agriculture, on Ways and Means, and on Foreign Affairs and Senate Committees on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; on Finance; and on Foreign Relations. One report is about how potential changes or revocation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement would affect U.S. agricultural imports and exports.²⁵ The other report is about the effect on U.S. beef and cattle markets due to a change in U.S. tariff-rate quotas or other duties on fresh and frozen Argentinian beef imports.²⁶

Table 6. Title III, Trade

Current Law/Policy

H.R. 7567 as Reported by the Committee

Subtitle A—Food for Peace Act

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

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

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

Food aid quality assurance. Amends emergency assistance under FFPA Title II to be subject to other provisions of law but notwithstanding from other provisions of FFPA. Authorizes USDA to provide nonemergency assistance, including in the form of agricultural commodities. Adds nongovernmental organizations as eligible entities to receive nonemergency assistance. Requires at least 50% of the funds made available to USDA under FFPA Title II to be used to procure U.S. agricultural commodities and provide their ocean transportation. Extends annual funding limit at current levels through FY2031. (§3102)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pre-positioning of agricultural commodities and annual report regarding food aid programs and activities. Extends authority and funding requirements at current levels for prepositioning of agricultural commodities through FY2031. Makes changes to the required USDA annual report to the agriculture committees of jurisdictiona and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Removes some specified topics and adds others. (§3108)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No comparable provision.

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

Subtitle B—Agricultural Trade Act of 1978

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

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

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

Agricultural trade promotion and facilitation. Changes report requirements. Requires USDA, in consultation with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), to submit to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction,a House Committee on Ways and Means, and Senate Committee on Finance every two years a public report on the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops. Requires the report to identify foreign countries' policies and practices that are barriers to U.S. specialty crop exports, enhancements to imported specialty crop competitiveness to U.S. specialty crops, and differences in food safety regulations that may result in risks to U.S. consumers from imported specialty crops. Requires the report to include information about actions taken or expected to be taken by executive and legislative branches to address foreign trade barriers, policies, and practices. Requires reasons for any unobligated TASC funds. Requires USDA, in coordination with USTR, to seek and consider comments from the public and the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Fruits and Vegetables for preparation of the report. (§3201(b))

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

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

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

Agricultural trade promotion and facilitation. Repeals prohibition. (§3201(d))

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

Agricultural trade promotion and facilitation. Repeals the program. (§3201(d))

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

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

No comparable provision.

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

No comparable provision.

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

Subtitle C—Other Agricultural Trade Laws

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

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

Food for Progress (FFPr). Establishes FFPr, which requires USDA to enter into agreements with eligible entities to furnish agricultural commodities acquired by USDA or the CCC to developing countries and emerging democracies. No less than 400 thousand metric tons of commodities will be provided annually but no more than $40 million may fund costs outside of the cost of commodities annually through FY2026 unless authorized by appropriations in advance. Authorizes proceeds generated from the sale of agricultural commodities to be used for food assistance and development programs. Terminates the program on December 31, 2026. (7 U.S.C. §1736o; P.L. 119-37)

Food for Progress Act of 1985. Extends FFPr funding requirements through FY2031. Requires USDA to enter into two or more agreements annually with two or more eligible entities to provide developing countries and emerging democracies with agricultural commodities acquired by USDA or the CCC. Removes the term humanitarian from program purposes and for costs incurred by eligible entities. Program terminates on December 31, 2031. (§3302)

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

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

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

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

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

International agricultural education fellowship program. Extends authorization of appropriations through FY2031. Requires USDA, to the maximum extent possible, to implement fellowship programs in participating host countries no for less than three consecutive years and ensure contracts awarded to outside organizations are multi-year. (§3305)

No comparable provision.

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

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

International food security technical assistance. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§3307)

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

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

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

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

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

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

No comparable provision.

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

No comparable provision.

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

Subtitle D—Other Trade Matters

No comparable provision.

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

No comparable provision.

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

Sources: Compiled by CRS from H.R. 7567 as reported by the House Committee on Agriculture (H.Rept. 119-620).

a. "Agriculture committees of jurisdiction" refers to the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Title IV, Nutrition²⁷

The nutrition title of H.R. 7567 would amend the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), food distribution programs, and related nutrition assistance and food access programs and policies (Table 7).²⁸ This title contains nearly all of the bill's policies related to programs administered by USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). The bill generally would reauthorize SNAP and farm bill nutrition programs' expiring authorities for five years through the end of FY2031.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

The 2025 budget reconciliation bill (P.L. 119-21) made changes to SNAP's financing, rules for determining benefit amounts, and eligibility requirements (work and citizenship rules specifically).²⁹ H.R. 7567 would not make further changes to these aspects of SNAP.

The bill would alter the statutory purpose of SNAP to state that Congress recognizes that the program can further the health of individuals in low-income households and USDA should administer the program in such a way as to provide participants access to a variety of foods for optimal health and well-being. Current law requires SNAP certification of eligibility and benefits to be made by state employees; the bill would give states authority to contract out these SNAP certifications under certain circumstances. On other aspects of state administration, the bill requires two reports: (1) a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on SNAP administrative expenses; and (2) a requirement that USDA publish for informational purposes all payment errors (official payment error rates disregard small errors below a certain dollar threshold).

The bill proposes changes to the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) and retailer policy. The bill would make permanent a bar on EBT fees for switching or routing SNAP benefits. It changes the waiting period for stores that apply to accept SNAP and fail to meet criteria. Specifically, it would allow the retail applicant to fail twice in a three-year period before imposing a waiting period. The bill would set a deadline of six months for USDA to propose a regulation to secure SNAP EBT cards from electronic theft. H.R. 7567 also would require USDA to transition the current SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot to permanent nationwide operations.

The bill would alter how some incentives may be offered for SNAP participants' purchase of certain foods. Under current law, the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) makes competitive grants for "nutrition incentive" projects that incentivize SNAP purchases of fruits and vegetables and "produce prescription" projects that provide fresh fruits and vegetables to specified individuals with or at risk of diet-related disease. H.R. 7567 would prioritize GusNIP nutrition incentive grant applications for projects that incentivize all forms of fruits and vegetables (not limited to "fresh"). The bill would require produce prescription projects to offer all forms of fruits, vegetables, and legumes. The bill would also eliminate matching fund requirements for GusNIP grantees in counties with persistently high poverty. The bill would rename the Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives Projects (HFMI) as the Dairy Nutrition Incentive Projects. It would make certain cheeses and yogurts eligible for incentives under those projects. For SNAP incentive initiatives generally (not GusNIP or HFMI), the bill would make it easier for animal protein to qualify as an eligible incentive.

Food Distribution Programs

The bill's nutrition title would continue and, in some cases, amend the nutrition assistance programs that distribute USDA-purchased foods to low-income households—Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR); Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP); and the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).

For CSFP, the bill would authorize a competitive grant pilot program for home delivery projects. It would add new self-determination contract authority allowing tribal organizations to purchase CSFP foods instead of using USDA commodities. Relatedly, the bill would require USDA to appoint an office to administer tribal self-determination contracts.

The bill would expand the fresh produce options available for emergency feeding organizations through TEFAP by giving states the option to redeem up to 20% of their TEFAP entitlement commodity allocations through the Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (DoD Fresh).

Other Nutrition Programs and Policies

The bill includes changes to other existing nutrition programs and policies, and would create one new program.

For the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), the bill would expand the list of eligible items for purchase to include maple syrup and tree nuts. The bill would also require new and more frequent reports from the Food Loss and Waste Reduction Liaison and increase the authorized funding for the Healthy Food Financing Initiative. Additionally, the bill would amend the timeline, scope, and committee requirements for the publication of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). The bill includes a new local food procurement program, drawing from aspects of the USDA-initiated Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Cooperative Agreement Program that operated in 2022-2024. In October 2024 USDA announced the availability of additional LFPA funding, and rescinded the funding in 2025.³⁰

For the school meals programs (National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program), the bill would change Buy American requirements (e.g., codifying a 5% cap on nondomestic purchases).

Table 7. Title IV, Nutrition

Current Law/Policy

H.R. 7567 as Reported by the Committee

Subtitle A—Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

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

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

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

Prohibited fees. Makes the prohibition of these fees permanent (i.e., removes the end date). (§4102)

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

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

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

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

Updates to administrative processes for SNAP retailers. Amends the minimum six-month waiting period to apply when the retailer applicant does not meet USDA criteria on two consecutive occasions in a three-year period. (§4104)

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

Report on all identified payment errors. Requires USDA to provide a supplement to annual reports on the payment error rate. The supplement is to show all errors, including those below the tolerance level. These supplemental data must not be used to change the official payment error rates under the QC system and must not affect state matching for benefits or liabilities. (§4105)

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

Authorization of appropriations. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§4106)

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

Retail food store and recipient trafficking. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§4107)

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

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

No comparable provision.

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

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

This definition of eligible incentive food applies to incentives that do not receive federal funding (i.e., it is not the definition for the GusNIP or HRMI).

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

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

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

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

Emergency food assistance programs. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§4112(a))

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

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

Allotment and delivery of commodities. Provides the formula for the allocation and reallocation of TEFAP entitlement commodities. (7 U.S.C. §7515(c)) States currently use their allocation of entitlement commodities to order from USDA's TEFAP offerings, primarily shelf-stable foods with some, but limited, fresh produce offerings. The Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (DoD Fresh) is a partnership between USDA and the Department of Defenseb that currently enables child nutrition programs and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) to use DoD's food supply chain to procure fresh fruits and vegetables.

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

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

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

Subtitle B—Commodity Distribution Programs

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). Through FY2026, provides $20.6 million in annual mandatory funding from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) for the SFMNP. The program provides benefits redeemable for "fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs from farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs to low-income seniors." (7 U.S.C. §3007; P.L. 119-37)

Commodity distribution program. Reauthorizes the program and its current annual mandatory CCC funding through FY2031. Adds maple syrup and tree nuts (including shelled tree nuts) to eligible SFMNP foods. (§4201(a))

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

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

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

Commodity supplemental food program. Extends current law through FY2031.

Establishes a new competitive grant pilot program "for the operation of projects that increase the access of low-income elderly persons to commodities through home delivery or other means and to evaluate such projects." Requires USDA to award grants, on a competitive basis, to CSFP state agencies or to state agencies on behalf of local or sub-distributing CSFP agencies. Requires states awarded grants to prioritize entities that serve participants residing in rural areas. Requires state agency awardees to submit a report to USDA according to specifications. To carry out this pilot authorizes appropriations of $10 million annually through FY2031. (§4202)

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

Distribution of surplus commodities to special nutrition projects. Extends current law through FY2031. (§4203)

No directly comparable provision.

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

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

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

Requires USDA to appoint an existing office of the USDA to administer tribal self-determination contracts (including but not limited to awarding FNS program contracts). Authorizes appropriations of $1.2 million annually through FY2031 for the payment of USDA contract officers and program staff salaries. (§4204(b))

Subtitle C—Miscellaneous

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

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

Buy American in school meals programs. School food authorities located in the 48 contiguous states that participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), the School Breakfast Program (SBP), or both must purchase domestic commodities or products to the maximum extent practicable. Current law does not define maximum extent practicable; however, recent USDA regulations institute a 10% cap on nondomestic purchases beginning in school year 2025-2026, an 8% cap beginning in school year 2028-2029, and a 5% cap beginning in school year 2031-2032. Items must meet certain product availability, cost constraints, or both for schools to use such exemptions. (42 U.S.C. §1760(n); 7 C.F.R. §210.21(d))

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

The Gus Schumacher nutrition incentive program. GusNIP awards competitive grants for nutrition incentive projects (bonus incentives awarded for SNAP purchases of fruits and vegetables) and produce prescription projects (fresh fruits and vegetables for specified low-income individuals with or at risk of diet-related disease). (7 U.S.C. §7517)

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

Authorizes and funds one or more Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Centers. Requires nutrition incentive grantees, with the exception of tribal organizations, to provide matching resources of not less than 50% of activity costs. (USDA has implemented this as requiring a 50% match of grantees.) (7 U.S.C. §7517)

Reauthorization of the Gus Schumacher nutrition incentive program. Amends the nutrition incentive matching requirement to authorize USDA to waive matching requirements for an activity carried out in high-poverty counties. Specifically, a county that during the preceding 30-year period has had a population where 20% or greater are living in poverty; or a census tract with a poverty rate of at least 20% during the preceding 30-year period. The provision includes specific U.S. Census Bureau data sources for these measurements. (§4303)

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

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

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

Reauthorization of the Gus Schumacher nutrition incentive program. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. Extends through FY2031 the limits on produce prescription program and federal administrative costs. Extends $7 million per year for the Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Centers through FY2031. (§4303)

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

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

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

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

No directly comparable provision.

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

Local farmers feeding our communities program. Directs USDA to establish a cooperative agreement program that provides funds to state, tribal, and territorial governments to purchase unprocessed or minimally processed foods from domestic producers either within the state or within 400 miles of the delivery destination. Gives preference to procure foods from small-size producers, medium-size producers, beginning farmers and ranchers, or veteran farmers and ranchers. Program funds may be used for procurement, technical assistance, distribution, and the expansion of economic opportunities for local producers, with specific allocations stated in the section. The program funds are to be awarded to organizations with experience in food distribution, including non-profits. Authorizes appropriations of $200 million annually through FY2031. (§4306)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sources: Compiled by CRS from H.R. 7567 as reported by the House Committee on Agriculture (H.Rept. 119-620).

a. "Agriculture committees of jurisdiction" refers to the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

b. The Department of Defense is "using a secondary Department of War designation" under Executive Order 14347 of September 5, 2025, "Restoring the United States Department of War."

Title V, Credit³¹

The credit title of H.R. 7567 would amend agricultural credit programs that are designed to increase access to loans (Table 8).³² It would reauthorize appropriations and make policy changes to the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) farm loan programs in the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. §§1921 et seq.). It would also modify policies in the Farm Credit Act that authorizes the Farm Credit System (FCS) and Farmer Mac (12 U.S.C. §§2001 et seq.). It also would make technical corrections to eliminate outdated terms and update references.

FSA is a direct government lender for family-sized farms that do not qualify for credit elsewhere at reasonable terms. FSA also provides credit guarantees on loans that are made by other lenders. Although FSA has a small share of the market, it is an important lender for certain segments, such as beginning farmers and ranchers. FCS is a private, cooperative lender with a statutory mandate to serve creditworthy farmers, ranchers and aquatic producers, and certain agribusinesses, cooperatives, and rural homeowners. As a government-sponsored enterprise, FCS has lower costs of funds to help ensure credit availability in rural areas. Farmer Mac is a privately owned secondary market for agricultural loans, a separate government-sponsored enterprise from FCS.³³

H.R. 7567 would increase the maximum loan amounts for individual farmers and ranchers who borrow from USDA. For direct farm ownership loans, the limit would increase from $600,000 to $850,000. For direct operating loans, the limit would increase from $400,000 to $750,000. For guaranteed loans, the limit would increase from an inflation-adjusted $2.3 million in FY2026 to $3 million for operating loans and $3.5 million for farm ownership loans, both of which would adjust for inflation after FY2026. Because the guaranteed loan programs operate with a combined limit, each limit being reduced by any outstanding balance in the other, establishing different limits for the two guaranteed loan programs could make implementation more complicated. For direct microloans, the maximum loan would increase from $50,000 to $100,000. The bill would eliminate a separate limit on down payment loans. These increased limits follow inflation in land prices and input costs since the last increases in 2018. For eligibility, H.R. 7567 would reduce a three-year experience requirement to qualify for the farm loan program to two years and give USDA authority to determine other training or experience that could qualify. The bill would let USDA define qualified operators as entities that could be eligible for loans, in recognition of evolving business arrangements for family farming. For the Heirs Property Relending Program, which resolves title issues, H.R. 7567 would authorize new cooperative agreements to provide legal services to heirs.

For FCS, H.R. 7567 would permit lending for essential community facilities, provided that FCS offers a loan participation opportunity to local rural community banks. For CoBank, the FCS lender for cooperatives, the bill would expand the limit on financing agricultural exports from 50% of CoBank's capital to 15% of its assets.³⁴ It would expand the definition of rural for financing water and waste disposal systems from cities with up to 20,000 people to areas with up to 50,000 people.

For Farmer Mac, H.R. 7567 would expand coverage to include Rural Energy for America Program guaranteed loans. It would also raise the individual loan limit for farms greater than 2,000 acres from $17.4 million in 2025, adjusted for inflation, to 10% of Farmer Mac's Tier 1 capital (about $171 million as of December 31, 2025), unless the regulator sets a smaller limit.

Table 8. Title V, Credit

Current Law/Policy

H.R. 7567 as Reported by the Committee

Subtitle A—Farm Ownership Loans

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

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

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

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

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

Refinancing of indebtedness into direct loans. Adds a section for farm ownership loans in 7 U.S.C. §1923 that requires USDA to issue regulations within one year of enactment that allow refinancing of guaranteed loans into direct loans. Eligible loans must be determined by USDA to be in distress, in monetary default such that the lender has initiated liquidation or foreclosure, and have a reasonable chance of success. (§5103)

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

Conservation loan and loan guarantee program. Adds precision agriculture practices and technologies to the priority list. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§5104)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subtitle B—Farm Operating Loans

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subtitle C—Emergency Loans

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

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

Subtitle D—Administrative Provisions

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

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

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

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

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

Loan fund set-asides. Extends the set-aside through FY2031. (§5403)

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

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

Subtitle E—Miscellaneous

Eligibility for credit. Authorizes Farm Credit Banks and Production Credit Associations to make loans to businesses furnishing farm-related services directly related to a farm's or ranch's on-farm operating needs (in addition to farmers, ranchers, producers or harvesters of aquatic products, and owners of rural homes). (12 U.S.C. §§2017, 2019(c)(1), 2075(a))

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

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

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

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

Support for rural water and waste systems. Expands the definition of rural for CoBank rural water systems guaranteed loans to areas not within a town greater than 50,000 people or areas adjacent to such cities as defined in 7 U.S.C. §1991(a)(13)(A). (§5503)

No comparable provision.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

State agricultural loan mediation programs. Authorizes grants of up to $500,000 to states that operate agricultural loan mediation programs to resolve disputes. Authorizes appropriations annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §5102, 7 U.S.C. §5106; P.L. 119-37)

State agricultural mediation programs. Increases the maximum grant amount from $500,000 to $700,000. Authorizes states to carry over up to 25% of unobligated amounts. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§5507)

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

Technical corrections. Eliminates outdated references to county committees for processes in which they are no longer involved. (§5508(a))

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

Technical corrections. Revises the assessment interval for direct loans so they will be reviewed periodically as determined by USDA. (§5508(b))

Outdated agency names. Numerous sections in the ConAct refer to the Farmers Home Administration, Rural Development Agency, Rural Development Administration, and Rural Electrification Administration. (7 U.S.C. §§1928, 1929, 1981, 1981a, 1983a, 1985, 1988, 1995, 1997, 2001a, 2004, 2006c, 2008e)

Technical corrections. Amends provisions to replace outdated names with Farm Service Agency, Rural Development, or Rural Utilities Service. (§5508(c))

Sale of acquired property. For farm property acquired by USDA during loan servicing (such as through foreclosure), sets the interval for USDA to advertise the property to 15 days and for sale to occur not later than 135 days after acquisition. (7 U.S.C. §1985(c)(1))

Technical corrections. Extends the interval to 60 days for USDA to advertise property and not later than 180 days after acquisition for sale to occur. (§5508(d))

Inventory property disposition. Sets terms for USDA to dispose of loan inventory property. (7 U.S.C. §§1981(b)(1), 1985(f))

Technical corrections. Strikes outdated language pertaining to the 1970s and 1980s about contracting for inventory disposal and resolving security interests. (§5508(e))

District offices. The ConAct refers to "District Offices." (7 U.S.C. §1983a(a)(2)(B))

Technical corrections. Replaces references to "District Office" with "District Director." (§5508(f))

Definition of United States and state. Includes the states, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. (7 U.S.C. §1991(a)(6))

Technical corrections. Corrects an outdated reference to the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands by specifying "Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands." (§5508(g))

Definition of farmer program loan. The definition includes farm ownership loans, farm operating loans, soil and water loans, and emergency loans. (7 U.S.C. §1991(a)(10))

Technical corrections. Adds conservation loans to the list of loan programs after 2008 and adds a sunset date for soil and water loans before 2008. (§5508(h))

Definition of qualified beginning farmer or rancher. Sets criteria for being considered a beginning farmer to those farmers operating less than 10 years, to business entities with certain organization structures, and for material participation in the operation of the farms, among other criteria. (7 U.S.C. §1991(a)(11)(C))

Technical corrections. Removes wording that requires entities have individuals who are related "by blood or marriage" and replaces it with "qualified beginning farmers." (§5508(i))

Purpose of loans. Includes references to specific conservation loan practices. (7 U.S.C. §§1923(a)(1)(D) and (2)(D), 1934)

Technical corrections. Updates provisions to more generally refer to conservation practices, rather than referencing a list of specific practices. (§5508(j))

Debt restructuring and loan servicing. Requires using registered or certified mail for notices of ineligibility. (7 U.S.C. §2001(i)(1))

Technical corrections. Authorizes any method of notification that provides documentation of delivery. (§5508(k))

Water and waste facility loans and grants. Requires USDA to use the Soil Conservation Service in providing technical assistance to applicants. (7 U.S.C. §1926(a)(13))

Technical corrections. Updates the agency reference to the Natural Resources Conservation Service. (§5508(l))

Interest rates. Sets the range for interest rates for direct loans in the low-income farm ownership loan program to be not less than 5% and not more than one-half of the yield on five-year Treasuries plus up to 1% (7 U.S.C. §1927(a)(3)(B)). The same range is allowed for microloans for veteran farmers or beginning farmers and ranchers, and for other direct operating loans to low-income limited resource borrowers. (7 U.S.C. §1946(a)(2))

Technical corrections. Sets a maximum interest rate of 5%; that is, for the same referenced programs, sets the interest rate to be the rate for direct farm ownership loans, but not to exceed 5%. (§5508(m))

Reference to down payment loans. A section with the heading "Beginning farmer loans" provides a 95% loan guarantee to beginning, socially disadvantaged, and veteran farmers and ranchers. (7 U.S.C. §1929(h)(6))

Technical corrections. To make the heading consistent, strikes "Beginning farmer loans" and inserts "Down payment loan program participant." (§5508(n))

Private reserve for family living expenses. Permits up to the smaller of 10% or $5,000 of an operating loan to be reserved for family living expenses. (7 U.S.C. §1942(d))

Technical corrections. Eliminates specific authority for a private reserve account. (Family living expenses are allowed in the general purposes of loans in 7 U.S.C. §1942(a)). (§5508(o))

Graduation of borrowers to private credit. Requires USDA to have a plan to help borrowers develop their borrowing capacity so as not to need USDA loans and to be able to obtain commercial credit. (7 U.S.C. §1949)

Technical corrections. Eliminates references to loan guarantees in the graduation requirement, since guaranteed loans no longer have term limits in other farm loan provisions. (§5508(p))

Long-term cost projection, low-income limited resource requirement. Requires USDA to develop three-year projections of the loans beginning in 1983. Requires 25% of loans be for low-income limited resource borrowers and that USDA inform borrowers of such provisions. (7 U.S.C. §§1994(c) and (d))

Technical corrections. Eliminates the requirement for cost projections. Eliminates the set-aside for low-income limited resource borrowers; such priorities are expressed in other provisions. (§5508(q))

Appeals. Provides an appeal process for homestead protection (7 U.S.C. §2000(c)(3)) and debt restructuring (7 U.S.C. §2001(h) and (j))

Technical corrections. Deletes an obsolete reference to a repealed appeals provision and inserts updated references. (§5508(r))

Farmer loan pilot projects. Requires that loan pilot projects be consistent with subchapter A (real estate loans). (7 U.S.C. §1983d(a))

Technical corrections. Eliminates subchapter A from the requirement. (§5508(s))

Standards for qualified loans; mortgage loans. Directs Farmer Mac to establish standards for qualified loans. (12 U.S.C. §2279aa–8(a)(3))

Technical corrections. Changes the heading from "Mortgage loans" to "Loan quality." (§5508(t))

No comparable provision.

Reporting on improving creditworthiness of direct and guaranteed loan borrowers. Requires USDA to provide a report to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction,a within one year of enactment, evaluating the feasibility of requiring adoption of risk management practices as a condition for approving direct and guaranteed farm operating loans. The goal is to improve the creditworthiness of borrowers. (§5509)

Examinations of FCS institutions. Requires the Farm Credit Administration to examine FCS institutions at least once every 18 months. (12 U.S.C. §2254(a))

Farm Credit Administration option to examine low-risk Farm Credit System institutions on a 24-month cycle. Authorizes the Farm Credit Administration discretion to extend by 6 months (to 24 months) the time period between mandatory examinations for small, low-risk institutions. (§5510)

Sources: Compiled by CRS from H.R. 7567 as reported by the House Committee on Agriculture (H.Rept. 119-620).

a. "Agriculture committees of jurisdiction" refers to the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Title VI, Rural Development³⁵

The rural development title of H.R. 7567 would amend many of the more than 40 programs administered through the USDA Rural Development (RD) mission area (Table 9).³⁶ These programs address rural utilities, rural business development, and rural community facilities. The bill would extend authorization of appropriations for most of these programs through FY2031. The bill would also establish new RD programs and initiatives. In particular, the bill would address RD programs and initiatives related to rural health care, broadband deployment, and water and waste disposal infrastructure.

Rural Health Care

In the 2018 farm bill, Congress prioritized funding within certain RD programs for projects that address substance use disorder.³⁷ The programs with prioritized funding were the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program, Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program, and Rural Health and Safety Education Programs. Under H.R. 7567, such funding, through FY2027, would be prioritized for projects that address behavioral, maternal, and mental health services as well as substance use disorder. H.R. 7567 would also expand the types of health care institutions eligible to refinance debt using RD loans under certain circumstances.³⁸ The bill would expand the eligibility from rural hospitals to also include rural health care facilities, which would include psychiatric hospitals, critical access care hospitals, religious nonmedical health care institutions, and community health centers. In addition, H.R. 7567 would establish a new program called the Rural Health Care Facility Technical Assistance Program that would provide grants to help rural health care facilities improve their long-term financial positions.

Broadband Deployment

The Rural Broadband Program and ReConnect Program help deploy broadband to rural areas.³⁹ H.R. 7567 would expand the Rural Broadband Program and rename it the ReConnect Rural Broadband Program. The bill would amend the service areas eligible to receive broadband through the program. Currently, areas where at least 50% of households do not have broadband at speeds of at least 25 Megabits per second download, 3 Megabits per second upload (25/3 Mbps), are eligible. The bill would amend eligibility to include service areas where at least 75% of households do not have broadband at speeds of at least 50/25 Mbps. The bill would also adjust the priority areas for funding. For example, the bill would prioritize funding for projects that serve areas that do not have broadband speeds of at least 25/3 Mbps. Currently, funding is prioritized for areas that do not have broadband speeds of at least 10/1 Mbps. H.R. 7567 would also terminate the ReConnect Program and transfer unobligated funds to the ReConnect Rural Broadband Program.

Water and Waste Disposal Infrastructure

H.R. 7567 would amend the Circuit Rider Program, Rural Decentralized Water Assistance Program, and Solid Waste Management Grant Program. The Circuit Rider Program provides technical assistance to rural water systems that are experiencing issues with their day-to-day operations.⁴⁰ Under H.R. 7567, the Circuit Rider Program would be expanded to also provide rural water and wastewater systems with disaster recovery assistance. The bill would adjust which rural systems could receive assistance. For technical assistance with day-to-day operations, rural systems would have to be located in areas of 10,000 or fewer people. For disaster recovery assistance, rural systems would have to be located in areas of 50,000 or fewer people.

The Rural Decentralized Water Systems Grant Program provides grants to nonprofit organizations so that they can provide loans and subgrants to eligible individuals to construct, refurbish, and service household water well systems and septic systems.⁴¹ Currently, an eligible household must have a combined income for all of its members of no more than 60% of the median nonmetropolitan household income of the state or territory where they live. H.R. 7567 would increase this threshold to 80% of the median nonmetropolitan household income. Currently, the maximum award per household is $15,000. The bill would increase the maximum award per household to $20,000.

The Solid Waste Management Program makes grants to nonprofit organizations to provide technical assistance to local governments, regional governments, and related agencies to help reduce or eliminate water pollution and manage solid waste disposal facilities.⁴² H.R. 7567 would add Indian tribes as one of the entities to which nonprofit organizations can provide technical assistance.

In addition, H.R. 7567 would provide new authority for USDA to modify or waive certain requirements in order to promote long-term sustainability and financial viability of the drinking water and wastewater services. For economically distressed communities, the bill would authorize USDA to modify or waive certain requirements within USDA water and waste disposal programs.

Other Issues

H.R. 7567 aims to address issues related to rural childcare and the adoption of precision agriculture technology. The bill would establish a new initiative called the Expanding Childcare in Rural America Initiative. Through FY2029, the initiative would prioritize funding for projects that address rural childcare. The prioritization would apply to the Community Facilities Loan and Grant Program, Business and Industry Loan Guarantee Program, Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program, and Intermediary Relending Program.

H.R. 7567 would also authorize USDA to issue and insure loans to expand the adoption of precision agriculture technology. The bill would require USDA to develop standards, guidelines, and best practices for precision agriculture in consultation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Federal Communications Commission.

Table 9. Title VI, Rural Development

Current Law/Policy

H.R. 7567 as Reported by the Committee

Subtitle A—Improving Health Outcomes in Rural America

Combating substance use disorder in rural America; prioritizations. Prioritizes funding for substance use disorder projects for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program, Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program, and Rural Health and Safety Education Programs through FY2025. (P.L. 115-334, §6101(a))

Prioritizations for distance learning and telemedicine and community facilities program. Expands prioritization to projects beyond substance use disorder to also include projects that address mental health, behavioral health, and maternal health services. Extends prioritization for substance use disorder and the additional areas through FY2027. Prioritizes funding for rural health facilities offering substance use disorder and additional service areas. (§6101)

Telemedicine and distance learning in rural areas. Authorizes USDA to provide grants to expand distance learning and telemedicine in rural areas. Authorizes appropriations of $82 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §950aaa-5; P.L. 119-37)

Distance learning and telemedicine loans and grants. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. Makes those appropriations available for two fiscal years after the fiscal year when funding is appropriated. (§6102)

Subtitle B—Connecting Rural Americans to High Speed Broadband

Access to broadband telecommunications services in rural areas. Authorizes USDA to provide loans and loan guarantees to help deploy broadband in rural areas. As of April 10, 2026, Congress has not appropriated funding for grants. USDA established the Rural Broadband Program. The program prioritizes funding for projects that meet certain conditions. For example, funding is prioritized for unserved rural communities without broadband service at 10 Megabits download, 1 Megabit upload (10/1 Mbps). Eligible service areas are areas where at least 50% of the households do not have broadband at speeds of at least 25/3 Mbps.

Authorizes USDA to use between 3% and 5% of program funding in a fiscal year for technical assistance and training. Authorizes appropriations of $350 million annually through FY2026. Terminates authority for the program on September 30, 2026. (7 U.S.C. §950bb; P.L. 119-37)

Authorizes USDA to establish a new broadband loan and grant pilot program (later called the ReConnect Program) under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 and provided initial funding through P.L. 115-141. Subsequent funding and authority for the program was provided through annual appropriations acts. (P.L. 115-141, §779)

Rural broadband program loans and grants. Amends the Rural Broadband Program and renames it the ReConnect Rural Broadband Program. Amends, adds, and deletes some of the funding priorities for the program. For example, it amends the priority for unserved rural communities to increase the minimum broadband level to 25/3 Mbps.

Amends eligible service areas to be areas where at least 75% of households lack broadband at speeds of at least 50/25 Mbps. Authorizes USDA to adjust the minimum acceptable broadband level over time if certain requirements are met. Requires USDA to consider affordability of broadband service when determining unserved households for grant-funded projects. Also authorizes USDA to prioritize projects that upgrade existing networks to meet the buildout broadband speed requirements.

Removes authority for USDA to use between 3% and 5% of funding provided for the program for a fiscal year for technical assistance and training.

Similar to the ReConnect Pilot Program, it authorizes USDA through the ReConnect Rural Broadband Program to issue grant-loan combination awards.

Extends authorization of appropriations at current levels through FY2031. Extends termination of the authority for the program through September 30, 2031. Sunsets the ReConnect Pilot Program 270 days after enactment. Transfers any unobligated funding from the ReConnect Program to the ReConnect Rural Broadband Program. Authorizes 1% of the funds to be used for that transition (e.g., the transition from the ReConnect Program to the ReConnect Rural Broadband Program). (§6201)

Expansion of middle mile infrastructure into rural areas. Authorizes USDA to make grants, loans, and loan guarantees for the construction, improvement, or acquisition of middle mile infrastructure in rural areas. Authorizes appropriations of $10 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §950bb-1(g); P.L. 119-37)

Expansion of middle mile infrastructure into rural areas. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§6202)

Innovative Broadband Enhancement Program. Authorizes USDA to establish the Innovative Broadband Enhancement Program to make grants, loans, and loan-grant combinations for projects that decrease the cost of broadband deployment and increase broadband speeds in rural areas. Authorizes appropriations of $10 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §950bb-2; P.L. 119-37)

Innovative broadband advancement program. Establishes program guidelines for terrestrial and satellite projects. Authorizes grants and loans for terrestrial broadband projects that decrease the cost of broadband deployment and increase broadband speeds in rural areas. Authorizes grants for satellite broadband projects that reduce or eliminate costs associated with the purchase or installation of satellite broadband equipment for consumers living in remote areas. Requires an annual report to agriculture committees of jurisdictiona evaluating the program. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§6203)

Community Connect Grant Program. Authorizes USDA to provide grants to help deploy broadband to economically distressed communities. Sets eligible service areas to areas where 100% of the households are without broadband service at speeds of at least 10/1 Mbps. Requires USDA to set the broadband speed required for the projects to provide to the proposed service areas. That speed cannot be less than the minimum broadband speed established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for "advanced telecommunications capability." The FCC has set the broadband speed to be 100/20 Mbps. Authorizes appropriations of $50 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §950bb-3; P.L. 119-37)

Community connect grants. Amends eligible service area to be areas where households do not have broadband at speeds of at least 25/3 Mbps. Removes the requirement that the broadband buildout speed be at least at the minimum broadband speed established by the FCC for "advanced telecommunications capability." Instead, the buildout speed is set for at least five times the minimum broadband speed (i.e., 250/125 Mbps). Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§6204)

No comparable provision.

Rate regulation. Prohibits USDA from regulating rates charged for broadband service. (§6205)

Public notice, assessment, and reporting requirements. Requires USDA to make publicly available a database of applications submitted for projects currently receiving funding through or seeking funding from USDA broadband programs. Requires USDA to take certain steps to confirm the proposed service areas in USDA broadband program applications are eligible to receive funding. Steps include giving existing service providers the opportunity to voluntarily submit information on the locations they are currently serving with broadband. Requires USDA to consult with FCC and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and obtain data from those agencies, on the level of broadband service available for those areas. (7 U.S.C. §950cc)

Public notice, assessments, technical assistance, and reporting requirements. Renames the section heading to "Public notice, assessment, technical assistance, and reporting requirements." Expands the requirements for USDA to confirm the eligibility of proposed service areas by also requiring USDA to validate the information submitted by service providers on the locations they are currently serving with broadband. Removes the requirement that USDA consult with, and obtain data from, FCC and NTIA. Requires USDA to consult the FCC National Broadband Map to confirm eligibility of proposed service areas.

Establishes the Broadband Technical Assistance Program to make grants to eligible entities for the purpose of delivering technical assistance and training to rural communities to improve access to USDA broadband programs. Also authorizes USDA to make grants to eligible entities for the purpose of collecting broadband service data. USDA is to use this data in a variety of ways, including establishing the availability of broadband in rural areas, determining eligible service areas for USDA broadband programs, and collecting data to submit a challenge to the FCC National Broadband Map. (§6206)

No comparable provision.

Limitation on overbuilding. Prohibits USDA from funding applications for USDA broadband programs if an applicant has received federal or state funding to provide broadband service to the proposed service area within the last five years at speeds of at least 100/20 Mbps. (§6207)

Subtitle C—Miscellaneous

Rural Energy Savings Program. Authorizes USDA to provide loans to rural utilities and other entities who then provide loans to qualified homeowners and small businesses to implement energy efficiency measures. Eligible entities are public power districts, public utility districts, electric cooperatives, and entities primarily owned or controlled by one of those types of entities that meet certain conditions. These entities must have borrowed and repaid, prepaid, or are currently paying an electric loan made or guaranteed by the USDA Rural Utilities Service (RUS). Other RUS borrowers are also eligible. Authorizes appropriations of $75 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §8107a; P.L. 119-37)

Rural energy savings program. In addition to the other eligibility requirements for participating in RESP, H.R. 7567 requires public power districts, public utility districts, and electric cooperatives to continue serving rural areas. Eligible entities are expanded to include federally recognized tribes and public, quasi-public, and nonprofit entities. Defines the types of energy efficiency measures authorized through the program. Eligible activities include structural improvements and replacing a manufactured home or large appliance.

Prioritizes loans for eligible entities with service areas where at least 80% of their customers reside in rural areas. Authorizes USDA to issue grants, in addition to loans, through the program. Authorizes USDA to make grants to eligible entities for a portion of the costs to make repairs to properties for energy efficiency measures or to provide technical assistance, outreach, and training. Sets the maximum grant to be 5% of the amount of the loan issued to the eligible entity. Allows for a maximum grant to be 10% of the amount of the loan issued to the eligible entity if the rural community being served is a persistent poverty county. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§6301)

No comparable provision.

Promoting precision agriculture. Requires USDA to develop "voluntary, consensus-based, private sector-led interconnectivity standards, guidelines, and best practices" for precision agriculture in consultation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology and FCC. Requires a Government Accountability Office report to certain authorizing committees assessing the standards one year after the development of the standards and every two years thereafter. (§6302)

No comparable provision.

Food supply chain guaranteed loans. Authorizes a new USDA program to make guaranteed loans for startup or expansion projects that increase the capacity of the U.S. food supply chain to aggregate, process, manufacture, store, transport, wholesale, or distribute food, agricultural products, or agricultural inputs. Caps the maximum loan at $40 million. Requires USDA to submit quarterly reports to Congress evaluating the outcomes of the assistance, a description of any debt recovery made with respect to the loan guarantees issued through the program, and recommendations regarding implementation of the program. (§6303)

No comparable provision.

New, mobile, and expanded meat processing and rendering grants. Authorizes USDA to make grants to enhance meat processing and rendering capacities. Sets the maximum grant amount at $500,000 for a term of up to three years. Grants of $100,000 or less can cover 90% of the project costs. Grants of more than $100,000 can cover 75% of the project costs. Prioritizes grants for small establishments (10 to 500 employees) or very small establishments (fewer than 10 employees or annual sales of less than $2.5 million). Definitions for these terms come from the final rule for the Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems (61 Federal Register 38806, July 25, 1996). These definitions would be subject to any revisions of the rule.

Requires USDA to submit quarterly reports to the agriculture committees of jurisdictiona evaluating the outcomes of the assistance, whether recipients had adequate financial capacity to carry out the activities, and recommendations for the future, among other items. Authorizes appropriations of $3 million annually through FY2031. (§6304)

No comparable provision.

Expanding Childcare in Rural America Initiative. Establishes the "Expanding Childcare in Rural America Initiative." The Initiative prioritizes funding for rural child care projects through FY2029 for the following programs: the Community Facilities Loan and Grant Program, Business and Industry Loan Guarantee Program, Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program, and Intermediary Relending Program. Head Start, an early childhood education program of the Department of Health and Human Services, is an eligible applicant for the program. Requires a USDA report to the agriculture committees of jurisdictiona evaluating the effectiveness of the initiative within four years of the date of enactment. (§6305)

No comparable provision.

Technical assistance for geographically underserved and distressed areas. Requires USDA, directly or through a cooperative agreement, to provide technical assistance to help local partners in geographically underserved and distressed areas gain better access to USDA Rural Development (RD) programs. Local partners include local governments, cooperatives, businesses, and community anchor institutions (such as public libraries, health care facilities, and secondary schools). Requires an annual USDA report to the agriculture committees of jurisdictiona and the public evaluating how the technical assistance has helped the targeted areas. (§6306)

No comparable provision.

Establishment of the Rural Development Innovation Center. Establishes the center to review the processes for administering USDA RD programs and identifying redundancies and inefficiencies. Directs the center to develop a modernization plan that provides strategies to increase the efficiency, transparency, and access to RD programs. Requires an annual USDA report to the agriculture committees of jurisdictiona on the impact of the center. (§6307)

Rural Health Liaison. Establishes the position of Rural Health Liaison at USDA and requires the position to coordinate activities across USDA agencies involving rural health, as well as to liaise with other federal agencies on rural health issues. (7 U.S.C. §6946)

Rural Health Liaison report. Expands the duties of the Rural Health Liaison to also coordinate with the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to implement the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. Requires an annual USDA report to the agriculture committees of jurisdictiona on the activities completed by the liaison. (§6308)

Subtitle D—Additional Amendments to the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act

Revolving funds for financing water and wastewater projects. Authorizes USDA to provide grants to eligible entities to set up revolving loan funds to fund predevelopment costs and small capital projects. Authorizes appropriations of $15 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §1926(a)(2)(B); P.L. 119-37)

Water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility grants. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§6401)

Rural Water and Wastewater Circuit Rider Program. Authorizes USDA to establish a national program to provide technical assistance to water and waste disposal systems in rural areas. Authorizes USDA to conduct activities through the national program that are consistent with activities the program conducted before February 7, 2014 (as determined by USDA). Program funding is provided through the USDA Rural Utilities Service. Authorizes appropriations of $25 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §1926(a)(22); P.L. 119-37)

Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program. Authorizes the USDA to continue a national rural water and wastewater circuit rider program that is consistent with the activities and results that occurred before the enactment date of the law. Expands USDA's authority to also provide disaster and recovery assistance through the program. USDA is to provide grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements to qualified nonprofit organizations to deliver technical assistance to water and wastewater utilities. Technical assistance can include board training, regulatory compliance, and implementation of cybersecurity plans, procedures, and technologies.

Eligible service areas for technical assistance are areas with 10,000 or fewer people. Eligible service areas for disaster and recovery assistance are areas with 50,000 or fewer people. Allows up to 5% of each award to be used to purchase or reimburse the rental costs of emergency equipment. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§6402)

No comparable provision.

Zero and low interest loans for distressed water systems. Authorizes USDA to modify or waive some of the requirements for certain USDA water and waste disposal programs for applicants serving distressed communities. Allows USDA to make 0% or 1% interest loans, forgive the principal or interest or modify terms of new or existing loans, or waive any required fees for eligible rural communities.

Eligible entities must be considered rural, as defined by the USDA water and waste disposal programs. Eligible entities must be experiencing financial hardship (as defined by USDA) or located in a certain type of area. The types of areas include socially disadvantaged communities, persistent poverty counties, colonia, and distressed tribal areas. Colonia are certain communities along the United States' southern border. USDA is to define each of the preceding types of areas. An eligible entity may designate a water and wastewater utility provider to apply for a loan on behalf of the eligible entity. (§6403)

Tribal college and university essential community facilities. Authorizes USDA to provide grants to tribal colleges and universities for community facility projects. Authorizes appropriations of $10 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §1926(a)(25)(C); P.L. 119-37)

Tribal college and university essential community facilities. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§6404)

Emergency and Imminent Community Water Assistance Grant Program. Authorizes USDA to provide grants to help rural and small communities ensure they have adequate, safe drinking water. Authorizes appropriations of $50 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §1926a(i)(2); P.L. 119-37)

Emergency and imminent community water assistance grant program. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§6405)

Water systems for rural and Native villages in Alaska. Authorizes USDA to provide grants to the State of Alaska, Native villages, and a consortium meeting certain qualifications for Native village water projects. Authorizes appropriations of $30 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §1926d(d)(1); P.L. 119-37)

Water systems for rural and native villages in Alaska. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§6406)

Rural decentralized water systems. Authorizes USDA to provide grants to nonprofit organizations so that they can provide loans and subgrants to eligible individuals to construct, refurbish, and service household water well systems and septic systems. Defines an eligible individual as a member of a household, where the members have a combined income that is not more than 60% of the median nonmetropolitan household income of the state or territory where the individual lives. Sets the maximum award at $15,000 per household. Authorizes appropriations of $20 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §1926e; P.L. 119-37)

Rural decentralized water systems. Amends the definition of eligible individual to increase the income threshold for an eligible individual to 80% of the median nonmetropolitan household income. Allows funding to be used for water quality testing for individual water wells and technical assistance to help eligible individuals install or replace household water systems, interpret water test results, and address groundwater contamination. Increases maximum award to $20,000 per household. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§6407)

Loans to private business enterprises. Authorizes USDA to make loans, insure loans, and guarantee loans for projects that support rural businesses and communities, including projects that improve the economic and environmental climate, aquaculture projects, and projects that develop renewable energy systems. USDA carries out these authorities through various loan and loan guarantee programs. (7 U.S.C. §1932(a))

Assistance to rural entities. Expands USDA's authority to make loans, insure loans, and guarantee loans for projects that expand the adoption of precision agriculture practices in addition to projects that support rural businesses and communities. (§6408)

Solid waste management grants. Authorizes USDA to provide grants to nonprofit organizations to provide technical assistance to local governments, regional governments, and related agencies to help reduce or eliminate water pollution and manage solid waste disposal facilities. Authorizes appropriations of $10 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §1932(b); P.L. 119-37)

Solid waste management grants. Adds Indian tribes as one of the entities to which nonprofit organizations can provide technical assistance. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§6409)

Rural business development grants. Authorizes USDA to provide grants to eligible entities for business opportunity projects, including establishing new businesses and conducting planning and coordination of economic development efforts. Authorizes appropriations of $65 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §1932(c)(4)(A); P.L. 119-37)

Rural business development grants. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§6410)

Rural cooperative development grants. Authorizes USDA to provide one-year grants to eligible nonprofit organizations to establish centers for rural cooperative development. Allows USDA to award grants of up to three years if the applicant has successfully met the requirements of the program. Prioritizes funding for applicants that commit to providing technical assistance to underserved and economically distressed areas in rural areas. Establishes an interagency working group to foster cooperative development. Authorizes appropriations of $40 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §1932(e); P.L. 119-37)

Rural cooperative development grants. Replaces the priority for "underserved and economically distressed areas in rural areas of the United States" with "socially vulnerable, underserved, or distressed communities." Prioritizes funding for applicants that provide at least 25% match. Allows award renewals for qualified nonprofit institutions. Requires the interagency working group to submit an annual report to Congress describing its completed activities. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§6411)

Special conditions and limitations on loans. Provides financial requirements for loans made or insured under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (P.L. 87-128), which include certain farm loans and rural development loans. (7 U.S.C. §1983)

Lender fees in guaranteed loan programs. Sets the maximum amount of the initial guarantee fee to 3% of the guaranteed principal portion of the loan, and sets the maximum amount of the periodic retention fee to 0.75% of the outstanding principal of the guaranteed loan. Requires USDA to publicly disclose 30 days in advance the factors used to determine the new fee rates. (§6412)

Reservation of funds for locally or regionally produced agriculture products. Requires USDA to reserve at least 5% of the funds appropriated for the Business and Industry Loan Guarantee Program in a fiscal year to be used to support locally or regionally produced agricultural food products. The reservation is to be applied until FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §1932(g)(9)(B)(iv)(I); P.L. 119-37)

Locally or regionally produced agricultural food products. Extends the reservation of 5% of the funds for the Business and Industry Loan Guarantee Program through FY2031. (§6413)

Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas Program. Authorizes USDA to provide a cooperative agreement or grant to an eligible entity to establish the Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas Program. The program is to assist agricultural producers seeking information on reducing input costs, conserving energy resources, diversifying operations, and expanding their markets. Authorizes appropriations of $5 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §1932(i); P.L. 119-37)

Appropriated technology transfer for rural areas program. Expands the purpose of the program to include training veterans who are, or are actively trying to become, agricultural producers. Reserves $1.5 million of the $5.0 million authorized to be appropriated to the training of veterans. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§6414)

Rural Economic Area Partnership Zones. Authorizes USDA to carry out Rural Economic Area Partnership Zones, as guided by memoranda of agreement, through September 30, 2026. USDA RD helps areas designated as Rural Economic Area Partnership Zones to access RD programs. (7 U.S.C. §1932(j); P.L. 119-37)

Rural economic area partnership zones. Extends authority through September 30, 2031. (§6415)

Intermediary Relending Program. Authorizes USDA to provide loans to eligible entities so the entities can relend to qualified borrowers for projects that promote community development, establish new businesses, and other activities in rural areas. Authorizes appropriations of $25 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §1936b(i); P.L. 119-37)

Intermediary relending program. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§6416)

Refinancing of certain rural hospital debt. Authorizes rural hospitals to use funds from loans and loan guarantees issued through certain USDA RD programs to refinance debt. The aim of the debt refinancing is to keep the health services in a rural community available, improve the economic viability of the hospital, or meet financial and security requirements of USDA Rural Development programs. (7 U.S.C. §1990a)

Rural health care facility assistance. Specifies and expands the types of rural health care facilities which are authorized to refinance debt. Eligible facilities include psychiatric hospitals, critical access care hospitals, religious nonmedical health care institutions, and community health centers. Requires USDA to provide assistance to the facility to ensure the long-term sustainability and financial viability of the facility. Requires applicants to receive financial planning assistance and prepare a long-term financial plan. Establishes the Rural Health Care Facility Technical Assistance Program to provide technical assistance and training to eligible health care facilities to help improve their long-term financial position and prevent closure. Requires an annual USDA report to the agriculture committees of jurisdictiona on the progress and results of that program. For the program, authorizes appropriations of $2 million annually through FY2031. (§6417)

Prohibition on use of loans for certain purposes. Prohibits many of the USDA farm loans and RD loans from being made for certain activities involving wetlands, including projects that "drain, dredge, fill, level, or otherwise manipulate a wetland" or engage in actions that result in "impairing or reducing the flow, circulation, or reach of water."
(7 U.S.C. §2006e)

Prohibition on use of loan or grant for certain purposes. Amends prohibition to include grants, in addition to loans. It excludes from the prohibition (1) loans and loan guarantees for utility line projects, and (2) certain loans and loan guarantees for a project in which the applicant has obtained or is required to obtain a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for activities related to the waters of the United States. (§6418)

Rural Business-Cooperative Service programs technical assistance and training. Authorizes USDA to provide grants to eligible entities to provide or obtain technical assistance and training to support of submitting of applications for Rural Business-Cooperative programs. Authorizes appropriations of $5 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §2008c(d)(1); P.L. 119-37)

Rural Business-Cooperative Service programs technical assistance and training. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§6419)

National Rural Development Partnership. Authorizes USDA to establish the National Rural Development Partnership to empower and build the capacity of the states and rural communities to design responses to their own rural development needs. Authorizes appropriations of $10 million annually through FY2026. Terminates the Partnership on September 30, 2026. (7 U.S.C. §2008m; P.L. 119-37)

National Rural Development Partnership. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. Extends the Partnership through September 30, 2031. (§6420)

Grants for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio transmitters. Authorizes the Rural Utilities Service to provide grants to eligible entities for the federal share of the cost to acquire radio transmitters to increase coverage for the NOAA all hazards weather radio broadband system in rural areas. Authorizes appropriations of $1 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §2008p(d); P.L. 119-37)

Grants for NOAA weather radio transmitters. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§6421)

Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program. Authorizes USDA to provide loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations that help microenterprises get started and grow. Sets the maximum microloan to $50,000 for each rural microenterprise. Allows federal funds to pay for up to 75% of the total project costs. Requires Microenterprise Development Organizations receiving grants to match at least 15% of the total amount of the grant in the form of matching funds, indirect costs, or in-kind goods or services. Authorizes appropriations of $20 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §2008s; P.L. 119-37)

Rural microentrepreneur assistance program. Increases the maximum microloan to $75,000. Increases the amount of federal funds allowed for a project to be up to 100% of the total project costs. Limits the amount of loan funds that can be used for renovation, construction, or other real estate improvements. Reduces the required match to 5% for Microenterprise Development Organizations serving persistent poverty counties. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§6422)

Health care services. Authorizes USDA to provide grants to projects that address certain unmet health needs in the Delta region through the development of health care services, educational programs, job training programs, and facilities. The Delta Region includes 255 counties and parishes in parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Authorizes appropriations of $3 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §2008u(e); P.L. 119-37)

Health care services. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§6423)

Strategic economic and community development. Requires USDA to reserve 15% of funding for certain USDA RD programs for applicants with rural projects who have completed strategic community investment plans. Authorizes appropriations of $5 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §2008v(d)(4); P.L. 119-37)

Strategic economic and community development. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§6424)

Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Grant Program. Authorizes USDA to provide grants to eligible entities to establish job accelerators, high-wage jobs, and other economic development projects in rural areas. Eligible applicants are rural job accelerator partnerships with a lead applicant that is a district organization, Indian tribe, a state or political subdivision of the state, institution of higher education, or nonprofit organization. Requires USDA to provide grants to projects in at least 25 states to the extent possible. Authorizes appropriations of $10 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §2008w; P.L. 119-37)

Rural innovation stronger economy grant program. Expands the types of institutions of higher education which are eligible for the program to include career and technical education schools. Authorizes USDA to issue grants for career pathway training programs and industry or sector partnerships. Amends the regional requirement for grant distribution to instead require USDA to ensure regional diversity among the recipients of the grants or the participants. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§6425)

Financial institution investments. Authorizes qualified banks, associations, and institutions to establish and invest in USDA-certified Rural Business Investment Companies (RBICs). The entities must have deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Act or be Farm Credit System institutions. Prohibits RBICs from investing in companies that are not eligible to receive Farm Credit institution loans if one or more Farm Credit institutions holds more than 50% of the shares of the RBIC. (7 U.S.C. §2009cc-9(c))

Limitation on rural business investment companies controlled by Farm Credit System institutions. Amends the prohibition for RBICs from investing in certain companies if Farm Credit institutions hold a certain amount of the RBIC shares. Raises the prohibition threshold to 75% of the shares of an RBIC. (§6426)

Rural Business Investment Program. Authorizes certain qualified banks, associations, and institutions to enter into participation agreements with Rural Business Investment Companies (RBICs), guarantee debentures to the RBICs, and make grants to these RBICs. Authorizes appropriations of $20 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §2009cc et seq.; P.L. 119-37)

Rural business investment program. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§6427)

Rural and rural area definitions. Defines rural and rural areas for the purposes of determining eligible rural areas for selected USDA RD programs. The definition of rural includes the term "urbanized," as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. (7 U.S.C. §1991(a)(13); 7 U.S.C. §2009cc-8(c)(4)(C))

Technical corrections. Replaces "urbanized" with "urban," as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, in the rural definitions used across selected USDA RD programs. (§6428)

Rural water and wastewater technical assistance and training programs. Authorizes USDA to provide grants to qualified nonprofit organizations that provide technical assistance to rural communities to address water and waste disposal issues. (7 U.S.C. §1926(a)(14))

Rural water and wastewater technical assistance and training programs. Authorizes USDA to also provide grants for disaster and recovery assistance. (§6429)

Subtitle E—Additional Amendments to the Rural Electrification Act of 1936

Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for electrification or telephone purposes. Authorizes USDA to guarantee payments on certain bonds or notes issued by qualified cooperative or other nonprofit lenders. The note proceeds are used to finance utilities infrastructure projects. Terminates authority on September 30, 2026. (7 U.S.C. §940c-1(f); P.L. 119-37)

Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for utility infrastructure purposes. Extends authority through September 30, 2031 (i.e., FY2031). (§6501)

Rural development loans and grants. Authorizes USDA to provide loans and grants to support job creation or job retention projects in rural areas. Authorizes appropriations of not more than $10 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §940c-2; P.L. 119-37)

Extension of the rural economic development loan and grant program. Prohibits USDA from requiring a letter of credit or similar guarantee from loan borrowers if the borrower assigns USDA a security interest in the collateral used to secure the loan. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§6502)

Expansion of 911 access. Authorizes USDA to make loans using any funds made available for telephone loans issued through the Telecommunications Infrastructure Program through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §940e(d); P.L. 119-37)

Expansion of 911 access. Extends authority through FY2031. (§6503)

Sources: Compiled by CRS from H.R. 7567 as reported by the House Committee on Agriculture (H.Rept. 119-620).

a. "Agriculture committees of jurisdiction" refers to the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Title VII, Research, Extension, and Related Matters⁴³

USDA is authorized under four principal statutes to conduct agricultural research and to support cooperative research, extension, and postsecondary agricultural education through formula funding and competitive grants to land-grant institutions and other eligible entities. The research, extension, and related matters title of H.R. 7567 would reauthorize many of these activities through FY2031 (Table 10).⁴⁴

H.R. 7567 would amend extension and research funding for 1890 land-grant institutions—historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) designated as land-grant institutions under the Second Morrill Act of 1890—by increasing minimum funding levels for research and extension activities relative to other land-grant institutions and by requiring state governors to annually certify their ability to meet matching fund requirements. The bill would also expand authorities for 1994 land-grant institutions—tribally controlled colleges and universities granted land-grant status under the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994—to support land acquisition, facilities modernization, and research infrastructure.

The bill would amend certain USDA competitive grant programs by revising the list of high-priority research and extension initiatives to include areas such as nutrient management, soil health, invasive species, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastics, wildfire smoke exposure, and specialty crop mechanization, and would require USDA to report every two years to the House and Senate Agriculture Committees on research activities and funding allocations across agencies. It would also modify the Centers of Excellence Program by expanding eligible host institutions, requiring geographic diversity, limiting institutions to hosting one center at a time, increasing the number of centers, and expanding required partnerships and research focus areas. In addition, H.R. 7567 would expand the scope of several competitive grant programs, including those supporting specialty crop mechanization and automation, expanded grants for community colleges and workforce training, and the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program to include financial and business training. The bill would also establish a new competitive grant program to support veterans pursuing careers in agriculture.

H.R. 7567 would amend USDA's agricultural technology and innovation programs by expanding the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AGARDA) pilot program to include precision agriculture and climate resilience technologies, such as drought tolerance, water conservation, and pest and disease resistance, and by extending the duration of the program. The bill would also establish an Agricultural Innovation Corps (Ag I-Corps) to support the commercialization of federally funded agricultural research. In addition, the bill would require USDA to strengthen coordination with other federal research agencies, including the Department of Energy, Department of Defense,⁴⁵ and the National Science Foundation, to support collaborative research, data integration, and technology development.

The bill includes several provisions aimed at improving the administration and effectiveness of research and extension programs. These include modifications to the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) and the Veterinary Services Grant Program (VSGP) to better address veterinary workforce shortages, changes to the Binational Agricultural Research and Development (BARD) Fund to expand international research partnerships, and updates to USDA aquaculture programs under the National Aquaculture Act to require periodic planning and enhanced coordination. H.R. 7567 would also expand the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) to include crisis hotlines and broader health partnerships and would establish a commission on National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Modernization to improve data collection, reporting, and transparency.

H.R. 7567 would establish and authorize appropriations for several new programs and activities, including (1) a competitive grant program to support research, education, and extension activities related to transitioning farm operations to organic production systems; and (2) a USDA study on agricultural land transfer and heirs' property, including an examination of how 1890 land-grant institutions provide education and technical assistance to support farm succession planning and land tenure security.

Table 10. Title VII, Research, Extension, and Related Matters

Current Law/Policy

H.R. 7567 as Reported by the Committee

Subtitle A—National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977

National advisory board. Establishes the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board. The termination date is September 30, 2023. (7 U.S.C. §3123)

National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board. Amends the membership of the board by adding one more member and by including one member representing industry, consumer, or rural interests of insular areas. Changes the termination date to September 30, 2031. (§7101)

Specialty crop committee. The Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-465) establishes a specialty crop committee to inform the advisory board on research needs. The termination date is September 30, 2023. (7 U.S.C. §3123a)

Specialty crop committee. Changes the termination date from September 30, 2023 to September 30, 2031, among other administrative changes. (§7102)

Veterinary medicine loan repayment. The National Veterinary Medical Services Act (P.L. 108-61) establishes the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program to provide competitive grants to help veterinarians repay educational loans in exchange for serving in areas with shortages of veterinarians. (7 U.S.C. §3151a)

Veterinary medicine loan repayment. Authorizes USDA to identify veterinarian shortages by geographic area, practice type, and state-identified need; requires USDA to develop and share quantitative models to predict short- and long-term veterinarian shortages; prohibits disqualification based solely on participation in other federal, state, or local programs; and requires establishment of a streamlined application process within one year of enactment. (§7103)

Veterinary services grant program. The Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79) establishes the Veterinary Services Grant Program to provide competitive grants to help veterinarians, students, and technicians gain specialized skills and resources to address U.S. veterinary service shortages. (7 U.S.C. §3151b)

Veterinary services grant program. Adds the existing statutory definition of rural area (7 U.S.C. §1991(a)); expands grants to attract, retain, and expand veterinary practices in rural areas; allows funding for relocation, startup equipment, and housing or living stipends for veterinary and veterinary technician trainees. Requires USDA to implement a streamlined application process within one year. (§7104)

Grants and fellowships for food and agriculture sciences education. Authorizes USDA to provide grants and fellowships to strengthen higher education in food and agricultural sciences. Authorizes appropriations of $40 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §3152(m)(2); P.L. 119-37)

Grants and fellowships for food and agriculture sciences education. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7105)

Agricultural and food policy research centers. Authorizes USDA to provide competitive grants and cooperative agreements for policy research centers to conduct research and education programs that are objective, operationally independent, and external to the federal government and that concern the effect of public policies and trade agreements on agriculture. Authorizes appropriations of $10 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §3155(e); P.L. 119-37)

Agricultural and food policy research centers. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7106)

Education grants to Alaska Native serving institutions and Native Hawaiian serving institutions. Authorizes USDA to provide competitive grants for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian serving institutions for the purpose of promoting and strengthening their ability to carry out education, applied research, and related community development programs. Authorizes appropriations of $40 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §3156; P.L. 119-37)

Education grants to Alaska Native serving institutions and Native Hawaiian serving institutions. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. Extends allowable grant terms to up to five years. (§7107)

Nutrition education program. Authorizes USDA to establish a national education program to disseminate results of food and human nutrition research funded by USDA. Authorizes appropriations of $90 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §3175; P.L. 119-37)

Nutrition education program. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7108)

Continuing animal health and disease research programs. Requires deans of accredited veterinary colleges and state agricultural experiment stations to develop a comprehensive state animal health and disease research program based on the animal health research capacity of each eligible institution in the state, to be submitted to USDA for approval and be used to allocate funds available to the state. Authorizes appropriations of $25 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §3195; P.L. 119-37)

Continuing animal health and disease research programs. Adds carryover provisions for unexpended funds. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7109)

Extension and agricultural research at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University. Requires minimum appropriations for extension activities at 1890 land-grant institutions of 20% of the total amount appropriated for extension activities at other land-grant institutions. Requires minimum appropriations for research activities at 1890 land-grant institutions of 30% of the total amount appropriated for research activities at other land-grant institutions. (7 U.S.C. §§3221-3222; P.L. 119-37)

Extension and agricultural research at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University. Increases the minimum appropriations for extension services at 1890 land-grant institutions to 40% of the total amount appropriated for extension activities at other land-grant institutions and increases the minimum appropriations for research activities at 1890 land-grant institutions to 40% of the total amount appropriated for research activities at other land-grant institutions. (§7110)

Scholarships for students at 1890 institutions. Establishes a scholarship grant program at 1890 land-grant institutions for accepted students who intend to pursue a career in agribusiness, energy and renewable fuels, or financial management. Provides mandatory Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funding of $40 million in FY2020 and $10 million in FY2023, to remain available until expended. Authorizes appropriations of $10 million annually for FY2020-FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §3222a; P.L. 119-37)

Scholarships for students at 1890 Institutions. Renames the program as the David A. Scott Scholarship Program for Students at 1890 Institutions. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. The provision does not provide additional mandatory funding beyond the existing CCC funding authority. (§7111)

Grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University. Authorizes grants for acquisition and improvement of agricultural and food sciences facilities and equipment, including libraries for 1890 land-grant universities and including Tuskegee University. Authorizes $25 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §3222b(b); P.L. 119-37)

Grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7112)

Grants to upgrade agriculture and food sciences facilities and equipment and support tropical and subtropical agricultural research at insular area land-grant colleges and universities. Authorizes USDA to provide grants to upgrade agriculture and food sciences facilities and equipment and support tropical and subtropical agricultural research at insular area land-grant institutions. Authorizes grants for acquisition and improvement of agricultural and food sciences facilities and equipment, including libraries for insular area land-grant institutions. Authorizes appropriations of $8 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §3222b-2(d); P.L. 119-37)

Grants to upgrade agriculture and food sciences facilities and equipment and support tropical and subtropical agricultural research at insular land-grant colleges and universities. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7113)

Matching funds requirement for research and extension activities at eligible institutions. Requires recipients of certain formula grants to provide funds, in-kind contributions, or a combination of both from nonfederal sources in an amount that is at least equal to the amount of the formula grant. (7 U.S.C. §3222d)

Matching funds requirement for research and extension activities at eligible institutions. Requires grant recipients to submit annual reports to USDA about matching funds "beginning on September 30, 2026, and each fiscal year thereafter." The reports are to be submitted no later than September 30 of each fiscal year. (§7114)

New Beginning for Tribal Students. The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334) authorizes USDA to provide competitive grants to land-grant institutions to provide support targeted at tribal students. Limits the total amount of these grants to $500,000 per year per state. Authorizes appropriations of $5 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §3222e; P.L. 119-37)

New beginning for Tribal students. Extends the ability of 1994 land-grant institutions to acquire land, modernize facilities, and purchase, maintain, and operate equipment to support agricultural research and extension and removes the cap on total state grant funding. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7115)

Education grants programs for Hispanic-serving institutions. Authorizes USDA to provide competitive grants to promote and strengthen Hispanic-serving institutions to carry out education, applied research, and related community development programs. Authorizes appropriations of $40 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §3241(c); P.L. 119-37)

Education grants programs for Hispanic-serving institutions. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7116)

Binational agricultural research and development (BARD). Establishes the BARD-cooperative agricultural research program between the United States and the government of Israel that supports collaborative research of mutual interest in authorized research centers in both countries. (7 U.S.C. §3291(e))

Binational agricultural research and development. Expands eligible countries to include "United States, Israel, or other signatories of the Abraham Accords Declaration." Requires BARD to establish an accelerator program to support mid-stage research, fast-track cooperative projects, provide guidance and assistance, and advance agricultural research of mutual interest. (§7117)

Partnerships for international agricultural research, extension, and education. Authorizes USDA to promote cooperation and coordination between defined covered institutions and international partner institutions through improving extension, agricultural research, agricultural teaching and education, and other activities. Authorizes appropriations of $10 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §3292; P.L. 119-37)

Grants and partnership for international agricultural research, extension, and education. Renames the section. Amends the definitions of developing country, eligible institution, and international partner institution. Authorizes USDA to provide grants to institutions to enhance U.S. economic competitiveness and international market development through improved education, research collaboration, and technology application in agriculture, as well as other activities. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7118)

Research equipment grants. Authorizes USDA to provide competitive grants for research equipment. Authorizes appropriations of $5 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §3310a(e); P.L. 119-37)

Research equipment grants. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7119)

Research appropriations. Authorizes annual appropriations of such sums as necessary for formula funds for agricultural research at land-grant institutions through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §3311; P.L. 119-37)

University research. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7120)

Extension appropriations. Authorizes annual appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for formula funds for agricultural extension at land-grant institutions through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §3312; P.L. 119-37)

Extension service. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7121)

Supplemental and alternative crops. Requires USDA to provide competitive grants and other agreements to develop supplemental and alternative crops. Authorizes annual appropriations of $2 million through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §3319d; P.L. 119-37)

Supplemental and alternative crops. Expands the scope for grants and partnerships to examine potential benefits and opportunities for supplemental and alternative crops (including winter-planted canola seed and winter-planted canola crops). Reauthorizes annual appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7122)

New Era Rural Technology Program. Authorizes USDA to establish the New Era Rural Technology Program to make grants available for technology development, applied research, and training to aid in the development of an agriculture-based renewable energy workforce. Authorizes annual appropriations of such sums as necessary through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §3319e; P.L. 119-37)

Grants for community college agriculture and natural resources programs. Renames the section. Amends definitions to include eligible entities and work-based learning. Requires USDA to prioritize applicants partnering with local industry operators. Defines allowable uses of grants. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7123)

Capacity building grants for Non-Land-Grant Colleges of Agriculture (NLGCA) institutions. Authorizes competitive grant programs for NLGCA institutions. Authorizes annual appropriations of such sums as necessary through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §3319i(b); P.L. 119-37)

Capacity building grants for NLGCA institutions. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7124)

Agriculture advanced research and development authority (AGARDA). The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334) establishes the pilot AGARDA to develop technologies, research tools, and products through advanced research on long-term and high-risk challenges for food and agriculture. Authorizes appropriations of $50 million annually through FY2026, to remain available until expended. (7 U.S.C. §3319k; P.L. 119-37)

Agriculture advanced research and development authority. Amends the definition of agricultural technology to explicitly include precision agriculture and broadens the scope of qualified products and projects, including those determined by USDA. Amends goals and duties to emphasize overcoming long-term and high-risk technological barriers, including in areas such as water conservation, extreme weather resilience, drought, and plant and animal disease and pest resistance. Requires the use of the strategic plan to guide program administration and expands flexibility in research tools and project scope. Extends the duration of the pilot program from five years to 13 years. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7125)

Aquaculture assistance programs. Authorizes USDA to provide competitive grants to support aquaculture research and assistance. Authorizes appropriations of $5 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §3324(a)(2); P.L. 118-22))

Aquaculture assistance programs. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7126)

Special authorization for biosecurity planning and response. Authorizes research, education, and extension activities for biosecurity planning and response. Authorizes appropriations of $30 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §3351(a)(3); P.L. 119-37)

Special authorization for biosecurity planning and response. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7127)

Agriculture Research Facility Expansion and Security Upgrades Program. Authorizes USDA to provide competitive grants to support security of agriculture and threats posed by bioterrorism. Authorizes annual appropriations of such sums as necessary through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §3352; P.L. 119-37)

Agriculture and food protection grant program. Renames the Agriculture Research Facility Expansion and Security Upgrades Program to the Agriculture and Food Protection Grant Program. Expands the program scope to include activities aimed at protecting the food and agricultural system from chemical, biological, cybersecurity, or bioterrorism attacks. Amends grant requirements to allow additional activities and entities to receive grants. Reauthorizes annual appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7128)

Distance education grants for insular areas. Authorizes USDA to provide grants to insular area institutions for distance education projects. Authorizes appropriations of $2 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §3362(f)(2); P.L. 119-37)

Distance education grants for insular areas. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7129)

Resident instruction grants for insular areas. Authorizes USDA to provide grants to insular area institutions for resident instruction. Authorizes appropriations of $2 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §3363(c)(2); P.L. 119-37)

Resident instruction grants for insular areas. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7130)

Annual reporting. Requires an annual report to agriculture committees of jurisdictiona and the President on USDA activities related to research, extension, and teaching. (7 U.S.C. §3125)

Repeals. Repeals provision. (§7131(a))

Next Generation Technology Challenge. Establishes a competition to incentivize development of mobile technology to assist market entry for beginning farmers and ranchers. (7 U.S.C. §3158)

Repeals. Repeals provision. (§7131(b))

Grants to upgrade facilities. Authorizes USDA to provide grants to upgrade agriculture and food sciences facilities at the District of Columbia land-grant institution. (7 U.S.C. §3222b-1)

Repeals. Repeals provision. (§7131(c))

Rangeland research. Authorizes USDA to establish a cooperative rangeland research program and provide grants to support such program. (7 U.S.C. §§3331 et seq.)

Repeals. Repeals provision. (§7131(d))

Subtitle B—Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990

Sustainable agriculture research and education. Requires USDA to establish the Best Utilization of Biological Applications research and extension program. Authorizes $40 million annually through FY2026. Requires establishment of integrated management systems research and education programs for resource and crop management. Authorizes annual appropriations of $20 million through FY2026. Requires development and publication of sustainable agriculture handbooks and technical guides. Authorizes mandatory appropriations of $5 million through FY2026. Requires the establishment of a National Training Program in Sustainable Agriculture. Authorizes appropriations of $20 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §§5811 seq.; 7 U.S.C. §5821; 7 U.S.C. §5831; 7 U.S.C. §5832(i); P.L. 119-37)

Sustainable agriculture research and education. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels annually through FY2031 for the Best Utilization of Biological Applications research and extension program (7 U.S.C. §§5811 et seq.); integrated management systems research and education programs for resource and crop management (7 U.S.C. §5821); and the development and publication of sustainable agriculture handbooks and technical guides (7 U.S.C. §5831). Provides mandatory appropriations at current levels through FY2031 for the National Training Program in Sustainable Agriculture (7 U.S.C. §5832(i)). (§7201)

National Genetic Resources Program. Establishes the National Genetic Resources Program to acquire, document, preserve, characterize, and distribute germplasm of agricultural and crop species. Authorizes appropriations of $1 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §5844(b)(2))

National Genetics Resources Program. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7202)

Agricultural Genome to Phenome Initiative. Establishes the Agricultural Genome to Phenome Initiative to expand the knowledge of public and private sector entities and persons concerning genomes for species of importance to the food and agriculture sectors in order to maximize the return on the investment in genomics of agriculturally important species. Authorizes appropriations of $40 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §5924(g))

Agricultural genome to phenome initiative. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7203)

High-priority research and extension initiatives. Authorizes USDA to provide competitive grants for "high-priority research and extension" areas and initiatives and other programs. (7 U.S.C. §5925; P.L. 119-37)

High-priority research and extension initiatives. Revises high-priority research and extension initiatives by removing certain prior initiatives and adding initiatives on fertilizer and nutrient management, tropical plant health, biochar, wildfire smoke exposure, invasive species, microplastics and PFAS on farmland, agricultural byproducts, soil health, white oak, alternative growing media, rangeland, and specialty crop mechanization. Requires USDA to submit biennial reports to the agriculture committees of jurisdictiona beginning in 2028 detailing activities and funding allocations, to the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), and other "amounts made available through other agencies within the Department agencies." Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7204)

Organic research and extension. The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246) establishes the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative to provide grants to facilitate the development of organic agriculture production and processing. Provides permanent mandatory CCC funding of $50 million annually. Authorizes appropriations of $25 million annually through 2026. (7 U.S.C. §5925b; P.L. 119-37)

Organic agriculture research and extension initiative. Extends USDA's authority to provide competitive grants through FY2031. Makes other administrative changes and removes dated provisions no longer active. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7205)

Farm business management. Authorizes USDA to provide competitive research and extension grants for improving agricultural producers' farm management knowledge and skills and for establishing and maintaining a national, publicly available farm financial management database to support improved farm management. Authorizes appropriations of $5 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §5925f(d)(2); P.L. 119-37)

Farm business management. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7206)

Urban, indoor, and innovative research. The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334) authorizes USDA to provide grants to facilitate the development of urban and indoor agricultural production, harvesting, packaging, and distribution systems and new markets. Provides mandatory CCC funds of $10 million for FY2019 and $2 million for FY2026, to remain available until expended. Authorizes additional appropriations of $10 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §5925g; P.L. 119-37)

Urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production research, education, and extension initiative. Adds managing waste streams and providing career and technical education by land-grant institutions and minority-serving institutions as eligible grant recipients. Makes other technical changes. (§7207)

Centers of excellence. Authorizes USDA to prioritize centers of excellence (COEs) focused on specified areas related to food and agriculture for competitive research and extension program funding. Authorizes appropriations of $10 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §5926; P.L. 119-37)

Centers of excellence. Specifies eligible host institutions to include 1862, 1890, and 1994 land-grant institutions, non-land-grant colleges of agriculture, Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges or universities, and accredited veterinary schools. Requires geographic diversity and limits institutions to hosting one center at a time. Requires partnerships with ARS, other federal and state entities, higher education institutions, and industry to enhance coordination, workforce development, rapid response capacity, and technology transfer. Establishes specified focus areas (aquaculture, beginning farmers, biosecurity and cybersecurity, biotechnology, crop protection, digital agriculture, food quality, foreign animal disease, forestry, invasive species, livestock and poultry, veterinary medicine, and water quality). Sets five-year award terms (renewable once), prohibits use of funds for construction, requires annual congressional reporting, increases the minimum number of additional centers to at least eight (including at 1890 land-grant institutions), and expands certain focus areas. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7208)

Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities. Establishes a grant program to provide on-the-farm agricultural education and assistance directed at accommodating individuals with disabilities in farm operations. Authorizes appropriations of $5 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §5933; P.L. 119-37)

Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities. Expands eligible activities to include education and support for youth and young adults with disabilities interested in farming and farm-related occupations. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7209)

Farming opportunities training and outreach. The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334) merged two USDA programs providing grants to beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged producers. Provides mandatory CCC funding of $50 million annually. Authorizes appropriations of $50 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §2279; P.L. 119-37)

Farming opportunities training and outreach. Specifies NIFA Director authority to act and expands support for training in budgeting, business planning, and financial management to strengthen the long-term economic viability of beginning farmers and ranchers. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7210)

National Rural Information Center Clearinghouse. Establishes the National Rural Information Center Clearinghouse to provide information about rural assistance programs and services provided by federal, state, and local agencies and private nonprofit organizations. Authorizes appropriations of $0.5 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §3125b(e); P.L. 119-37)

National Rural Information Center Clearinghouse. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7211)

National Agricultural Weather Information System. The National Agricultural Weather Information System Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-624) establishes the Agriculture and Agricultural Weather Office to meet the weather forecasting and climate information needs of agricultural producers. (7 U.S.C. §§5851 et seq.)

Repeal. Repeals the program. (§7212)

No comparable provision.

Researching the transition to organic. Establishes a new competitive grant program to support research, education, and extension on transitioning to organic production. Authorizes appropriations of $7.5 million annually beginning in FY2026. (§7213)

Subtitle C—Agriculture, Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998

National food safety training. The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (P.L. 111-353) establishes a competitive grant program to support training, education, extension, outreach, and technical assistance projects to increase the adoption of established food safety standards, guidance, and protocols. Authorizes appropriations of $10 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §7625; P.L. 119-37)

National food safety training, education, extension, outreach, and technical assistance program. Removes certain program coordination requirements involving the National Integrated Food Safety Initiative. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7301)

Integrated research, education, and extension competitive grants program. Authorizes USDA to establish an integrated research, education, and extension competitive program to provide grants for integrated, multifunctional agricultural research, extension, and education activities. Authorizes annual appropriations of such sums as necessary through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §7626(f); P.L. 119-37)

Integrated research, education, and extension competitive grants program. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7302)

Support for research regarding selected crop diseases. Authorizes USDA to provide grants to research and combat diseases of wheat, triticale, and barley caused by Fusarium graminearum and related fungi. Authorizes appropriations of $15 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §7628(e)(3); P.L. 119-37)

Support for research regarding diseases of wheat, triticale, and barley caused by fusarium graminearum or by tilletia indica. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7303)

Grants for youth organizations. Authorizes USDA to provide grants to the Girl Scouts, the Boy Scouts, the National 4-H Council, and the National Future Farmers of America Organization to establish pilot projects to expand their programs in rural areas and small towns. Authorizes appropriations of $3 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §7630(d)(2); P.L. 119-37)

Grants for youth organizations. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7304)

Specialty Crop Research Initiative. The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246) establishes the Specialty Crop Research Initiative. Provides mandatory CCC funds of $80 million annually, of which at least $25 million annually is reserved for the Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program through FY2026. Authorizes appropriations of $100 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §7632; P.L. 119-37)

Specialty crop research initiative. Specifies criteria under which USDA may waive matching requirements. Establishes a Specialty Crop Mechanization and Automation Research and Extension Program and reserves not less than $30 million of the mandatory funding annually between FY2027 through FY2031 for the program, with unobligated funds reallocated to the broader initiative. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7305)

No comparable provision.

Agriculture grants for veteran education and training services. Authorizes USDA to establish a new competitive grant program to support veterans pursuing farming and ranching through business and management training, curriculum development, workshops and field experiences, and other activities identified by the Secretary of Agriculture. Requires one-to-one nonfederal matching funds. Authorizes appropriations of $3 million annually through FY2031. (§7306)

Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database Program. Establishes a database to provide livestock producers, extension specialists, scientists, and veterinarians with information to prevent drug, pesticide, and environmental contaminant residues in food animal products. Authorizes appropriations of $2.5 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §7642(e); P.L. 119-37)

Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database program. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7307)

Office of Pest Management Policy. Establishes the office to coordinate USDA's policies and activities related to pesticides and pest management tools. Authorizes appropriations of $3 million annually in appropriations through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §7653(f)(2); P.L. 119-37)

Office of Pest Management Policy. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7308)

Forestry products advanced utilization research. Authorizes USDA to establish a forestry and forestry products research and extension grant program to develop and disseminate science-based tools that address the needs of the forestry sector and their respective regions. Authorizes appropriations of $7 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §7655b(f)(1); P.L. 119-37)

Forestry products advanced utilization research. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7309)

Biobased products. Authorizes USDA to establish a cooperative agreement program to coordinate research, commercialize, and promote the use of biobased products. (7 U.S.C. §7624)

Repeals. Repeals the program. (§7310)

Agricultural biotechnology research and development for developing countries. Authorizes USDA to establish a competitive grant program to develop agricultural biotechnology for developing countries. (7 U.S.C. §7631)

Repeals. Repeals the program. (§7310)

Subtitle D—Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008

Grazinglands Research Laboratory. The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246) prohibits declaring the laboratory as excess or surplus federal property for the five-year period beginning on the date of enactment of the 2008 farm bill. Subsequent farm bills extended this to 15 years. (P.L. 110-264; 112 Stat. 2019)

Grazinglands research laboratory. Amends the restriction on the Grazinglands Research Laboratory by removing the fixed end date for prohibiting its declaration as excess or surplus federal property. The prohibition applies indefinitely, beginning on the date of enactment of the act. (§7401)

Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. Establishes the network to provide stress assistance programs for those engaged in agriculture-related occupations. Authorizes appropriations of $10 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §5936; P.L. 119-37)

Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. Expands farm telephone helplines to explicitly include crisis hotlines; broadens support services; and authorizes referral relationships with certified community behavioral health clinics, health centers, rural health clinics, federally qualified health centers, and critical access hospitals. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7402)

Sun grant program. Establishes six Sun Grant Centers, which coordinate regional research and partnerships on bioenergy and authorizes competitive grants to enhance national energy security. Authorizes $75 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §8114; P.L. 119-37)

Sun grant program. Amends "product" to "bioproduct" throughout 7 U.S.C. §8114. Increases the allowable funds for administrative expenses for a Sun Grant Center or subcenter from 4% to 30%. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7403)

Research and education grants for the study of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Authorizes USDA to establish a competitive grant program for the study of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. (7 U.S.C. §3202)

Repeals. Repeals the program. (§7404)

Natural products research program. Authorizes USDA to establish a natural products research program to improve human health and agricultural productivity through the discovery, development, and commercialization of products and agrichemicals from bioactive natural products. (7 U.S.C. §5937)

Repeals. Repeals the program. (§7404)

Subtitle E—Amendments to Other Laws

Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994. Establishes land-grant assistance to colleges. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as necessary annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §301 note; P.L. 119-37)

Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994. Amends language about the amount of public land that is apportioned to each state government from "equal to" to "that is not less than" 30,000 acres. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7501)

Research Facilities Act. Defines and authorizes funding for agricultural research facilities. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as necessary annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §390d; P.L. 119-37)

Research Facilities Act. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7502)

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative. Authorizes competitive grant programs for fundamental and applied research, extension, and education in food and agricultural sciences. Authorizes appropriations of $700 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §3157(b); P.L. 119-37)

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative. Adds provisions addressing hydroponics, aquaponics, aeroponics, and other controlled-environment production technologies, as well as workforce training and development, including meat and poultry processing (including rendering), precision agriculture, reduction of food loss and food waste. Extends eligibility to area career and technical education schools. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7503)

Extension design and demonstration initiative. Establishes a research initiative to design adaptive prototype systems that enhance education and extension. Authorizes appropriations of $5 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §3157(d)(6); P.L. 119-37)

Extension design and demonstration initiative. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7504)

Biomass research and development. Establishes a research initiative between USDA and the Department of Energy to coordinate research and development programs and activities related to biofuels and biobased products that are carried out by their respective departments. Authorizes appropriations of $20 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §8108(h)(2); P.L. 119-37)

Biomass research and development. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7505)

Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978. Authorizes appropriations of $30 million annually through FY2026 for forestry-related extension activities. The termination date is September 30, 2023. (16 U.S.C. §1675 and §1671 note; P.L. 119-37)

Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031 and extends termination date to September 30, 2031. (§7506)

National Aquaculture Act of 1980. Requires the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Interior to develop and implement the National Aquaculture Development Plan. Requires the plan to be reviewed "periodical[ly]." Authorizes appropriations of $1 million annually each for USDA, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of the Interior through FY2026. (16 U.S.C. §§2801 et seq.; P.L. 119-37)

National Aquaculture Act of 1980. Requires the aquaculture plan to be reviewed at least once every three years and to include catalogs of capital constraints and federal or state regulatory barriers affecting U.S. aquaculture. Establishes a 14-member Aquaculture Advisory Committee (comprised of nonfederal members) to advise USDA on best practices, technical assistance (including for shellfish, algae, and land-based systems), barriers to industry growth, and implementation of the act; sets staggered three-year terms; requires at least three meetings annually; and terminates the committee after five years unless renewed. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, in coordination with the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior, to submit an annual report to the agriculture committees of jurisdictiona on the status of U.S. aquaculture, including implementation of the plan, federal expenditures, agency roles, and advisory committee activities. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7507)

Reports on disbursement of funds for selected 1862 and 1890 land-grant colleges. Requires USDA to submit an annual report to agriculture committees of jurisdictiona detailing the allocations to and matching funds received by 1890 institutions and 1862 institutions for agricultural research, extension, education, and related programs. (7 U.S.C. §2207d)

Reports on disbursement of funds for agricultural research and extension at 1862 and 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University. Requires each state's governor to annually attest to USDA their ability to meet the state's matching funds requirements. Requires USDA to submit an annual report to Congress detailing these attestations, which is to be made publicly available on USDA's website. (§7508)

Authorization for appropriations for federal agricultural research facilities. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as necessary annually to plan, construct, acquire, alter, and repair buildings and other public improvements for the Agricultural Research Service. (P.L. 99-198, §1431; 99 Stat. 1556)

Repeal. Repeals the provision. (§7509)

Smith-Lever Act. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as necessary annually for extension activities at 1994 land-grant institutions. (7 U.S.C. §343(b)(3); P.L. 119-37)

Amendment to Smith-Lever Act. Expands eligible uses of funds to allow 1994 land-grant institutions to acquire, alter, repair, maintain, and operate equipment necessary to strengthen capacity to carry out extension activities under the act. (§7510)

Subtitle F—Other Matters

Foundation for food and agriculture research. Establishes a nonprofit corporation to advance the research mission of USDA by supporting agricultural research activities through private-public partnerships. (7 U.S.C. §5939)

Foundation for food and agriculture research. Adds clauses including membership requirements for the board of directors. Requires annual reports to include additional information and be provided to agriculture committees of jurisdiction.a (§7601)

Agriculture Innovation Center Demonstration Program. Establishes the program to provide grants and technical assistance to producers developing agricultural-based businesses based on value-added production. Authorizes appropriations of $15 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §1632b; P.L. 119-37)

Agriculture innovation center demonstration program. Allows USDA to waive certain Agriculture Innovation Center board of director requirements. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§7602)

Livestock insects laboratory. Names the Agricultural Research Service Livestock Insects Laboratory the "Knipling-Bushland Research Laboratory." (P.L. 100-208; 101 Stat. 1439)

Livestock insects laboratory. Changes laboratory name to "Knipling-Bushland Research Center." (§7603)

Hatch Act of 1887. Authorizes payment of allotments to state agricultural experiment stations. (7 U.S.C. §361e)

U.S. Abit Massey National Poultry Research Center. Designates the U.S. National Poultry Research Center of the Department of Agriculture located in Athens, Georgia as the "U.S. Abit Massey National Poultry Research Center." (§7604)

Hatch Act of 1887. Authorizes payment of allotments to state agricultural experiment stations. (7 U.S.C. §361e)

Hatch Act of 1887. Makes technical corrections, including replacing "director" with "experiment station director" and ''the authorized receiving officer'' in the fourth sentence with "the experiment station director." (§7605)

No comparable provision.

Commission on national agricultural statistics service modernization. Establishes the Commission on the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Modernization to study how the National Agricultural Statistics Service can modernize and streamline data collection, improve survey quality and response rates, incorporate new technologies, and enhance transparency and specialty crop reporting. The 11-member commission includes USDA leadership, representatives from the Senate and House Agriculture Committees, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Commission members are to serve for the life of the commission and conduct hearings, stakeholder engagement, and federal data collection as needed. Requires a report with findings and recommendations within three years, terminates the commission in FY2031, and provides mandatory CCC funding of $1 million for FY2026, available until expended. (§7606)

No comparable provision.

Restoration of 4-H name and emblem authority. Defines 4-H club, 4-H emblem or name, 4-H Program, and land-grant college or university, including authorized agents. Authorizes USDA to use and grant permissions for the 4-H emblem or name, with or without fees. Requires collected fees be deposited into a special account for the 4-H Program. Prohibits unauthorized use of the 4-H emblem. (§7607)

Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and Economics. Authorizes USDA to establish the position of Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics, appointed by the President with Senate confirmation, responsible for coordination of research, education, and extension activities of the Department. (7 U.S.C. §6971)

Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and Economics. Requires the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and Economics to coordinate Department-wide research activities with other Federal agencies by carrying out cross-cutting and collaborative research and development focused on shared mission priorities. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary, to establish memoranda of understanding within one year with the Departments of Energy and Defense, the National Science Foundation, and other Federal agencies to formalize interagency collaboration on research, infrastructure and workforce development, data integration, and technology development, including through competitive, merit-reviewed processes. Authorizes collaborative agreements with Federal agencies, National Laboratories, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and industry partners, and permits reimbursable interagency agreements to support joint research and development activities. Requires submission of a report to Congress within two years on interagency coordination, research outcomes, and future opportunities for continued collaboration. (§7608)

No comparable provision.

Agricultural Innovation Corps. Establishes the Agricultural Innovation Corps (Ag I-Corps) to promote technology transfer and commercialization of federally funded agricultural research. Authorizes competitive grants, using Small Business Innovation Research Program funds, for prototype and proof-of-concept development and related entrepreneurial infrastructure, limited to early-stage innovations not eligible for SBIR or Small Business Technology Transfer programs. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into partnerships with federal, state, local, and nonprofit entities to support program activities. Requires the Secretary to submit a biennial report to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction,a beginning September 30, 2027, based on program data, on the effectiveness of Ag I-Corps, including participation and commercialization outcomes. (§7609)

No comparable provision.

Study on technical assistance with respect to transfer of agricultural land and asset. Directs USDA to conduct a study and report to Congress by September 30, 2026, on expanding opportunities for 1890 land-grant institutions to provide education and technical assistance on agricultural land and asset transfers, including heirs' property, to support succession planning and improve land tenure security for farmers and ranchers. (§7610)

Sources: Compiled by CRS from H.R. 7567 as reported by the House Committee on Agriculture (H.Rept. 119-620).

a. "Agriculture committees of jurisdiction" refers to the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Title VIII, Forestry⁴⁶

The forestry title of H.R. 7567 addresses forestry and land management from a broad perspective, including federal forest management, nonfederal forest assistance, forest research, and wildfire (Table 11).⁴⁷ Specifically, the forestry title includes provisions related to forestry research and would establish, modify, or repeal several programs that provide financial and technical assistance to nonfederal forest landowners (Table 11). The forestry title also includes provisions addressing management of the National Forest System (NFS) lands managed by USDA's Forest Service (FS) and the lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

H.R. 7567 would address a variety of nonfederal forest assistance topics. The bill would reauthorize and amend several forestry assistance programs set to expire at the end of FY2026, including the Landscape Scale Restoration Program, the Wood Innovations Grant Program, and the Community Wood Grant Program. H.R. 7567 would establish new programs related to biochar, nurseries and seed orchards, and white oak restoration and regeneration, among others. The bill would modify some existing assistance and research programs, such as expanding the authorization for agroforestry centers, authorizing a wildfire technology testbed program, and amending forest planning, inventory, and analysis programs.

H.R. 7567 addresses issues related to wildfire, insect, and disease risk. The bill would amend, expand, and/or reauthorize authorities for collaborative, cross-boundary land management, such as the stewardship contracting authority, Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program, and good neighbor authority. The bill would reauthorize appropriations for hazardous fuels reduction projects and insect and disease assessments through FY2031.

The forestry title of H.R. 7567 also would address compliance with a variety of environmental analysis statutes in the context of specified forestry and land management actions. For example, the title would create or expand categorical exclusions, which may alleviate an agency's responsibility to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).⁴⁸ The bill would expand existing categorical exclusions authorized by the Healthy Forests Restoration Act, relating to hazardous fuels reduction, management of insect and disease infestations, and restoration of sage-grouse and mule deer habitat, and by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, relating to fuel breaks.⁴⁹ The title also would establish new categorical exclusions for specified forest management activities, and for addressing hazard trees in electrical transmission and distribution rights-of-way. The bill also would address consultation requirements under the Endangered Species Act for specified FS and BLM land use plans, and exempt certain communications special uses on NFS lands from the provisions of several environmental compliance statutes, including NEPA and the National Historic Preservation Act.

H.R. 7567 would address a variety of issues related to management of the National Forest System and other federal lands. For example, the bill would expand the authority of tribes to partner with federal agencies to perform specified forest management activities. The title would address certain timber harvesting issues, such as raising the threshold for advertising timber sales and authorizing timber harvests in electricity transmission and distribution rights-of-way. The bill would direct the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to develop a strategy for utilizing grazing to reduce hazardous fuels and specify a suppression policy for certain wildfires in high-risk areas. The bill would continue authorities to convey and lease NFS lands. The bill would reauthorize two watershed protection programs on NFS lands. The bill also would allow the waiving of special use authorization fees for specified groups, address how road and trail remediation projects are selected, and make permanent a pilot program for forest botanical products. Other provisions relate to hiring authority, volunteers, advisory committees, and reporting requirements for the FS.

Table 11. Title VIII, Forestry

Current Law/Policy

H.R. 7567 as Reported by the Committee

Subtitle A—Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978

Statewide assessments and strategies for forest resources. Allows USDA to support development of statewide forest resource assessments and strategies. Authorizes appropriations up to $10 million annually through FY2026. Authorizes use of any other funds made available for planning under this chapter to carry out this section. Limits total funding to $10 million annually. (16 U.S.C. §2101a(f); P.L. 119-37)

Support for State assessments and strategies for forest resources. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. Authorizes use of any other funds made available under this bill to develop and implement statewide forest resource assessments and strategies. (§8101)

Forest Legacy Program. Authorizes a program to provide financial assistance to protect environmentally important forest areas threatened by conversion to non-forest uses. Allows USDA to convey lands or interests in lands acquired under the program in Vermont to the state without consideration. (16 U.S.C. §2103c)

Forest legacy program technical correction. Amends the act to specify that USDA may convey lands or interests in lands acquired under the program in any state to the state without consideration. (§8102)

State and private forest landscape scale restoration program. Authorizes a program to provide financial assistance for landscape scale restoration projects that cross landownership boundaries (e.g., federal, state, tribal, and/or private forest lands). Authorizes appropriations of $20 million annually through FY2026 to remain available until expended. (16 U.S.C. §2109a; P.L. 119-37)

State and private forest landscape-scale restoration program. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§8103)

Rural fire prevention and control. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to cooperate with and provide financial, technical, and related assistance to state foresters or state officials for the prevention, control, suppression, and prescribed use of fires on rural and nonfederal lands; to organize, train, and equip local firefighting forces, including those of Indian tribes; and to provide assistance through state officials to other agencies including rural volunteer fire departments. Defines "rural volunteer fire department" to mean "any organized, not for profit, fire protection organization" that primarily serves an area with a population of 10,000 or less or a rural area, whose firefighter personnel is at least 80% volunteer, and that is recognized as a fire department under state law. Authorizes appropriations, and sets requirements for a nonfederal cost share of at least 50% for activities carried out using such funds. (16 U.S.C. §2106)

Rural fire prevention and control. Allows the Secretary of Agriculture to waive cost-sharing requirements for rural volunteer fire departments. Changes the definition of "rural volunteer fire department" to (1) include "any fire protection organization that is organized as a not for profit organization or by the authority of a local government," (2) increase the maximum population of the primary service area from 10,000 to 15,000, and (3) reduce the required percentage of volunteers from 80% to 70%. (§8104)

Subtitle B—Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003

Promoting cross-boundary wildfire mitigation. Authorizes the U.S. Forest Service (FS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to make grants to state foresters for projects that reduce hazardous fuels across ownership boundaries on federal and nonfederal land. Authorizes appropriations of $20 million annually through FY2026. (16 U.S.C. §6513(e); P.L. 119-37)

Promoting cross-boundary wildfire mitigation. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§8201)

Authorization of appropriations. Authorizes appropriations of $660 million annually through FY2026 to carry out the purposes of Title I of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA) and other hazardous fuels reduction activities of the FS and BLM, including making grants to states, local governments, Indian tribes, and other recipients. (16 U.S.C. §6518; P.L. 119-37)

Authorization of appropriations for hazardous fuel reduction on Federal land. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§8202)

Water Source Protection Program. Authorizes FS to establish a water source protection program on the National Forest System (NFS). Allows FS to enter into water source investment partnership agreements with end water users to protect and restore the condition of NFS watersheds that provide water to the end water users. Requires at least 50% funding match from nonfederal partners. Allows use of cash or in-kind donations from specified nonfederal partners for the matching requirement. Authorizes appropriations of $10 million annually through FY2026 (16 U.S.C. §6542, P.L. 119-37)

Water source protection program. Defines adjacent lands and lists additional eligible end water users. Specifies requirements and selection priorities for watershed protection and restoration projects under the program and specifies conditions to carry out projects on adjacent lands. Requires FS to cooperate with nonfederal partners to carry out assessments, planning, project design, and project implementation. Allows the matching fund requirement to be waived. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. Limits support of partner planning and technical assistance to 10% of appropriations. (§8203)

Watershed Condition Framework. Allows FS to establish a Watershed Condition Framework for NFS lands. Requires FS to identify up to five priority watersheds in each national forest and develop and implement a watershed protection and restoration action plan. (16 U.S.C. §6543)

Watershed condition framework technical corrections. Removes the term protection from provisions related to developing and implementing watershed restoration action plans. (§8204)

Insect infestations and related diseases. Requires FS, in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey, to establish a program to gather and distribute information on forest-damaging insects, associated diseases, and effective treatments and strategies to counter them. Terminates the program on October 1, 2026. (16 U.S.C. §§6551 et seq.; P.L. 119-37)

Authorization of appropriations to combat insect infestations and related diseases. Extends the program through October 1, 2031. (§8205)

Designation of treatment areas. Authorizes FS and BLM, upon request from a state, to designate landscape-scale insect and disease treatment areas in areas that meet certain requirements. Allows FS or BLM to carry out priority projects to address insect or disease infestations or reduce hazardous fuels on designated federal land. Projects for which a public notice to initiate scoping is issued on or before September 30, 2026, may be carried out under specified conditions for administrative and judicial review and environmental analysis. (16 U.S.C. §6591a(d)(2); P.L. 119-37)

Insect and disease infestation. Extends the date that a public notice to initiate scoping must be issued on or before in order to carry out a project under this section to September 30, 2031. (§8206)

Stewardship end result contracting projects. Allows FS and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to enter into stewardship contracts or agreements—generally of 10 years or less, though up to 20 years in some circumstances—to achieve specified land management goals, such as hazardous fuels reduction and watershed restoration, that meet local and rural community needs. Allows agencies to combine restoration services and forest product harvesting into a single project. (16 U.S.C. §6591c)

Stewardship end result contracting projects. Adds retaining and expanding existing forest products infrastructure necessary to carry out a stewardship contract or agreement to the purposes of stewardship contracting projects. Generally authorizes stewardship contracts of up to 20 years. Defines multiyear contract to mean a stewardship contract that has a term of at least five years entered into on or after the date of enactment. Provides that, in the case of cancellation or termination of a multiyear contract by the Chief of the FS or the Director of BLM, the Chief or the Director shall provide a cancellation or termination payment of 10% of the multiyear contract or the unrecovered costs that would have been recouped through amortization over the full term of the contract, including the canceled term, whichever is less. (§8207)

Subtitle C—Other Forestry Programs

Semiarid Agroforestry Research, Development, and Demonstration Center. Establishes a center and cooperative research program on semiarid agroforestry in Lincoln, NE. Authorizes appropriations of $5 million annually through FY2026. (16 U.S.C. §1642 note; P.L. 119-37)

National and regional agroforestry centers. Renames the section. Renames the research center "National Agroforestry Research, Development and Demonstration Center." Defines agroforestry and describes applicable practices. Requires USDA to establish one or more regional agroforestry centers to be administered under the national center. Specifies the research to be conducted at the national and regional centers. Requires USDA to conduct a National Agroforestry Producers Survey within five years and every five years thereafter. Authorizes appropriations of $7 million annually through FY2031. (§8301)

National Forest Foundation. Establishes the National Forest Foundation (NFF) as a charitable and nonprofit corporation to administer private financial and property gifts to benefit FS. Allows USDA to provide matching funds to NFF for administrative expenses through FY2024. Authorizes appropriations of $3 million annually through FY2026 to provide matching funds for NFF. (16 U.S.C. §§583j et seq.; P.L. 119-37)

National Forest Foundation Act. Authorizes the use of NFF funds for activities related to white oak forests, such as reestablishment, management improvements, and improvement of nursery stock and seedlings. Specifies that NFF may accept gifts, devises, and bequests for these purposes. Requires NFF to report to Congress on activities related to white oak forests, including funding. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels and extends USDA authority to provide matching funds through FY2031. (§8302)

Forest Service facility realignment and enhancement. Establishes a program to authorize the conveyance of administrative sites of up to 10 undeveloped parcels of up to 40 acres each of NFS land per fiscal year. Authorization to initiate new conveyances expires on September 30, 2026. (16 U.S.C. §580d note; P.L. 119-74)

Conveyances and leases of forest service administrative sites. Extends the FS Facility Realignment and Enhancement Program through September 30, 2031. (§8303(a))

Authorization for lease of Forest Service sites. Authorizes USDA to lease FS administrative sites on up to 10 isolated, undeveloped parcels of up to 40 acres each per fiscal year through October 1, 2028. (16 U.S.C. §580d note; P.L. 118-234)

Conveyances and leases of forest service administrative sites. Extends the authority through 2031. (§8303(b))

Forest inventory and analysis. Requires USDA to establish a program to inventory and analyze private and public forests and their resources in the United States, known as the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program. Requires USDA to annually publish all data collected for such inventories for each state. Requires USDA to publish a nationwide report analyzing forest health conditions and trends over the previous two decades no more than every five years. Requires USDA to publish national standards and definitions used for the FIA program. Requires USDA to prepare a strategic plan for the FIA program. Although not specified in law, the FIA program collects, analyzes, and makes available to the public data related to woodland owners and timber products output. (16 U.S.C. §1642(e))

Forest inventory and analysis. Specifies that forest resources to be inventoried include forest carbon. Requires USDA to collect information to include a timber products output survey and a national woodland owner survey. Requires USDA to include a clear description of the definition of forest used for reporting FIA program data. Requires the FIA strategic plan to include procedures related to inventorying changes in land cover and use, procedures related to evaluating carbon-related data, national consistent data collection protocols, forest carbon, collaboration, transparency, and expanded data collection. Requires USDA to update and submit to Congress the FIA strategic plan no later than 180 days after enactment. Requires USDA to update the plan every five years. Requires USDA to ensure that FIA data is confidential and easily accessible. Requires USDA to publish a biennial compilation of national forest inventory and analysis forest statistics, accompanied by relevant geospatial products. Requires USDA to establish an office, data platform, or team to process and respond to complex FIA data requests submitted by external organizations. Allows USDA to collect fees for such requests. (§8304(a))

Remote sensing technologies. Requires FS to "find efficiencies" in the operations of the FIA program through the use and integration of advanced remote sensing technologies. (16 U.S.C. §1642 note)

Forest inventory and analysis. Specifies that "advanced remote sensing technologies" includes microwave, LiDAR, hyperspectral, and high-resolution remote sensing data and advanced computing technologies for improved modeling. (§8304(b))

No comparable provision.

Reforestation, nursery, and seed orchard support. Requires FS to engage in a variety of activities related to nursery and tree establishment programs, including providing training, technical assistance, and research in partnership with federal and state agencies, Indian tribes, private nurseries, and other relevant entities. Requires USDA to establish a grant program to support nurseries and seed orchards to states, counties, local governments, Indian tribes, private nurseries, or institutions of higher education. Authorizes appropriations of $5 million annually through FY2031. (§8305)

Subtitle D—Forest Management
Part I—National Forest System Management

Categorical Exclusions. Agencies maintain lists of categories of actions that normally do not significantly affect the quality of the human environment (categorical exclusion, CE). Congress may also legislatively establish CEs. An agency typically does not prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) or environmental assessment (EA) under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. §§4321 et seq.) if it applies one of its own or another agency's CE (42 U.S.C. §4336). Unless excepted by statute, before applying a CE to a specific action, USDA considers any extraordinary circumstances (7 C.F.R. §1b.3, a successor regulation to FS NEPA regulations previously codified in 36 C.F.R. §220.6 and rescinded on July 3, 2025) that could potentially result in significant impacts and, as such, would necessitate preparation of an EA or EIS. Historically, the Forest Service followed government-wide NEPA implementation guidance in 40 C.F.R. Parts 1500-1508. Those regulations were rescinded effective April 11, 2025.

Categorical exclusion for high priority hazard trees. Requires the USDA to develop a CE "as defined at 40 C.F.R. §1508.4 or successor regulations" that includes application of "extraordinary circumstances procedures under 36 C.F.R. §220.6" for high-priority hazard tree activities for up to 6,000 acres. Defines high-priority hazard tree as one that presents a visible hazard to people or property and meets other specified criteria including being likely to cause injury to people or damage to federal property and being located within 300 feet of certain NFS roads, along NFS trails, or in certain developed recreation sites. Defines high-priority hazard tree activities as forest management activities that mitigate the risks associated with high-priority hazard trees and specifies that high-priority hazard tree activities do not include activities in certain locations (e.g., wilderness, inventoried roadless areas) or for certain activities (e.g., construction of a permanent road or trail). (§8401)

Administrative review. Allows FS to carry out forest restoration treatment projects of up to 3,000 acres on federal land in certain areas within designated insect and disease treatment areas to reduce hazardous fuels or reduce the risk or extent of, or increase resilience to, insect and disease infestation EA. (16 U.S.C. §6591a-b)

Collaborative restoration projects. Increases the maximum size of eligible projects from up to 3,000 to up to 10,000 acres. (§8402)

Wildfire resilience projects. Allows FS to carry out authorized hazardous fuels reduction projects of less than 3,000 acres. Establishes a CE for such projects pursuant to extraordinary circumstances, among other provisions. (16 U.S.C. §6591d(c)(1))

Wildfire resilience project size. Increases the maximum size of eligible hazardous fuels reduction projects from up to 3,000 to up to 10,000 acres. (§8403)

Establishment of fuel breaks in forests and other wildland vegetation. Establishes a CE for FS and BLM to establish and maintain linear fuel breaks for eligible projects up to 3,000 acres pursuant to extraordinary circumstances, among other provisions. (16 U.S.C. §6592b(d)(1))

Fuel breaks in forests and other wildland vegetation. Increases the maximum size of eligible projects from up to 3,000 to up to 10,000 acres. (§8404)

CE for greater sage-grouse and mule deer habitat. Directs FS and BLM to develop a CE for covered vegetation management activities to protect, restore, or improve sage-grouse or mule deer habitat in a sagebrush steppe ecosystem. Specifies that, with respect to the public lands, such activities must meet the objectives of Secretarial Order 3336 dated January 5, 2015. Limits such projects to 4,500 acres in size. Requires activity to protect, restore, or improve habitat concurrently for greater sage-grouse and mule deer if the CE is used to implement a covered vegetative management activity in an area within the range of both species. (16 U.S.C. §6591e)

Greater sage-grouse and mule deer habitat. Removes the requirements that such activities meet the objectives of Secretarial Order 3336 for public lands; that such activities take place in a sagebrush steppe ecosystem; and that the activities implemented under the CE within the range of both greater sage-grouse and mule deer must concurrently protect, restore, or improve habitat for both species. Allows projects up to 4,500 acres in forested ecosystems or 7,500 acres in rangeland ecosystems. (§8405)

Vegetation management, facility inspection, and operation and maintenance relating to electric transmission and distribution facility rights of way. Through a variety of authorities, USDA may authorize nonfederal groups to occupy and use NFS lands. Special provisions regarding vegetation management, among other topics, apply to electric transmission and distribution facilities approved under §512 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended. (43 U.S.C. §1772)

Categorical exclusion for electric utility line rights-of-way. Establishes a CE for forest management activities relating to electric transmission and distribution facility rights of way. Forest management activities categorically excluded include "the development and approval of a vegetation management, facility inspection, and operation and maintenance plan" submitted under 43 U.S.C. §1772(c)(1) as well as the implementation of routine forest management activities under such plan. Specifies the CE shall not apply in wilderness or areas of the NFS where vegetation removal is restricted or prohibited. Prohibits the establishment of permanent roads under such plans but allows maintenance and repair of existing permanent roads. Requires decommissioning of temporary roads constructed for carrying out activities under the CE. Exempts activities conducted under the CE from §7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA; P.L. 93-205; 16 U.S.C. §1536) and §106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S.C. §306108). (§8406)

No directly comparable provision. The National Forest System (NFS, 16 U.S.C. §1609(a)) is managed by the FS to provide a variety of uses and values without impairing the productivity of the land (16 U.S.C. §§528-531). Management of NFS units is conducted in accordance with comprehensive land and resource management plans (forest plans), which describe the desired resource conditions for the plan area and set a framework for associated land management projects (16 U.S.C. §1406). While preparing forest plans and projects, FS must comply with laws of general applicability that govern federal agency actions, including NEPA. Multiple authorities allow the FS to enter contracts and cooperative agreements with nonfederal entities for a variety of purposes (see collected authorities at Forest Service Manual 1580, Forest Service Handbook 6309.11).

Forest management activities on National Forest System lands. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct forest management activities, defined as a project or activity carried out on NFS land that is consistent with the applicable forest plan. Directs the Secretary to coordinate with impacted parties, defined as state, local, and tribal governments, local fire departments, and "other relevant volunteer groups," to increase efficiency and maximize the compatibility of management practices across NFS lands. Specifies that the Secretary shall conduct forest management activities on NFS land in a manner that attains multiple ecosystem benefits, including specified benefits related to hazardous fuels, plant and animal diversity, soils, and water. Directs the Secretary to establish criteria for ground conditions following a forest management activity that results in ground disturbances, and monitor such ground conditions to determine whether desired outcomes or conditions are achieved.

Establishes a new CE under NEPA for a forest management activity that has the purpose of reducing forest fuels. Application of the CE is limited to activities that are:

fewer than 10,000 acres with no more than 3,000 acres of mechanical thinning; and

developed in coordination with impacted parties—specifically including representatives of local governments—and in consultation with other relevant entities (as determined by the Secretary).

Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with an impacted party to provide for specified management activities on federal and nonfederal land. (§8407)

Protection of national forests; rules and regulations. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to protect the national forests from wildfire. (16 U.S.C. §551)

Suppression of wildfires. Specifies requirements regarding wildland fire management during times or in locations with high wildfire risk. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, to take certain actions on specified NFS lands. Applicable NFS lands are at National Wildland Fire Preparedness Level 5, contain U.S. Drought Monitor rated areas from D2-D4, or are in a "fireshed" ranked in the top 10% of wildfire exposure according to the "most recent published models of fireshed risk exposure published by the FS"; "fireshed" is not defined. In such areas, requires the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service (FS), to:

(1) suppress wildfires detected on NFS lands with the purpose of containment within 24 hours, using available resources and in a manner consistent with interagency agreements and firefighter safety standards;

(2) not inhibit the efforts of state or local agencies authorized to respond to wildfire on such lands;

(3) only use fire for resource management if the fire is a prescribed fire, and using all available resources, including infrared technologies, for containment;

(4) only initiate a backfire or burnout during a wildfire if ordered by the incident commander, consulting with the FS line officer, or if necessary to protect firefighter health and safety, and using all available resources for containment.

Requires FS to update their prescribed fire policies to reflect findings and recommendations in the "National Prescribed Fire Program Review" published by the FS in September 2022. (§8408)

Subtitle D—Forest Management
Part II—Forest Management Activities

The ESA (16 U.S.C. §1536(a)(2)) generally requires federal agencies to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) or the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) when their discretionary actions may affect species listed under the ESA or the designated critical habitat for those species. FWS and NMFS implementing regulations require federal agencies to reinitiate this consultation process when any of four specified triggering events take place that may change the services' conclusions about the effects of the action. Federal courts have reached different conclusions on reinitiating consultation in the context of approved land and resource management plans prepared, amended, or revised under the FS and BLM land and resource planning laws (FS, 16 U.S.C. §1604(d)(2); BLM, 43 U.S.C. §1712A). FS and BLM generally need not reinitiate consultation for previously adopted land and resource management plans when new species are listed or critical habitat is designated under the ESA, subject to certain limitations. There are still circumstances in which FS and BLM must reinitiate consultation; when such circumstances occur, the agencies remain subject to different rules established by different circuit courts, based on geographic location. (16 U.S.C. §1604; 43 U.S.C. §2606; 50 C.F.R. §402.16(b))

No additional consultation required. Specifies that FS and BLM shall not be required to reinitiate consultation under §7(a)(2) of the ESA (16 U.S.C. §1536(a)(2)) or 50 C.F.R. §402.16 or a successor regulation on an approved land and resource management plan if a species is listed as threatened or endangered, critical habitat is designated, or new information concerning a threatened or endangered species or critical habitat becomes available. (§8411)

Good neighbor authority. Allows the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to enter into contracts or agreements with states, counties, and Indian tribes (as defined at 25 U.S.C. §5304) to conduct authorized restoration services on specified federal land. Excludes specified work on roads except reconstruction, repair, or restoration of NFS, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Park Service (NPS), or "National Wildlife Refuge" managed roads necessary to carry out authorized restoration services under a good neighbor agreement or, in the case of specified NFS roads, is decommissioned under specified conditions. Allows states, counties, and tribes to use funds received through the sale of timber under such a project for additional authorized restoration projects and authorized recreation services through FY2028. Specifies that any payment made by a county to the Secretaries of Agriculture or the Interior under such a project would not be considered to be monies received from NFS, BLM, National Park System, or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service land, as applicable. (16 U.S.C. §2113a)

Good neighbor authority. Defines the term special district to mean a political subdivision of a state that has significant budgetary autonomy, was created pursuant to state law to perform a limited and specific governmental or proprietary function, and is distinct from any other local government unit in the state. Specifies that special districts may retain revenue from sale of timber under such a project. To the existing uses of retained funds, adds (1) construction of new permanent roads on federal lands that are necessary to implement authorized restoration activities and are approved by a federal agency through "environmental analysis or categorical exclusion decision," (2) new permanent road construction to replace and decommission existing permanent roads causing specified environmental impacts, and (3) the administration of a good neighbor authority program by a state, tribe, special district, or county. Reauthorizes the authority to retain revenue through 2030. Specifies that any payment made by a county to the Secretaries of Agriculture or the Interior under such a project would be considered to be monies received from the applicable system of listed federal land. Specifies that the amendments made by this section apply to all good neighbor projects initiated after December 18, 2018. (§8412)

Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program. Allows FS to select and fund the implementation of collaboratively developed restoration proposals for priority forest landscapes according to specified criteria. Limits the total number of awards to 10 per fiscal year and not more than two awards in any one NFS region per fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations of $80 million annually through FY2024, to remain available until expended. (16 U.S.C. §7303; P.L. 119-37)

Collaborative forest landscape restoration program. Requires eligible project proposals to include plans to prevent, remediate, or control invasions of exotic pathogens and to address "standardized monitoring questions and indicators." Allows USDA to give special consideration to proposals that meet specified criteria. Repeals the 10 awards per fiscal year limit. Allows four awards in any one NFS region per fiscal year. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§8413)

No directly comparable provision. The FS is authorized to generally engage in scientific investigations related to forest and rangeland resources, including demonstrations and tests. From time to time, Congress has authorized research programs related to specific forest and rangeland topics. (16 U.S.C. §1642; see statutory notes for examples of specific programs)

Public-private wildfire technology deployment and testbed partnership. Requires the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior, in coordination with the heads of specified federal agencies, to establish a deployment and testbed pilot program within one year after enactment for new and innovative wildfire prevention, detection, communication, and mitigation technologies. Directs the Secretaries to incorporate the pilot program into an existing interagency wildfire coordinating group and to consult with heads of specified federal agencies to identify technology priority areas with respect to technology deployment. Requires the Secretaries to partner with specified types of nonfederal entities, including private entities, nonprofit organizations, or institutions of higher education (as defined at 20 U.S.C. §1001) to coordinate real-time on-the-ground testing. Specifies that covered entities must submit an application to the Secretaries to be eligible to participate. Specifies prioritization criteria for participation. Directs the Secretaries to coordinate with heads of specified federal agencies to conduct outreach regarding the program and invite applicants. Requires the Secretaries to report to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction.a Also requires the Secretaries to report to the Committees on Natural Resources, and on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives, and the Committees on Energy and Natural Resources, and on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate regarding the program. Terminates the authority on September 30, 2031. (§8414)

Forest Service participation in the Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services (ACES) Program. Allows FS to use funds derived from conservation-related programs to use the ACES Program to provide technical services for conservation-related USDA programs and authorities on NFS land. Terminates authority on January 30, 2026. (16 U.S.C. §3851a; P.L. 119-37)

Forest service participation in experienced services program. Renames the section "Forest Service participation in Experienced Services." Provides conforming amendments. Repeals the termination date. (§8415)

Timber sales on NFS lands. Requires USDA to advertise all NFS timber sales unless it is determined that extraordinary conditions exist or that the appraised value of the sale is less than $10,000. (16 U.S.C. §472a)

Timber sales on National Forest System land. Increases the appraisal threshold above which USDA must advertise NFS timber sales to $55,000. Allows USDA to dispose of portions of trees or forest products by timber sale or by other means, without appraisal, in the event of "extreme risks" to NFS lands. (§8416)

Through a variety of authorities, USDA may authorize nonfederal groups to occupy and use NFS lands (36 C.F.R. Part 251 Subpart B). Special provisions regarding vegetation management, among other topics, apply to electric transmission and distribution facilities approved under the authority of §512 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act. (43 U.S.C. §1772)

Permits and agreements with electrical utilities. Allows USDA, on any special use permit or easement on NFS lands provided to an electric utility company (as defined in 42 U.S.C. §16451), to provide permission to cut and remove vegetation near distribution lines or transmission lines without requiring a separate timber sale, if consistent with the applicable land management plan. If the electrical utility sells any portion of the material removed, the utility must remit the proceeds of the sale to USDA, minus transportation costs. Does not require the sale of any removed materials. (§8417)

Grazing. The FS and BLM may authorize grazing and livestock use of the NFS and the public lands, respectively. (FS: 16 U.S.C. §528, BLM: 43 U.S.C. §1702)

Utilizing grazing for wildfire risk reduction. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to NFS lands, and the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to public lands, to develop and implement a strategy to use livestock grazing as a wildfire risk reduction tool on land under their jurisdiction. Specifies that this strategy is to include

completion of reviews required under NEPA (42 U.S.C. §§4321 et seq.) to allow a grazing permittee to use vacant grazing allotments during instances of natural disasters that disrupt grazing on allotments already permitted;

the use of targeted grazing to reduce hazardous fuels;

an increased use of temporary permits to promote targeted fuels reduction and invasive annual grass reduction;

an increased use of livestock grazing to eradicate invasive annual grasses and as a post-fire restoration strategy;

use of advanced technologies to dynamically adjust livestock placement;

an increased use of any authorities applicable to livestock grazing, including modifications to grazing permits or leases to allow variances; and

use of grazing on federal land that avoids conflict with other land uses and is consistent with applicable land management plans.

Specifies that nothing in this section affects any livestock grazing program carried out by the applicable Secretary as of the date of enactment, or any statutory authority for any program described above.

(§8418)

Joint Chiefs Landscape Restoration Partnership Program. Establishes the program, jointly administered by FS and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), to improve the health and resilience of forest landscapes across NFS lands and specified nonfederal land. Requires reports to Congress in FY2022 and FY2023. Authorizes appropriations of $90 million for each of FY2022 and FY2023. (16 U.S.C. §6592d)

Joint chiefs landscape restoration partnership program. Requires a report to Congress at least every two years after FY2023. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§8419)

Tribal forest management demonstration project. Allows USDA and DOI to carry out demonstration projects by which federally recognized Indian tribes or tribal organizations (as defined in 25 U.S.C. §5304) may contract to perform administrative, management, and other functions of programs of the Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004 through contracts entered into under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (P.L. 93-638; 25 U.S.C. §§5304 et seq.). (25 U.S.C. §§3115a et seq.)

Tribal forest management program technical correction. Renames the section the Tribal Forest Management Program. Removes reference to projects as "demonstration." (§8420)

Part III—Timber Innovation

Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Program. Establishes a program to provide competitive cost-share grants to install community wood energy systems or build innovative wood product facilities. Limits grants to $1 million, or $1.5 million under specified circumstances. Limits community wood energy systems to a nameplate capacity of five megawatts of thermal and electric energy. Limits 25% of funds provided as grants per fiscal year for innovative wood product facilities. Authorizes appropriations of $25 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §8113; P.L. 119-37)

Community wood facilities program. Renames the section. Provides conforming amendments throughout. Clarifies that community wood energy systems use primarily forest biomass, including processing or manufacturing residuals. Increases grant limits from $1 million, or $1.5 million under specified circumstances, to $5 million and amends selection criteria. Increases nameplate capacity of community wood energy facilities to 15 megawatts of thermal and electric energy. Increases the limits for innovative wood product facilities grants from 25% to not more than 50% of total grants per fiscal year. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§8431)

Wood Innovation Grant Program. Establishes a program to provide cost-share grants to stimulate or expand wood energy and wood products markets. Requires FS to give priority to proposals that include the use of or retrofitting (or both) of existing sawmill facilities located in counties with average annual unemployment rates exceeding the national average by more than 1% in the prior calendar year. Specifies a 100% matching requirement for grant recipients. (7 U.S.C. §7655d)

Wood innovation grant program. Adds construction of new facilities and material hauling as allowable activities. Allows FS to prioritize proposals that recognize or enhance carbon reduction strategies in building design and interior wood products or to include an analysis of community benefits of forest management under the proposal. Decreases the matching requirement from 100% to 50%. (§8432)

Under the FIA program, the FS inventories and analyzes private and public forests and their resources in the United States, including measurements of carbon storage and flux. (16 U.S.C. §1642(e))

Forest and wood products data tracker. Requires FS, working with NRCS, federally recognized Indian tribes, state foresters, and the private sector, to establish a publicly available data platform regarding the carbon emissions, sequestration, storage, and related atmospheric impacts of forest management and wood products. Specifies data sources and program priorities. (§8433)

No comparable provision.

Biochar application demonstration project. Establishes two assistance and research programs related to biochar research, development, and commercialization. Directs the Chief of the FS, the Director of BLM, and the Director of the Office of Science in the Department of Energy to partner with eligible entities to carry out demonstration projects to support the development and commercialization of biochar. Specifies eligible entities and limits on funding provided for such demonstration projects. Specifies priorities for project selection, including maximizing forest health benefits, job creation and contribution to local economies and potential to demonstrate biochar's innovative uses, market viability, and forest health benefits. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to establish or expand an existing applied biochar research and development competitive grant program for specified eligible academic institutions. Specifies requirements for reporting to Congress concerning the demonstration projects and the research and development grant program. Sunsets the program seven years after enactment. (§8434)

Subtitle E—Other Matters

Forestry rural revitalization. Requires USDA to establish a program to educate and provide technical assistance related to forestry to businesses, industries, and policymakers to promote rural economic health. Authorizes appropriations of $5 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §6601; P.L. 119-37)

Rural revitalization technologies. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§8501)

Resource advisory committees (RACs). As part of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS; P.L. 106-393, as amended), establishes RACs to review and propose projects for funding under Title II of SRS. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture or the Interior, as applicable, to appoint RAC members. Specifies composition of RACs in terms of member background and numbers and allows for such composition requirements to be modified in certain circumstances. Terminates authority to modify RAC composition requirements on October 1, 2026. Establishes several pilot programs related to RAC composition and appointments. (7 U.S.C. §7125)

Resource advisory committees. Allows the Secretaries to act through the applicable regional forester to make RAC appointments, provided the regional forester conducts the appropriate review of candidates. Extends the authority to modify RAC composition requirements through October 1, 2031. Repeals all pilot programs authorized under the section. (§8502)

Congress has enacted various reporting requirements regarding federal land management with respect to hazardous fuels reduction and wildfire risk. Some have raised concerns about how agencies report accomplishments related to hazardous fuels (see examples and discussion in CRS Report R43872, National Forest System Management: Overview and Issues for Congress).

Accurate hazardous fuels reduction reports. Requires the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to include in the President's annual budget materials the acreage of hazardous fuels reduction activities conducted during the preceding fiscal year on lands under their jurisdiction. Specifies that this report is to be conducted according to the following requirements, and the methodology of the Secretary concerned in effect on the day before enactment. Requirements include reporting acres once, even if multiple hazardous fuels reduction activities were carried out during the reporting period; location with respect to the wildland-urban interface and region or System unit; hazard potential and effectiveness of activities; type of activity; and cost per acre. Specifies that reports shall be made publicly available on applicable Department websites. Requires the Secretary concerned to implement standardized procedures for tracking hazardous fuels reduction activities within 90 days, and specifies elements that must be included in the procedures. Requires each Secretary to report and make recommendations to Congress regarding these procedures. Requires the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study on implementation of this section within two years. Specifies no additional funds are authorized for this section and authorized activities are subject to availability of appropriations made in advance for these purposes. (§8503)

Special uses. FS may authorize the occupancy and use of NFS lands for a variety of purposes (special use authorizations). FS charges land use fees and cost recovery fees to the holder of these special use authorizations. FS may waive all or part of the programmatic administrative fee and any fees related to a special use authorization for specified users engaged in specified activities, such as state and local governments and specified nonprofit organizations. (36 C.F.R. Part 251, Subpart B)

Special use authorization rental fee waiver. Codifies the authority to waive programmatic administrative fees and fees related to special use authorizations. (§8504)

Pilot program of charges and fees for harvest of forest botanical products. Requires USDA to establish a program to collect and retain fees for forest botanical products harvested from NFS based on their fair market value and the costs associated with administering forest botanical product harvest authorizations. Requires FS to determine sustainable harvest levels for forest botanical products on NFS lands, establish procedures for monitoring and revising harvest levels, and prohibit harvest in excess of sustainable harvest levels. Authorizes collection of fees through FY2026. (16 U.S.C. §528 note; P.L. 119-74)

Charges and fees for harvest of forest botanical products. Permanently authorizes the pilot program. Requires USDA to produce a report summarizing the activities under the program to Congress annually. (§8505)

FS Legacy Road and Trail Remediation Program. Requires USDA to establish the program to remediate NFS roads, trails, and bridges, such as restoring fish passage, decommissioning specified roads and trails, converting roads to trails, and carrying out projects to improve roads and trails' resilience to weather hazards. Requires USDA to establish a process for annually selecting projects that, among other criteria, consider regional public input. Requires USDA to publish online the selection process and a list including a description and the proposed outcome of each project funded under the program in each fiscal year. (16 U.S.C. §538a)

Forest service legacy road and trail remediation program transparency. Specifies that, in selecting projects, USDA shall solicit and consider public input on a list of regional projects considered for funding. Requires USDA to publish the selection process online annually for each region and include additional information on proposed projects, including public comments and each project's regional ranking. Specifies that "region" refers to FS regions. (§8506)

No comparable provision.

Direct hire authority. Authorizes USDA to appoint a qualified Job Corps graduate to a position in the competitive service in FS without regard to the provisions of 5 U.S.C. Chapter 33, Subchapter 1 (except sections concerning congressional recommendations and Selective Service registration), annually, beginning in FY2026. (§8507)

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

Improving the emergency forest restoration program. Requires USDA to offer an advance payment to the owner of nonindustrial private forestland of up to 75% of the cost of the emergency measures to address damage and restore forest health and resources. Requires USDA to determine costs based on the fair market value of the emergency measures using specified methods established by NRCS. Requires funds not expended within 180 days of receipt be returned to USDA. (§8508)

Communications special uses. Directs FS to issue regulations to streamline the consideration of applications for communications uses of NFS. (43 U.S.C. §1761a)

Exemption for previously analyzed areas of National Forest System Lands. Exempts applications for communications uses of NFS from NEPA and from "division A of subtitle 54, United States Code" if the equipment is located on existing infrastructure or previously analyzed areas of NFS land, defined as NFS land where the Secretary of Agriculture has granted, issued, and executed a communications use authorization and conducted "sufficient environmental or historical reviews." FS is not required to "reinitiate consultation under NEPA" or "division A of subtitle 54, United States Code" on previously analyzed areas of NFS land if new information becomes available. It is not specified what portion of the U.S. Code "Division A of subtitle 54, United States Code" refers. It may refer to Title 54 of the U.S. Code, Subtitle III, Division A, concerning historic preservation. (§8509)

Powers of the Secretary of Agriculture. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to sell, exchange, lease, or dispose of lands acquired under the Bankhead Jones Farm Tenant Act (50 Stat. 525) on the condition that such properties be used for public purposes. (7 U.S.C. §1011)

Release of reversionary interest in Black River State Forest. Provides for release of federal reversionary interest in specified state-owned land in the Black River State Forest in Wisconsin. The land was originally acquired by the United States pursuant to the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act and subsequently conveyed to the State of Wisconsin. (§8510)

Secure rural schools and community self-determination. Authorizes a program to provide payments to counties containing NFS or certain BLM land for specified public purposes. (16 U.S.C. Ch. 90)

Doug LaMalfa Secure Rural Schools Act. Renames the act the Doug LaMalfa Secure Rural Schools Act. (§8511)

Grazing. The FS may authorize grazing and livestock use of the NFS, generally by issuing a grazing permit to authorize livestock use to a permittee. The Chief of the FS and individuals, organizations, and agencies other than the FS may install and maintain range improvements on NFS land. Improvements must be authorized by a cooperative agreement or memorandum of understanding, the provisions of which become a part of the grazing permit. (36 C.F.R. Chapter II Part 222).

Minor range improvements under forest service grazing permits. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue regulations allowing a permittee to carry out a minor range improvement on the lands with respect to which the permittee holds a grazing permit if the permittee notifies the applicable FS district ranger at least 30 days prior, and the district ranger approves or does not respond. Minor range improvements are defined to include improvements to existing fences and fence lines, wells, water pipelines, and stock tanks.

Directs the Secretary, acting through the applicable district ranger, to respond within 30 days to a covered request, defined as a request that the Secretary carry out a range improvement. If the response confirms that the Secretary, acting through the district ranger, agrees to the request, directs that the district ranger notify the district office serving the area in which the range improvement will occur and expedite the range improvement. (§8512)

Subtitle F—White Oak Resilience

No comparable provision.

Short title. Names the new subtitle the "White Oak Resilience Act." (§8601)

No comparable provision.

White oak restoration initiative coalition. Establishes the coalition in accordance with the charter titled "White Oak Initiative Coalition Charter" to coordinate restoration of white oak in the United States and make program and policy recommendations. Requires the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to make personnel available to the coalition for specified purposes. (§8602)

No comparable provision.

Forest service pilot program. Requires the FS to establish and carry out five pilot projects in national forests to restore white oaks. Requires three projects to be on national forests reserved or withdrawn from the public domain. Allows FS to enter into cooperative agreements to carry out the pilot projects. Terminates authority after seven years. (§8603)

No comparable provision.

White oak regeneration and upland oak habitat. Requires FS, within 180 days, to establish a nonregulatory White Oak and Upland Oak Habitat Regeneration Program to identify, prioritize, and implement restoration and conservation activities for white oaks. Requires FS to establish a voluntary grant and technical assistance program. Requires FS to coordinate with specified agencies and to enter a cooperative agreement with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to manage and administer the grant program, subject to appropriations. Specifies that funds received by NFWF to carry out the grant program are subject to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act (P.L. 98-244; 16 U.S.C. §§3701 et seq.), excluding 16 U.S.C. §3709(a). Terminates authority after seven years. (§8604)

No comparable provision.

Tree nursery shortages. Requires FS to develop and implement a national strategy to address the nationwide shortage of tree seedlings in coordination with the national reforestation strategy and regional implementation plans. (§8605)

Sources: Compiled by CRS from H.R. 7567 as reported by the House Committee on Agriculture (H.Rept. 119-620).

a. "Agriculture committees of jurisdiction" refers to the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Title IX, Energy⁵⁰

The energy title in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 farm bill; P.L. 115-334) focused on renewable energy, agricultural-related energy, energy efficiency, and biobased products, among other areas.⁵¹ The energy title contained 12 programs and initiatives centered, in part, on the education about and production, installation, promotion, and research and development of energy, renewable chemicals, and biobased products stemming from or applicable to agricultural areas.⁵² Most energy title programs received five-year authorization without baseline funding and expire without reauthorization.⁵³ Certain programs received permanent authority. An example is the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which does not expire with the 2018 farm bill.

The energy title of H.R. 7567 would reauthorize most of the 2018 farm bill energy title programs and make modifications to selected programs (Table 12).⁵⁴ Under the Biobased Markets Program, also known as the BioPreferred program, procuring agencies would be required to submit to both USDA and the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) an annual report detailing (1) actions the procuring agency has taken to establish and implement a biobased procurement program, (2) the categories of biobased products that are unavailable to meet the procurement needs of the procuring agency, and (3) the desired performance characteristics for said products, among other things. For the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program, the bill would allow USDA to waive the demonstration of commercial viability when approving a loan guarantee application for the program. The bill would also require a technical review agreement between USDA and the project applicant that outlines certain objectives, outcomes, and conditions for USDA to determine the successful technical feasibility for the project. For REAP, the bill would amend the selection criteria to receive a grant to include "the potential of the proposed program to meaningfully improve the financial conditions of the agricultural producer or rural small business" and the award considerations to receive a loan guarantee or a grant to include "the potential improvements to the financial conditions of the agricultural producer or rural small business." The bill would repeal two programs: the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program and the Carbon Utilization and Biogas Education Program.

H.R. 7567 would add two new sections to the energy title that are focused on solar energy. Section 9011 would require USDA to conduct a study on the effects of solar panel installations on the conversion of certain farmland out of agricultural production. USDA would be required to (1) analyze the economic effects of solar panel installations on certain farmland, (2) investigate the impacts of solar panel installation, operation, and decommissioning on certain farmland, (3) assess the impacts of shared solar energy and agricultural production on certain farmland, and (4) assess the "types of agricultural lands best suited and worst suited for shared solar energy and agricultural production," among other things. USDA would be required to consult with the Department of Energy and stakeholders while conducting the study. USDA would be required to submit to the House Committee on Agriculture, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the Senate Committee on Agriculture a written report on the study findings and recommendations. Section 9012 would prohibit USDA from providing financial assistance for a project that would result in the conversion of certain farmland for solar energy production. Exceptions to this prohibition include projects converting less than five acres of certain farmland generally, and projects converting less than 50 acres, with the majority of the energy produced used for on-farm use and receiving approval or support from the county and municipality where the project is located. The bill would prohibit USDA from providing financial assistance for projects that procure solar energy components produced, manufactured, or assembled in a foreign country of concern; by an entity domiciled or controlled by a foreign country of concern; or by a foreign entity of concern as defined by 42 U.S.C. §19237.

The bill would support the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).⁵⁵ It would modify the definition of advanced biofuel (7 U.S.C. §8101(3)(B)) to include SAF. It would require USDA to establish a department-wide strategy to advance the production of SAF that would (1) facilitate the collaboration between relevant mission areas to encourage the advancement of the SAF supply chain; (2) identify opportunities to maximize SAF development, deployment, and commercialization; (3) leverage the capabilities of America's farmers and others to capture opportunities in the SAF market; (4) support rural economic development through SAF production; and (5) promote public-private partnerships for the development, deployment, and commercialization of SAF.

Additionally, the bill would raise awareness regarding agricultural irrigation pumping systems. The bill would require USDA to make available to the public information about cost savings and energy savings, among other specified items, that can be realized with the use of energy-efficient pumping systems. It would also require USDA to develop an energy efficiency preassessment tool for pumping systems, and to educate persons performing energy audits about the energy use and energy efficiency in pumping systems.

Table 12. Title IX, Energy

Current Law/Policy

H.R. 7567 as Reported by the Committee

Definitions. Defines advanced biofuel as fuel derived from renewable biomass other than corn kernel starch and explicitly states various inclusions (e.g., diesel-equivalent fuel derived from renewable biomass). (7 U.S.C. §8101(3)(B)(iv))

Definition of advanced biofuel. Adds "sustainable aviation fuel" to the inclusions list for the advanced biofuel definition. (§9001)

Biobased markets program. Requires USDA to promote biobased products through two initiatives: (1) mandatory purchasing by federal agencies and their contractors and (2) a voluntary labeling initiative for biobased products. Requires USDA and the Department of Commerce (DOC) to jointly develop North American Industry Classification System codes (NAICS) for renewable chemical manufacturers and biobased products manufacturers. Provides $3 million in mandatory Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funding annually through FY2024. Authorizes appropriations of $3 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §8102; P.L. 118-22; P.L. 119-37)

Biobased markets program. Requires the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) to coordinate with USDA to provide educational materials to procuring agencies. Requires procuring agencies to submit certain information annually to OFPP and USDA. Requires USDA and DOC to jointly develop NAICS and North American Product Classification System (NAPCS) codes for renewable chemical manufacturers and biobased products manufacturers as well as renewable chemicals and biobased products. Requires a report to the agriculture committees of jurisdictiona on the federal statistical collections of information related to the NAICS and NAPCS codes, among other things. Provides $3 million of mandatory CCC funding annually through FY2031. Authorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§9002)

Biorefinery assistance. Requires USDA to provide loan guarantees for the development, construction, or retrofitting of commercial-scale biorefineries for the development of advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals, and biobased products. Defines biobased product manufacturing. Authorizes appropriations of $75 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §8103; P.L. 119-37)

Biorefinery assistance. Redefines biobased product manufacturing to include new or innovative commercial-scale processing and manufacturing equipment. Allows USDA to waive the requirement that the applicant demonstrate commercial viability for projects adopting commercially available technology. Adds a technical review agreement requirement under the selection criteria for loan guarantees. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. Rescinds $18 million of the unobligated balances of amounts made available under 7 U.S.C. §8103. (§9003)

No comparable provision.

Bioproduct labeling terminology. Requires USDA to implement national uniform labeling standards for bioproducts. (§9004)

Bioenergy program for advanced biofuels. Requires USDA to contract with fuel producers to support and expand production of advanced biofuels. Provides $7 million in mandatory CCC funding through FY2031. Authorizes appropriations of $20 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §8105; P.L. 119-21; P.L. 119-37)

Bioenergy program for advanced biofuels. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§9005)

Biodiesel Fuel Education Program. Establishes a competitive grant program to educate government and private vehicle fleet operators, the public, and others about the benefits of biodiesel. (7 U.S.C. §8106)

Biodiesel Fuel Education Program. Repeals the program. (§9006)

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Provides eligible entities with grants for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance. Provides loan guarantees and grants for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy systems. Limits loan guarantees to $25 million. Provides $50 million in mandatory CCC funding annually. Authorizes appropriations of $20 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §8107; P.L. 119-37)

Rural Energy for America Program. Amends the selection criteria for grants for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance to include "the potential of the proposed program to meaningfully improve the financial conditions of the agricultural producers or rural small businesses." Amends the award considerations for financial assistance for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy systems to include the potential improvements to the financial conditions of agricultural producers or rural small businesses. Adds agricultural cooperatives with less than 2,500 employees as a qualified entity for 7 U.S.C. §8107(c). Increases the loan guarantee limit to $50 million. Requires USDA to develop a streamlined application process, enhances outreach and technical assistance for REAP applicants and grantees, and establishes a REAP reserve fund to support projects using underutilized renewable energy technologies. Authorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. Requires USDA to ensure diversity in the types of projects approved for grants and loan guarantees. (§9007)

Feedstock Flexibility Program for bioenergy producers. Authorizes through crop year 2026 a program to help stabilize sugar prices to avoid forfeitures under the sugar loan program. Under the Feedstock Flexibility Program, USDA may purchase sugar from processors for resale to fuel ethanol producers using CCC funds. Requires USDA to provide notice about the quantity of sugar to be made available for purchase and sale. (7 U.S.C. §8110; P.L. 119-37)

Feedstock flexibility. Extends the purchase and sale of eligible commodities through the 2031 crop year. Extends the notice period to 2031. (§9008)

Biomass Crop Assistance Program. Provides financial assistance to owners and operators of agricultural land and nonindustrial private forest land to establish, produce, and deliver biomass feedstock to eligible processing plants via matching payments. Also provides payments to establish and produce eligible crops. Authorizes appropriations of $25 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §8111; P.L. 119-37)

Biomass Crop Assistance Program. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§9009)

Carbon Utilization and Biogas Education Program. Establishes a competitive grant program to educate the public about the economic and emissions benefits of permanent carbon sequestration or utilization and to educate agricultural producers and other stakeholders about the collection of organic waste from multiple sources to be used in a single biogas system. (7 U.S.C. §8115)

Carbon utilization and biogas education program. Repeals the program. (§9010)

No comparable provision.

Study on effects of solar panel installations on covered farmland. Requires USDA to study the effects of solar panel installations on the conversion of covered farmland out of agricultural production. Defines covered farmland as farmland and nonindustrial private forest land. Directs USDA to consult with the Department of Energy and relevant stakeholders. Requires a report to the House Committee on Agriculture, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry on the findings of the study and recommendations. (§9011)

No comparable provision.

Limitation on USDA funding for ground-mounted solar energy systems. Prohibits USDA from providing financial assistance for a project that would result in the conversion of covered farmland for solar energy production with limited exceptions, including projects converting less than five acres, projects converting less than 50 acres with the majority of the energy produced used for on-farm use, and projects receiving approval or support from the county and municipality where the project is located. Project applicants are required to submit a farmland conservation plan. Prohibits USDA from providing financial assistance for a project that procures a solar energy component that is produced, manufactured, or assembled in a foreign country of concern, by an entity domiciled or controlled by a foreign country of concern, or by a foreign entity of concern as defined by 42 U.S.C. §19237. (§9012)

No comparable provision.

Sustainable aviation fuels strategy. Requires USDA to establish a department-wide strategy to advance the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to (1) facilitate the collaboration between relevant mission areas to encourage the advancement of the SAF supply chain; (2) identify opportunities to maximize SAF development, deployment, and commercialization; (3) leverage the capabilities of America's farmers and others to capture opportunities in the SAF market; (4) support rural economic development through SAF production; and (5) promote public-private partnerships for the development, deployment, and commercialization of SAF. (§9013)

No comparable provision.

Leveraging efficiency awareness for pumping systems. Requires USDA to make available on their website information on "cost savings, energy savings, water conservation, and carbon emissions reductions that can be realized through the use of energy-efficient pumping systems." Also requires USDA to make available a user-friendly tool that assists farmers in making a preliminary assessment of the energy efficiency of existing pumping systems and provides an estimate of potential energy savings, cost savings, and carbon emissions reductions that may be realized through pumping system improvements. Requires USDA to establish a process to educate individuals performing energy efficiency audits for USDA on energy use and energy efficiency in pumping systems. Defines pumping system as "any pumps, pipes, motors, drives, and controls used to move water and other fluids on farms, ranches, and aquaculture operations."

(§9014(a) - §9014(d), §9014(f))

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

Adds "energy-efficient pumping systems" to a list of activities under the Conservation Stewardship Program. Pumping system is defined as any pump, pipe, motor, drive, and control used to move water and other fluids on the agricultural operation. (§9014(e))

Definitions. Defines renewable energy as energy derived from a wind, solar, renewable biomass, ocean, geothermal, or hydroelectric source. (7 U.S.C. §8101(15)(A))

Adding waste energy recovery to the Rural Energy for America Program. Adds "waste energy recovery" as a source for the renewable energy definition. (§9015)

Sources: Compiled by CRS from H.R. 7567 as reported by the House Committee on Agriculture (H.Rept. 119-620).

a. "Agriculture committees of jurisdiction" refers to the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Title X, Horticulture, Marketing, and Regulatory Reform⁵⁶

The horticulture, marketing, and regulatory reform title of H.R. 7567 would reauthorize and amend many of the 2018 farm bill provisions and programs related to the specialty crop sector, certified organic agriculture, local and urban food systems, hemp production, pesticide use, and other marketing and regulatory efforts (Table 13).⁵⁷

H.R. 7567 would reauthorize USDA to issue block grants to states through FY2031 to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops and amend the purpose of the grants to reflect state priorities and input from stakeholders. The bill would also reauthorize appropriations for programs such as Specialty Crops Market News, the Acer Access and Development Program, the National Organic Program (NOP) through FY2031. In addition, H.R. 7567 would expand the mission and responsibilities of the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production.

H.R. 7567 would amend the domestic hemp production program to reflect changes to the statutory definition of hemp made in P.L. 119-37.⁵⁸ The bill would relax certain requirements for producers of industrial hemp, including by reducing or eliminating testing requirements and by taking steps to eliminate the existing 10-year period of ineligibility following the date of conviction for a felony related to a controlled substance. Additionally, the bill would require USDA to establish a process to accredit laboratories for testing hemp in consultation with the Drug Enforcement Administration.

H.R. 7567 would extend the authority of USDA to issue grants to local and regional producers through the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) until 2031, expand the list of businesses eligible for grant funding in LAMP, and expand the eligible activities for grant funding. H.R. 7567 would also require USDA to collect and publish cost-of-production data for organic milk. Additionally, the bill would extend the requirement for USDA to submit a report to Congress on enforcement and compliance actions in NOP through 2031 and allow USDA to provide technical assistance to organic producers through existing USDA programs. H.R. 7567 would relax certain on-site inspection requirements for certified organic operations that do not pose a "risk to organic integrity" as defined by the bill. H.R. 7567 would also require a study and report to the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry on whether NOP should alter its program oversight to reflect the "risk to organic integrity" as defined by the bill. H.R. 7567 would also require USDA to submit a report to the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry that examines USDA's procurement process for domestic commodities.

H.R. 7567 would amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA; 7 U.S.C. §§136 et seq.) for various purposes, including to exclude certain plant biostimulants from the statute and exempt certain plant-incorporated protectants from the requirements of the statute. The bill would also provide for additional coordination among the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other federal agencies on the implementation of FIFRA, including the evaluation of pesticide registrations and their potential effects on listed species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA; 16 U.S.C. §§1531 et seq.). The bill would extend the deadline until October 2031 for initial registration reviews of pesticides registered prior to October 2016 that have not undergone initial registration reviews. It would also clarify that further permitting or approval is not required for the use, application, or discharge of a registered pesticide consistent with its labeling. H.R. 7567 would also require FIFRA's preemption provision to be applied to require uniform pesticide labeling nationwide and would generally prohibit any state pesticide labeling or packaging requirements that would require labeling or packaging in addition to or different from that approved by EPA pursuant to FIFRA. H.R. 7567 would further amend FIFRA to prohibit political subdivisions of states from regulating or continuing to regulate the sale, distribution, labeling, application, or use of any pesticides that are subject to regulation by the EPA Administrator or a state pursuant to FIFRA.

The bill would establish an Office of Biotechnology Policy within USDA to coordinate departmental policies and activities related to biotechnology, biomanufacturing, synthetic biology, and other emerging technologies. The office would oversee policy coordination across research, cooperative extension, communication, regulation, and commercialization activities and would facilitate coordination with other agencies, including the EPA and the Food and Drug Administration.

Table 13. Title X, Horticulture, Marketing, and Regulatory Reform

Current Law/Policy

H.R. 7567 as Reported by the Committee

Subtitle A—Horticulture

Specialty crop block grants. Authorizes block grants to states to support the competitiveness of specialty crops through FY2026. Requires the state plan to identify the lead agency responsible for the program and how the grants will be used. (7 U.S.C. §1621 note; P.L. 119-37)

Specialty crop block grants. Reauthorizes block grants to states through FY2031. Amends the purpose of grants to reflect priorities established annually by state plan administrators in consultation with producers and producer groups. Amends the state plan requirements to include outreach and consultation with producers and producer groups. (§10001)

Specialty crops market news allocation. Authorizes appropriations of $9 million annually for market news activities for specialty crops through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §1622b(b); P.L. 119-37)

Specialty crops market news allocation. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§10002)

Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP). Establishes OUAIP at USDA, including grant authority, to support the development of urban, indoor, and innovative production. Establishes an Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee, pilot programs, and USDA reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations of $10 million annually to carry out the functions of the OUAIP through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §6923; P.L. 119-37)

Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. Expands OUIAP's mission to include controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems and expands OUAIP's responsibilities to include providing technical assistance and promoting "conservation techniques unique to urban agriculture and innovative production," such as conservation techniques that address stormwater runoff and the impacted nature of urban land and land subsurface. Requires OUAIP to assist producers in navigating local polices and regulations. Authorizes OUAIP to enter into cooperative agreements to support urban and innovative agricultural production and removes the pilot status for office projects. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§10003)

National Plant Diagnostic Network. Authorizes appropriations of $15 million annually for the network through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §8914(c)(5); P.L. 119-37)

National Plant Diagnostics Network. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§10004)

Hemp production. Provides the framework for state and tribal hemp production plans. Requires plans to include production guidelines, procedures for testing cannabis for delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration, and disposal procedures for plants in violation of regulations. Defines the approval process; audits for state compliance, technical assistance, and violations of state and tribal plans. (7 U.S.C. §1639p)

Hemp production. Requires state and tribal plans to designate hemp producers as producers of only industrial hemp or of hemp used for any purpose other than industrial hemp. Requires states and Tribes to update testing requirements and compliance to reflect the definitional changes in P.L. 119-37. Allows for state or tribal plans to distinguish between industrial hemp and hemp used for cannabinoids purposes. Requires states and Tribes to establish a procedure to eliminate the 10-year period of ineligibility for producers with a controlled substance felony electing to grow only industrial hemp. Authorizes state and tribal plans to allow for inspections of industrial hemp producers and exemptions from testing for total THC concentration. Adds requirements to report violations to the Attorney General and law enforcement in the state or Tribe. (§10005(a))

Hemp production. Provides framework for USDA's hemp production plan, which governs the production of hemp in states or Tribes that do not have a plan approved under 7 U.S.C. §1639p. Requires USDA's plan to include restrictions on production practices, testing procedures, and disposal procedures for plants without a USDA license or in violation of the hemp production plan. Also requires licensing guidelines, reporting violations, and information sharing for law enforcement. (7 U.S.C. §1639q)

Hemp production. Requires USDA to create a procedure for a producer to designate the type of production as industrial hemp or hemp for other purposes. Requires USDA to update testing requirements and compliance to reflect the definitional changes in P.L. 119-37. Requires USDA to distinguish in the hemp production plan between industrial hemp and hemp used for cannabinoids purposes. Requires the establishment of a procedure to eliminate the 10-year period of ineligibility for producers with a controlled substance felony electing to grow only industrial hemp. Allows for procedures to reduce sampling and testing requirements for industrial hemp producers. Requires the USDA to share with law enforcement the designation of hemp producers (i.e., industrial or not) and information on disposed hemp. (§10005(b))

Hemp production. Requires USDA to promulgate regulations on hemp production, consult with the Attorney General on the regulations, and issue reports to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction.a (7 U.S.C. §1639r)

Hemp production. Adds requirement for USDA to establish a process to accredit laboratories for testing hemp in consultation with the administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration. (§10005(c))

Regulation of movement of plant pests. The Plant Protection Act (P.L. 106-224), as amended, prohibits the import, export, or interstate movement of plant pests without a permit to prevent their spread within the United States. (7 U.S.C. §§7711 et seq.)

Pilot program for the intra-organizational movement of genetically engineered microorganisms by certain authorized parties. Requires USDA to establish within 100 days of the enactment of H.R. 7567 a pilot program involving up to 75 responsible parties (defined to mean a U.S. partnership, corporation, association, joint venture, or other legal entity) to move covered microorganisms between biocontainment facilities in interstate commerce without a permit and to manage their disposal. Requires USDA to accept applications using a web-based process and to terminate the program three years after USDA completes the application selection process. Requires that USDA not treat genetically modified microorganisms less favorably than non-genetically modified ones or limit the quantity or type of microorganisms that may be moved between facilities. Requires USDA to submit a report to Congress with recommendations on the future of the program six months after the program ends. (§10006)

Subtitle B—Marketing

Import prohibitions on specified foreign produce. Requires that certain imported produce comply with marketing order grade, size, quality, and maturity provisions or comparable marketing order restrictions. (7 U.S.C. §608e-1(a))

Marketing orders. Adds almonds and mandarin oranges to the list of imported produce and removes dates for processing from the list of imported produce for which commodity marketing orders are applicable. (§10101)

Local Agriculture Market Program. Defines and specifies the purpose of the program and authorizes grants to farmers' markets, local food system producers, value-added processors, and regional partnerships through FY2026. Includes application processes. (7 U.S.C. §1627c; P.L. 119-37)

Local agriculture market program. Extends USDA's authority to provide grants to eligible entities and grants for partnerships through FY2031. Adds a definition of food hub to mean a business or organization that supports aggregation, distribution, and marketing of source-identified food products that are primarily produced by local and regional producers. Expands the purpose of the program to include regional food chain coordination. Requires USDA agencies to provide program technical assistance and outreach to stakeholders before and after awarding grants. Expands eligible activities to support the purchase of special purpose equipment and support for food hubs, among other expanded support. Requires USDA to establish a simplified application form for eligible entities that request less than $100,000 and choose from project categories including direct-to-consumer projects and local and regional food market and enterprise projects. Redefines authorities related to grants to support partnerships. Provides that, of the funds made available for grants, simplified applications shall receive not less than 10% and not more than 50%. (§10102)

Acer Access and Development Program. Authorizes USDA to provide grants to state and tribal governments to promote the domestic maple syrup industry. Authorizes appropriations of $20 million annually through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §1632c; P.L. 119-37)

Acer access and development program. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. Requires USDA to consult with maple syrup industry stakeholders when setting program priorities at least six months before the first request for applications for the program following enactment. (§10103)

Organic production and market data initiative. Requires USDA to collect data on the production and marketing of organic agricultural products. Authorizes appropriations of $5 million annually to carry out the initiative through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §5925c; P.L. 119-37)

Organic production and market data initiative. Adds requirement to collect and publish cost-of-production data for organic milk. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§10104)

Organic certification. The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA; P.L. 101-624, Title XXI) authorizes USDA to develop and enforce national standards for certified organic agricultural products under the National Organic Program (NOP). Requires USDA to submit and publish an annual report to Congress on all domestic and international compliance actions taken in the prior year through 2026. Authorizes appropriations of $24 million annually to carry out NOP through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §6521(d)(1); 7 U.S.C. §6522(b); P.L. 119-37)

Organic certification. Extends the reporting requirement on compliance actions through 2031. Authorizes USDA to provide technical assistance, outreach, and education to support organic production through existing USDA programs. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§10105)

No comparable provision.

Report on procurement. Requires USDA to submit a report to the agriculture committees of jurisdictiona within one year of enactment that examines USDA's procurement process for domestic commodities or products (as defined in School Breakfast Program regulations, 7 C.F.R. §220.16). Requires the report to include an examination of the solicitation process for such commodities and products and of barriers to entry for "nontraditional, culturally relevant, or local and regional commodities or products." Requires the report to include the diet quality and accessibility of procured commodities or products. Requires the report to include USDA's administrative, regulatory, and legislative recommendations to improve such procurement processes. (§10106)

Definitions. Defines 22 terms for the purposes of NOP within OFPA, as amended. (P.L. 101-624, Title XXI; 7 U.S.C. §6502)

Definitions of risk to organic integrity and oversight protocols. Adds definitions for oversight protocols and risk to organic integrity. Defines oversight protocols as the regulations, policies, and procedures issued by USDA under the stated sections of OFPA. Defines risk to organic integrity as the likelihood that a product marketed as organically produced is, or contains, an agricultural product that was not produced or processed to the standards of NOP. (§10107)

General requirements. Lists the general requirements for NOP, including regulations that provide for annual on-site inspections by the certifying agent of each farm and handling operation that is certified organic. (7 U.S.C. §6506(a))

Modernization of inspection requirements. Maintains the requirement for annual inspections for organic operations. Requires that annual inspections for international operations be conducted on-site. Authorizes on-site inspections to be conducted once every three years for domestic operations, with annual inspections being conducted on-site or virtually based on the operation's "risk to organic integrity" as determined by USDA. Allows handling operations that acquire but do not physically receive, process, package, or store organic products to be inspected virtually or via other ways as determined by USDA. (§10108)

No comparable provision.

Study and reform of National Organic Program oversight protocols. Requires USDA not later than 12 months after enactment to conduct a study to determine whether the establishment of oversight protocols based on "risk to organic integrity" are necessary and appropriate. Requires the study to examine the feasibility and implications of implementing oversight protocols that are based on potential concerns that an operation would violate NOP standards while considering factors such as the size and scope of the operation, complexity, location, and other factors. Requires USDA to submit a report to the agriculture committees of jurisdictiona on the results of the study within 18 months of enactment and make the report publicly available. Requires USDA to consult with the National Organic Standards Board, certifying agents, certified organic operations, consumers, and other stakeholders in conducting the study. Allows USDA to issue regulations that may modify oversight protocols in NOP following the issuance of the report. Also authorizes USDA to issue regulations that reduce oversight costs and administration for operations and certifying agents that are lower risk to organic integrity. (§10109)

Subtitle C—Regulatory Reform
Part I—Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act

Scope of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). FIFRA (7 U.S.C. §§136 et seq.) governs the sale, distribution, and use of pesticides through registration (i.e., licensing), which includes the approval of a label specifying the pesticide's proper use. FIFRA §2 defines various categories of substances on the basis of their intended function to determine whether they fall under the jurisdiction of the statute. Plant biostimulants that meet the definition of a pesticide, plant regulator, or nitrogen stabilizer are subject to FIFRA requirements. FIFRA §17(c)(2) provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to notify the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the importation of a plant-incorporated protectant contained in seed (1) if such plant-incorporated protectant is otherwise already registered or subject to an experimental use permit or (2) if the seed is covered by a permit or a notification. FIFRA §25(b) authorizes EPA to exempt any pesticide from FIFRA requirements if the agency determines that the pesticide is either (1) adequately regulated by another federal agency or (2) of a character that is unnecessary to be subject to FIFRA requirements. Section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) requires EPA to set tolerances (i.e., maximum residue limits) or tolerance exemptions for pesticide residues that may remain in or on food and feed. (7 U.S.C. §§136, 136o(c), and 136w(b); 21 U.S.C. §346a)

Exclusion of certain substances. Amends definitions of terms in FIFRA §2 to exclude certain plant biostimulants from the definition of plant regulator and the reach of FIFRA. Clarifies the definitions of the terms nutritional chemical and vitamin hormone product for purposes of excluding such substances from regulation under FIFRA as plant regulators. Codifies the regulatory definition of the term plant-incorporated protectant.

Amends FIFRA §25(b) to exempt plant-incorporated protectants "resulting from endogenous genetic material found within or that could arise from the plant's gene pool" from statutory requirements, including the requirement for a tolerance under FFDCA §408, on the issuance of guidance, unless EPA determines that such plant-incorporated protectant is of a character that it needs to be subject to requirements under the statute to carry out FIFRA's purpose. Requires EPA to issue guidance on exempting certain plant-incorporated protectants from FIFRA requirements within one year of enactment.

Provides for a conforming amendment to FIFRA §17(c)(2) to affirm that plant-incorporated protectants meeting the criteria specified in amended FIFRA §25(b) and contained in seed are exempt from import notification requirements. (§10201)

FIFRA pesticide registration. FIFRA §3 establishes the process by which EPA evaluates pesticide registration applications and the criteria for registering pesticides and specifying permissible uses. FIFRA §22 directs EPA to cooperate with USDA, any other federal agencies, and any appropriate state agencies or political subdivisions of the state in carrying out FIFRA and in securing uniformity of regulations. (7 U.S.C. §§136a and 136t)

Coordination. Requires EPA to coordinate with USDA on the development of risk mitigation measures for registered pesticides and the use of certain information provided by USDA to help inform the registration or registration review of pesticides or the establishment, modification, or revocation of pesticide tolerances in or on food and feed. Requires EPA to conduct and publish an economic analysis determining the cost of implementation of such risk mitigation measures. Requires EPA to coordinate with USDA, the Department of the Interior, and the Department of Commerce on the implementation of "reasonable and prudent actions and measures" with respect to the use of a registered pesticide. Authorizes waivers of and modifications to coordination requirements for a specific action if EPA, USDA, and the registrant enter into an agreement published in the relevant regulatory docket. (§10202)

FIFRA interagency working group. The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334) required the establishment of an interagency working group to provide recommendations regarding, and the implementation of a strategy for improving, the consultation process required under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA; P.L. 93-205) for pesticide registration and registration review. (7 U.S.C. §136a(c)(11); 16 U.S.C. §1536)

Interagency working group. Requires USDA's Director of the Office of Pest Management Policy to be included in all meetings of the interagency working group. Changes the reporting frequency of an implementation report from semiannually to annually and requires such reports to be publicly available on EPA's website. Requires the working group to consult with interested industry stakeholders and nongovernmental organizations. Requires EPA to consult with covered agencies on any policy, strategy, work plan, or pilot program prior to taking such actions on pesticides pursuant to ESA. (§10203)

FIFRA registration review. Section 711 of the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2022 (Title VI of Division HH of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023; P.L. 117-328) requires EPA to complete by October 2026 the initial registration review of each pesticide or pesticide case registered prior to October 2011 that has not undergone initial registration review. Covered interim registration review decisions must involve the consideration of input from USDA and other members of the FIFRA interagency working group and include, where applicable, measures to reduce the effects of the applicable pesticide on listed species and designated critical habitat under the ESA. (7 U.S.C. §136a(g) and §136a note (Registration Review Deadline Extension))

Registration review. Repeals Section 711 of the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2022 and extends the deadline to October 2031 for initial registration review of each pesticide or pesticide case registered prior to October 2016 that has not undergone initial registration review. Reiterates requirements in current law for covered interim registration review decisions. (§10204)

Preemption. FIFRA §24 authorizes states to regulate the sale or use of federally registered pesticides subject to certain limitations. Among those limitations, FIFRA §24(b) prohibits states from imposing or continuing in effect any labeling or packaging requirements "in addition to or different from" those imposed under FIFRA and its implementing regulations. The Supreme Court has held that states may enforce common law and statutory labeling and packaging requirements if those requirements are "equivalent to" and "fully consistent" with FIFRA's requirements. See, for example, Bates v. Dow Agrosciences LLC, 544 U.S. 431, 447 (2005). The scope of states' authority to enforce such laws is currently again before the Court (Monsanto Co. v. Durnell, No. 24-1068). The Supreme Court has held that FIFRA does not preempt local governments' authority to regulate pesticides (Wisconsin Public Intervenor v. Mortier, 501 U.S. 597, 606-607 (1991)). (7 U.S.C. §136v)

Uniformity of pesticide labeling requirements. Amends FIFRA §24(b) to prohibit states, instrumentalities and subdivisions of states, and courts from imposing or continuing in effect labeling or packaging requirements that are in addition to or different from labeling or packaging approved by EPA pursuant to FIFRA and its implementing regulations, including requirements that would require warnings on labeling or packaging. Prohibits states, their subdivisions, and courts from penalizing or holding liable any entity for failing to comply with labeling or packaging requirements that are in addition to or different from those approved by EPA. Creates an exception to this prohibition where an entity has been subject to civil or criminal penalties pursuant to FIFRA for specified material unlawful acts, including submission of certain falsified materials, testing, or data. Expressly preserves authority of states to regulate the sale or use of pesticides under other provisions of FIFRA §24. (§10205)

Authority of States. Adds FIFRA §24(d) to prohibit political subdivisions of states from regulating or continuing to regulate the sale, distribution, labeling, application, or use of any pesticides that are subject to regulation by EPA or a state pursuant to FIFRA. (§10206)

Permitting for pesticide discharges into navigable waters. Under the Clean Water Act (CWA; P.L. 92-500; 33 U.S.C. §§1251 et seq.) as amended, discharges of pollutants into navigable waters are unlawful unless specifically authorized by a permit. For decades following the enactment of the CWA, EPA did not consider registered pesticides used in compliance with FIFRA as pollutants that required permitting for their discharge into waters. However, in 2009, the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals found that (1) the statutory definition of pollutant in the CWA encompasses biological pesticides and chemical pesticides that leave a residue in navigable waters, and (2) discharges of such pollutants require permitting. See National Cotton Council of America v. EPA, 552 F.3d 927 (6th Cir. 2009). In response to the case, EPA issued a general discharge permit to cover the majority of pesticide applications that may be considered point source discharges (e.g., local government mosquito control). States with delegated authority to issue their own discharge permits issued similar general discharge permits. (33 U.S.C. §§1251 et seq.)

Lawful use of authorized pesticides. Notwithstanding other law, the use, application, or discharge of a registered pesticide consistent with its labeling approved under FIFRA shall be permitted and considered lawful without further permitting or approval requirements. (§10207)

Subtitle C—Regulatory Reform
Part II—Other Regulatory Reform Provisions

Multiple crop and pesticide use survey. The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334) requires USDA through the Office of Pest Management Policy to conduct a multiple crop and pesticide use survey to collect data for risk assessment modeling and mitigation for an active ingredient. Requires USDA to submit the survey to EPA and make it publicly available. (P.L. 115-334, §10109)

Multiple crop and pesticide use survey. Adds additional data collection requirements to include commercial data on pesticide use. (§10211)

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The CWA (P.L. 92-500; 33 U.S.C. §§1251 et seq.) prohibits the discharge of pollutants from any point source to waters of the United States without a permit. CWA authorizes EPA and states to limit or prohibit discharges of pollutants through NPDES permits. Prior to a 2022 legal challenge, the U.S. Forest Service (FS) relied on a determination from EPA that a NPDES permit was not necessary for discharges to waters of the United States resulting from aerial applications of fire retardants. FS has since requested a NPDES general permit for these discharges and, in the meantime, is operating under the terms of a February 2023 federal facilities compliance agreement between EPA and FS. (33 U.S.C. §1342)

Safe harbor for certain discharges of wildland fire chemicals. Provides certain legal protection for covered entities until EPA (or a state) issues an NPDES permit authorizing the discharge from aerial applications of a covered fire retardant and water enhancer for wildfire suppression, control, or prevention activities. Prevents any court from enjoining certain covered entities from conducting such aerial applications when they are conducted in accordance with the 2023 federal facilities compliance agreement between EPA and FS. Provision sunsets five years after enactment. (§10212)

No comparable provision.

Office of Biotechnology Policy. Establishes a USDA office to coordinate departmental policies and activities related to biotechnology, including research, education, communication, regulation, and commercialization. Would assist the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration, be involved in interagency coordination, and engage in outreach with stakeholders. Authorizes appropriations of $1 million annually to carry out the functions of the office through FY2031. (§10213)

Sources: Compiled by CRS from H.R. 7567 as reported by the House Committee on Agriculture (H.Rept. 119-620).

a. "Agriculture committees of jurisdiction" refers to the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Title XI, Crop Insurance⁵⁹

The Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP) offers subsidized crop insurance policies that producers can purchase for a wide variety of crops and livestock. Policies pay indemnities for yield and revenue losses from adverse growing and market conditions, including natural disasters. The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC), a government corporation within USDA, pays part of the premium (about 61% on average in crop year 2025), while policyholders—farmers and ranchers—pay the balance. Private insurance companies, known as Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs), sell and service the policies in return for administrative and operating (A&O) subsidies from the FCIC. The FCIC also reinsures a portion of the AIPs' underwriting risk as specified in a mutually negotiated Standard Reinsurance Agreement. The USDA Risk Management Agency administers the FCIP. The FCIP is permanently authorized under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (P.L. 75-430, 52 Stat. 72) and the Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-365, 7 U.S.C. §§1501 et seq.), as amended. Congress most recently made changes to the FCIP in the FY2025 budget reconciliation law to increase various premium and A&O subsidies, modify certain insurance policies, and increase funds available for program compliance and integrity, among other program changes.⁶⁰ The crop insurance title of H.R. 7567 would make multiple changes to the program with implications for policyholders, AIPs, and USDA (Table 14).⁶¹

Implications for Policyholders

The bill would modify the definition of veteran farmers and ranchers used in the FCIP,⁶² and increase premium subsidies available for these individuals. This change would grant to qualified veteran farmers and ranchers the same set of FCIP benefits as are available for beginning farmers and ranchers. The bill would exempt some individuals from beneficial ownership interest reporting requirements.

Implications for Approved Insurance Providers

The bill would impose new requirements on AIPs and grant AIPs additional recourse from notification requirements for compliance problems. The bill would authorize AIPs to charge certain late fees to delinquent policyholders. The bill would remove the limit on the maximum A&O subsidy rate that USDA can assign to policies created after 2026.

Implications for USDA

The bill would retain the prohibition on simultaneous purchase of Stacked Income Protection Plan and enrollment in either Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC), and would shift these prohibitions from the code authorizing the FCIP to the code authorizing the ARC and PLC programs.

The bill would require USDA to reevaluate the Whole Farm Revenue Protection coverage available for certain commodities and periodically review quality loss adjustment procedures. The bill would require USDA to conduct a pilot project to study the effects of late planting on irrigation water use in the Ogallala Aquifer, and to conduct research to develop coverage options for new priority areas. The bill would require USDA to study and report on modifications to reinsurance funds and crop insurance compensation, the effects of weather station outages on hurricane insurance coverage, modifications to crop insurance and commodity support programs that would enhance lamb risk management options, and changes to Livestock Revenue Protection policies for feeder cattle impacted by natural disasters.

The bill would establish a specialty crop advisory committee. The bill would clarify the FCIC's authority to provide yield and revenue coverage. The bill would require USDA to periodically evaluate the actuarial performance of products developed by the private sector, and modify certain rules that apply for private sector submissions.⁶³

Table 14. Title XI, Crop Insurance

Current Law/Policy

H.R. 7567 as Reported by the Committee

Management of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC). Establishes the composition of the FCIC Board of Directors, including at least one specialty crop producer. (7 U.S.C. §1505(a))

Specialty Crop Advisory Committee. Requires the FCIC Board of Directors (Board) to include the chairperson of the Specialty Crop Advisory Committee, removes the requirement to include at least one specialty crop producer, and requires the Board to include at least one livestock producer. (§11001(a)(1))

No comparable provision

Specialty Crop Advisory Committee. Requires USDA to establish the Specialty Crop Advisory Committee within 180 days of enactment to advise the FCIC on insurance for specialty crops. Specifies the size, duties, and geographic composition of committee membership and requires the committee to meet at least twice annually. (§11001(a)(2))

Specialty crops coordinator. Establishes the responsibilities of the Specialty Crops Coordinator. (7 U.S.C. §1507(g)(2))

Specialty Crop Advisory Committee. Adds responsibility for the Special Crops Coordinator to liaise with the Specialty Crop Advisory Committee. (§11001(b))

Annual review of new and specialty crops. Requires the FCIC to provide an annual review of data to expand crop insurance options for new and specialty crops. (7 U.S.C. §1508(a)(6)(A))

Specialty Crop Advisory Committee. Requires the FCIC to consult with the Specialty Crop Advisory Committee in conducting the required review. (§11001(c))

Submission of certain information. Allows the FCIC to require policyholders to report the names of individuals who hold or acquire substantial beneficial interest, defined as a 5% or greater ownership share. (7 U.S.C. §1506(m))

Identification of holders of substantial interests. Adds flexibility for the FCIC to require policyholders to report the names of entities with substantial beneficial interest, provides for flexibilities on reporting deadlines, and redefines substantial beneficial interest as a 10% or greater ownership share. This change may exempt some individuals from reporting requirements. (§11002)

Actuarial soundness. Requires the FCIC to take actions to improve the actuarial soundness of policies sold through the FCIP. (7 U.S.C. §1506(n))

Actuarial soundness of certain new products. Requires the FCIC to periodically review and take actions to improve the actuarial performance of FCIP policies and products developed by the private sector. (§11003)

Authority to offer insurance. Authorizes the FCIC to offer insurance coverage for losses due to drought, flood, or other natural disasters as determined by USDA. (7 U.S.C. §1508(a)(1))

Coverage of revenue losses. Authorizes the FCIC to offer insurance coverage for losses due to a decline in the market price of the insured commodity, provided the decline was not directly caused by the producer. (§11004)

Prohibition on simultaneous participation in Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and purchase of certain policies offered through the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP). Prohibits farmers with acres insured under Stacked Income Protection Plan policies from purchasing Supplemental Coverage Option policies for those acres. Prohibits farmers enrolling in either ARC or PLC from purchasing Stacked Income Protection Plan policies. (7 U.S.C. §1508(c)(4)(C)(iv); 7 U.S.C. §1508b(f))

Limitation on farm program participation. Limits the prohibitions on enrolling in ARC or PLC through crop year 2025 in the FCIP authorizing statute, and adds such prohibitions beginning with crop year 2026 to the ARC and PLC authorizing statute. This change moves the prohibitions from the FCIP authorizing statute to the ARC and PLC authorizing statute without altering the prohibitions. (§11005)

No comparable provision.

Limitation on interest accrual. Authorizes Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) to charge up to 1% interest for outstanding delinquent premiums and administrative fees for a maximum of 5 years, beginning in the 2026 reinsurance year. (§11006)

Veteran farmer and rancher definitions. Defines veteran farmers and ranchers for the purposes of the FCIP as former servicemembers who have operated farms for no more than five years. (7 U.S.C. §1502(b))

Crop insurance support for beginning and veteran farmers and ranchers. Redefines veteran farmers and ranchers for the purposes of the FCIP as former servicemembers who have operated farms for no more than 10 years. (§11007(a))

Additional subsidies for beginning farmers. Provides premium subsidies for beginning farmers and ranchers of 15 percentage points for the first two years of insurance purchases, 13 percentage points for the third year, 11 percentage points for the fourth year, and retains additional premium subsidies of 10 percentage points for the fifth through tenth years. (7 U.S.C. §1508(e)(9))

Crop insurance support for beginning and veteran farmers and ranchers. Authorizes the same additional premium subsidies for veteran farmers and ranchers. (§11007(b))

Guidelines for submission and review. Requires the FCIC to establish guidelines for proposals submitted by private sector entities. Requires the FCIC to keep proposals confidential prior to approval. (7 U.S.C. §1508(h)(4))

Marketability. Adds an exception to grant certain AIPs access to submitted materials and requires those AIPs to adhere to the same confidentiality requirements as applicable to the FCIC.

Requires the FCIC to delay implementation of new products developed by the private sector until the next reinsurance year if certain conditions are not met.

Requires AIPs submitting letters of support for new products developed by the private sector to provide information and analysis on product marketability. Requires the FCIC to deem products developed by the private sector marketable if at least one AIP expresses support as part of the submission. Requires the FCIC to consider marketability information submitted by AIPs. Permits submissions of products developed by the private sector without letters of support from any AIP. (§11008)

Rate for administrative and operating (A&O) subsidies. Limits the maximum rate the Board can establish for A&O subsidies at 24.5% of a policy's premium for the 1999 and subsequent reinsurance years. Sets the A&O subsidy rate for area policies, Supplemental Coverage Option policies, or Stacked Income Protection Plan policies at 12.0% of policy premiums. (7 U.S.C. §1508(k)(4)(A); 7 U.S.C. §1508(k)(4)(F))

Reimbursement rates for administrative and operating costs. Removes the limit on the maximum A&O subsidy rate for each of the 2027 and subsequent reinsurance years. Removes the requirement for A&O subsidy rates of 12.0% for area policies, Supplemental Coverage Option, and Stacked Income Protection Plan coverage. For the 2027 and subsequent reinsurance years, requires the Board to maintain A&O subsidies at the rates that were in effect for the 2026 reinsurance year. (§11009)

Review of Quality Loss Adjustment (QLA) coverage. Requires the FCIC to review the QLA procedures and make adjustments beginning no later than the 2004 reinsurance year. (7 U.S.C. §1508(m)(3))

Quality loss adjustment coverage. Requires the FCIC to review the QLA procedures beginning in calendar year 2027 and every 5 years thereafter. Requires the FCIC to make adjustments to QLA procedures after every review. Requires QLA reviews to include engagement with regionally diverse industry stakeholders. Requires the FCIC to provide a report to the agriculture committees of jurisdictiona upon completion of each QLA review. (§11010)

Common crop insurance policies. No direct comparable provision. FCIP regulations for common crop insurance policies detail the reductions in coverage applicable to late planted crops. (7 C.F.R. §457.8)

Pilot program to review effectiveness of coverage penalty. Requires USDA and the FCIC to establish a four-year pilot program beginning in the 2027 crop year and located in or adjacent to certain groundwater districts in Texas to study yield declines associated with late plantings of corn and other crops. Requires the FCIC to provide full crop insurance benefits for late plantings under the pilot program. Requires the FCIC to determine if late planting reduces use of the Ogallala Aquifer for irrigation. Requires USDA and the FCIC to report the results of the pilot to the agriculture committees of jurisdictiona no later than 90 days after the end of the 2031 crop year. Authorizes up to $200,000 total of FCIC mandatory funding for research and development to fund a partnership or cooperative agreement to conduct the required research and evaluation. (§11011)

Review to improve effectiveness of Whole Farm Revenue Protection coverage. Requires the FCIC to hold stakeholder meetings, review procedures and paperwork requirements, and modify procedures and requirements as appropriate to decrease burdens and improve effectiveness of Whole Farm Revenue Protection no later than June 2020. (7 U.S.C. §1522(c)(7)(E))

Whole farm improvements. Requires the FCIC to conduct annual reviews of the limitations applied to total revenue insured under Whole Farm Revenue Protection and the limitations on insured revenues from animals, animal products, greenhouse and nursery, and aquaculture. Requires the FCIC to provide annual reports to the agriculture committees of jurisdictiona about the reviews conducted and planned changes to Whole Farm coverages. (§11012)

Notification of compliance problems. Requires FCIC to notify AIPs in writing within three years of any errors, omissions, or failures to follow regulations or procedures which may result in a debt owed to the FCIC. Relieves AIPs from any debt owed to the FCIC due to errors, omissions, or failures to follow regulations or procedures outside of the three-year notification window. (7 U.S.C. §1515(b))

Program compliance and integrity. Changes provision heading to "Notification, response, and final determination of compliance problems." Requires the FCIC to provide an initial finding in writing within three years to notify AIPs of any errors, omissions, or failures to follow regulations or procedures. Requires FCIC to follow a specified process and timeline to seek compliance remedy from AIPs. Provides AIPs the right to appeal at specified points during the process. Relieves AIPs from any debt owed to the FCIC due to errors, omissions, or failures to follow regulations or procedures outside of the procedures specified in this provision unless referred to the USDA Office of the Inspector General or Department of Justice. (§11013)

Research and development authority. Requires the FCIC to research and develop new insurance coverage for tropical storms and hurricanes, quality losses, citrus, hops, subsurface irrigation, grain sorghum, limited irrigation, irrigation practices used for rice production, greenhouse production, local foods, and certain lands in floodplains. (7 U.S.C. §1522(c))

Research and development priorities. Requires the FCIC to research and develop new insurance coverage for (1) revenue losses for selected crops, (2) wine grapes losses from smoke taint, (3) mushroom losses, (4) losses due to hurricanes and tropical storms, (5) losses due to frost or cold weather, (6) losses for double and rotational oilseed production, (7) harvest incentives for revenue coverage, (8) specialty crop prevented planting, and (9) swine catastrophic events. Requires USDA to report to certain congressional committees on progress for these topics. (§11014)

Definitions. No direct comparable provision. The Standard Reinsurance Agreement (SRA) specifies the terms under which private sector insurers and crop insurance agents sell and service FCIP policies. (7 C.F.R. §460.15)

Report on Standard Reinsurance Agreement. Requires the FCIC to prepare a report for the agriculture committees of jurisdictiona on the SRA that analyzes modifications to expand the availability of FCIP insurance coverage. Requires the report to consider alternative reinsurance options for crop insurers and crop insurance agent reimbursements. Requires the FCIC to consult with producers, crop insurance companies, crop insurance agents, and the agriculture committees of jurisdiction.a (§11015)

Research and development. No direct comparable provision. The FCIC sells hurricane insurance coverage as authorized under the FCIP research and development authority. (7 U.S.C. §1522(c))

Hurricane insurance protection-wind index report. Requires the FCIC to prepare a report for the agriculture committees of jurisdictiona analyzing instances where weather station outages operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) led to loss of hurricane insurance coverage and the feasibility of developing a contingency plan for such events. Requires the FCIC to consult with the Administrator of NOAA. (§11016)

Dairy Margin Coverage and Pilot Programs. No direct comparable provision. USDA Farm Service Agency administers the Dairy Margin Coverage program, which provides commodity support for eligible dairy producers. The FCIC sells Livestock Risk Protection policies under the FCIP pilot program authority. (7 U.S.C. §§9051 et seq.; 7 U.S.C. §1523(b))

Risk management study for lamb. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study of modifications to the Dairy Margin Coverage program, Livestock Risk Protection policies, and other programs designed to protect producers from market volatility as determined by the Secretary to enhance risk management for lamb producers. Requires the FCIC to prepare a report for the agriculture committees of jurisdictiona of the study's findings. (§11017)

Pilot programs. No direct comparable provision. The FCIC sells Livestock Risk Protection policies under the FCIP pilot program authority. (7 U.S.C. §1523(b))

Study on livestock risk protection policies with respect to producers of feeder cattle affected by adverse weather events. Requires the FCIC to conduct a study of modifications to Livestock Risk Protection policies to address the marketing of feeder cattle affected by drought, wildfires, and other adverse weather events, as determined by the Secretary. Requires the FCIC to prepare a report for the agriculture committees of jurisdictiona of the study's findings. (§11018)

Sources: Compiled by CRS from H.R. 7567 as reported by the House Committee on Agriculture (H.Rept. 119-620).

a. "Agriculture committees of jurisdiction" refers to the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Title XII, Miscellaneous⁶⁴

The miscellaneous title of H.R. 7567 covers a variety of provisions across four subtitles. It would extend authorization of appropriations for some programs through FY2031 (Table 15).⁶⁵

Livestock and Other Animals

H.R. 7567 would require USDA to evaluate the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program, and to submit a report on USDA support for livestock and poultry operations during animal disease outbreaks to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction.⁶⁶ The bill would restrict a state from enacting and enforcing production standards on livestock products not produced in the state. In addition, H.R. 7567 would authorize USDA to establish additional National Detector Dog Training Centers with off-site state partnerships and strategic site considerations, and to set dog importation requirements. H.R. 7567 would amend provisions related to animal welfare, such as by establishing requirements for the importation of dogs, and prohibit certain commercial greyhound racing activities.

H.R. 7567 would allow livestock marketing agencies to hold an ownership interest in meat processing facilities. It would require USDA to provide guidance on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point plans to small and very small meat processors, and to conduct outreach for the Food Safety and Inspection Service Cooperative Interstate Shipping Program.⁶⁷ H.R. 7567 would establish a pilot program to allow custom slaughter facilities that are exempt from inspection to sell meat and poultry products directly to consumers.

Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994

H.R. 7567 would amend various authorities of several USDA entities, including the Office of Homeland Security, Office of Tribal Relations, and the National Appeals Division.

National Security

H.R. 7567 would amend the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (AFIDA; P.L. 95-460) to require that USDA provide information on foreign ownership of agricultural land to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), create an office to monitor AFIDA compliance, provide annual reports to certain committees of Congress on agricultural land-purchasing activities, and establish an electronic database of land registrations by foreign owners.⁶⁸ The bill would amend CFIUS authorities under Section 721 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. §4565) to add the Secretary of Agriculture as a CFUIS member with respect to certain foreign investment transactions involving agriculture, and to require CFIUS to consider for review "reportable agricultural land transactions" as notified to the CFIUS by the Secretary of Agriculture.⁶⁹

Other Miscellaneous Provisions

H.R. 7567 would amend the requirement of USDA to establish a Commission on Farm Transitions (which has not been established) such that USDA would be required to establish this Commission within 60 days of enactment. The bill would also require the Commission on Farm Transitions to expand the required study to include information on heirs' property, barriers for historically underserved and women farmers, and land ownership trends. The bill would also extend the Commission on Farm Transitions termination date to September 30, 2031. H.R. 7567 would impose several USDA reporting requirements on the following topics: USDA personnel, land access and land ownership, authorities to address Texas economic losses "due to the failure of Mexico to deliver water," opportunities for enhancing pet protections, and risk management programs for lamb producers. The bill would also require USDA to provide guidance on the process for importers to obtain information on why imported products were detained or denied entry under the Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. §§3371-3378). H.R. 7567 would expand fluid milk options that participating schools can offer in the School Breakfast Program. This change would apply the recently enacted National School Lunch Program changes (the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act; P.L. 119-69) to the School Breakfast Program.

Table 15. Title XII, Miscellaneous

Current Law/Policy

H.R. 7567 as Reported by the Committee

Subtitle A—Livestock and Other Animals
Part 1—Animal Health and Production

Animal disease prevention and management. Animal Health Protection Act (AHPA; P.L. 107-171) contains provisions to prevent, detect, control, and eradicate diseases and pests to protect animal health. The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334) established the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP) and the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank (NAVVCB) and increased funding for the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN). These programs receive funding from mandatory and discretionary appropriations, as authorized through FY2026. Entities receiving funding from NADPRP can spend 10% the funds on incurred administrative costs. (7 U.S.C. §8308a; P.L. 119-37)

Animal disease prevention and management. Adds "improving animal disease traceability" to the list of program activities for NADPRP. Extends the authorization of appropriations for NADPRP, NAVVCB, and NAHLN through fiscal year 2031. Limits administrative costs at 15% of NAHLN and NADPRP funding. (§12001)

No comparable provision.

Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program review and report. Requires USDA to contract with an eligible institution to evaluate the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program, including its effectiveness and burden of compliance for cattle producers, and produce a report within one year to agriculture committees of jurisdictiona with review results and recommendations to improve the program. For these activities, USDA is to use funds made available for the agricultural and food policy research centers under Section 1419A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977. (§12002)

National Detector Dog Training Center. Authorizes USDA to establish and operate a National Detector Dog Training Center to train dogs and handlers to detect invasive pests and diseases, collaborate with federal and nonfederal partners, ensure the welfare of the dogs under the care of the center, and safeguard domestic agricultural and natural resources from foreign and invasive pests and diseases. (7 U.S.C. §2279l)

Additional training facilities for National Detector Dog Training Center. Authorizes USDA to establish additional dog training facilities with the same duties as the National Detector Dog Training Center and to enter into cooperative agreements with state departments of agriculture to establish an off-site training program to provide dog training and associated technical assistance. Requires consideration of international port locations, passenger and cargo volume, and regional agricultural production trends and associated pest and disease threats when determining the need for additional facilities. (§12003)

Exportation. The Animal Health Protection Act (AHPA; P.L. 107-171) authorizes USDA to take certain measures on the exportation of animals in response to disease threats. (7 U.S.C. §8304)

Regionalization, zoning, and compartmentalization agreements. Authorizes USDA, in consultation with the U.S. Trade Representative, to negotiate in advance trade agreements, with countries representing export markets for U.S. livestock animals or animal products, that recognize regions or animal subpopulations as being free of disease in the event of an outbreak. Requires USDA to notify state animal health officials and national producer organizations in regard to any language removed from the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Import and Export Library. (§12004)

No comparable provision.

Importation of live dogs. Adds a section to the AHPA that prohibits importation of a dog into the United States unless, prior to transport, the USDA receives required electronic documentation demonstrating the dog's health status, vaccinations and parasite treatment, negative test results, and permanent identification. It also requires that dogs meet a minimum age for transfer and applications obtain an import permit. Provides enforcement authority and penalties. Defines compensation, importer, import transporter, and transfer. Directs USDA to promulgate implementing regulations within 18 months, and establishes a transition period. Repeals Section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA; P.L. 89-544; 7 U.S.C. §§2131-2159) (on live dog importation), with conforming amendments. (§12005)

No comparable provision.

Ensuring the free movement of livestock-derived products in interstate commerce. Prohibits states and subdivisions from enacting or enforcing a production standard, as a condition for sale or consumption, on products derived from livestock not physically raised in such state or subdivision. Does not cover egg-laying poultry. Production does not include the movement, harvesting, or further processing of livestock. (§12006)

No comparable provision.

Report on support for livestock and poultry producers during a foreign animal disease outbreak. Requires USDA, within six months of enactment, to provide a report to the agriculture committees of jurisdictiona on USDA's ability to protect producers from significant economic losses in the event of a foreign animal disease event and make recommendations to improve its programming and capacity to deliver such assistance. (§12007)

No comparable provision.

Protection of greyhounds. Amends the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. §§2131 et seq.) to prohibit commercial greyhound racing, live lure training (defined as the use of live animals, such as rabbits or other small mammals, to train racing greyhounds), open field coursing (defined as the practice of releasing dogs to chase live prey in an unenclosed area), and related interstate betting activities; authorizes federal investigations and penalties (including civil fines and up to seven years' imprisonment); applies the prohibitions beginning October 1, 2027; and preserves state animal welfare and gambling laws. Amends the AWA to expand the definition of "animal" to include hares (7 U.S.C. §2132(g)). (§12008)

Animal fighting venture prohibition. Authorizes USDA to create regulations to enforce the law and set standards for the humane treatment of certain animals. (7 U.S.C. §2156)

Animal fighting. Amends the AWA to make it unlawful to sponsor or exhibit animals in fighting ventures, allow minors under 16 to attend, or gamble on animal fighting events. In-person and broadcast events are included. (§12009)

Subtitle A—Livestock and Other Animals
Part II—Meat and Poultry Processing and Inspection

Packers and stockyards. The Packers and Stockyards Act (P&S Act) regulates marketing and competition in the livestock industry. P&S Act regulations prohibit livestock marketing agencies from having ownership and management interests in packing facilities. (7 U.S.C. §§181 et seq.; 9 C.F.R. §201.67)

Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States (A-PLUS). Requires USDA to promulgate regulations allowing a livestock marketing agency to own, finance, or manage a packer (e.g., slaughterhouse, wholesaler, or meat processing facility), so long as the packer's daily or annual animal processing capacity is below certain thresholds. Requires livestock marketing agencies to disclose business interests in a packer to livestock sellers. (§12111)

Meat inspection. The Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA; P.L. 90-201) and Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA; P.L. 85-172) require that all meat and poultry sold commercially be inspected and passed to ensure that it is safe, wholesome, and properly labeled. Hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) is a system used to ensure food safety in meat and poultry facilities by identifying food safety hazards and controlling risks. HACCP regulations require each poultry and meat facility to have a HACCP plan. The regulations define small meat and poultry establishments as having 10-499 employees and very small meat and poultry establishments as having fewer than 10 employees or annual sales under $2.5 million, respectively. (21 U.S.C. §§601 et seq.; 21 U.S.C. §§45I et seq.; 9 C.F.R. Part 417)b

Hazard analysis and critical control point guidance and resources for small and very small poultry and meat establishments. Requires USDA to make publicly available scientific studies, guidelines, and model plans related to the development of an HACCP plan for small and very small poultry and meat establishments, no later than 18 months after enactment. Requires USDA, within two years, to publish a guidance document on requirements that need to be met in developing an HACCP plan. (§12112)

Interstate shipment of meat and poultry inspected by federal and state agencies for certain small establishments. Authorizes approved state-inspected processing facilities to operate as federally inspected facilities, under certain conditions. (21 U.S.C. §683; 21 U.S.C. §472)

Outreach on cooperative interstate shipment. Requires USDA to conduct outreach to states with inspection programs and without participating establishments in each of FY2027-FY2031. Requires an annual report to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction,a the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate detailing outreach activities and results. (§12113)

Exemptions from inspection requirements. FMIA exempts livestock slaughter inspection for meat products intended for personal consumption. (21 U.S.C. §623)

Pilot program to support custom slaughter establishments. Establishes a pilot program run by state departments of agriculture that allows custom exempt slaughter facilities, or owners of livestock harvested at such facilities, to sell meat products directly to in-state consumers. If the state departments of agriculture choose not to establish a program, then USDA is to establish a program. Requires state departments of agriculture to send an annual report to USDA on the number of participating facilities and any instance of adulterated meat products. Requires USDA, within 90 days of enactment, to issue guidance and within two years, to submit a report to agriculture committees of jurisdictiona detailing participation rates, outcomes, and information provided by the state departments of agriculture. Sunsets the pilot program on September 30, 2031. (§12114)

Subtitle B—Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994

Office of Homeland Security (OHS). Establishes OHS at USDA, which works on issues related to homeland security, emergency management, and agriculture and food defense, among other purposes. (7 U.S.C. §6922)

Office of Homeland Security. Amends OHS duties to include annual cross-sector crisis simulation exercises. Authorizes USDA to detail employees to and accept detailed employees from the intelligence community to carry out the duties of OHS. Requires OHS to conduct risk assessments on vulnerabilities of critical food and agriculture infrastructure and report to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction,a Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives, and Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate no later than 180 days after the completion of risk assessments with specific guidelines. (§12201)

Office of Partnerships and Public Engagements (OPPE). Authorizes appropriations of $2 million annually for the functions of OPPE through FY2026. (7 U.S.C. §6934(f)(3)(b); P.L. 119-37)

Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels to carry out the functions of the OPPE through FY2031. (§12202)

National Appeals Division (NAD). The burden of proof for NAD hearings requires those seeking appeals to prove in their appeal that an agency's adverse decision is erroneous. (7 U.S.C. §6997(c)(4))

Burden of proof for national appeals division hearings. Amends the burden of proof provision for NAD hearings to require the agency to prove by substantial evidence that an adverse decision is valid. (§12203)

Termination of Authority. Terminates USDA authority to reorganize USDA pursuant to the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (P.L. 103-354) two years after enactment. Lists functions that are not affected by the two-year termination date, including reorganization amendments made by the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). (7 U.S.C. §7014)

Termination of authority. Grants USDA the reorganization authorities of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (P.L. 103-354) to carry out the amendments to the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (P.L. 103-354) in the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 beyond the two-year termination date specified in 7 U.S.C. §7014. (§12204)

Office of Tribal Relations. Establishes the USDA Office of Tribal Relations and authorizes it to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on policies related to Indian tribes and to carry out other functions as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture. (7 U.S.C. §6921)

Functions of the Office of Tribal Relations. Expands the duties of the Office of Tribal Relations to include overseeing the self-determination contracts between USDA and tribal organizations and self-governance compacts between USDA and Indian tribes. (§12205)

Subtitle C—National Security

The Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (AFIDA; P.L. 95-460) requires foreign persons who acquire or transfer agricultural land to disclose the transaction to USDA. USDA tracks and reports this data. (7 U.S.C. §§3501-3508)

Agricultural foreign investment disclosure improvements. Defines relevant terms for the section. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into one or more memoranda of understanding (MOU) with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and to provide CFIUS with information related to foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land submitted to USDA under AFIDA. Requires USDA to make specific updates to the AFIDA handbook within two years of enactment of the bill with subsequent updates every 10 years. (§12301(a), (b), and (c))

Civil penalty. Pursuant to AFIDA, imposes civil penalties on individuals who fail to submit a report, submit a report without all the required information, or submit a report with misleading or false information. Gives USDA discretion on the penalty amount, but the amount shall not exceed 25% of the fair market value of the land. (7 U.S.C. §3502)

Agricultural foreign investment disclosure improvements. Authorizes any civil penalty imposed by USDA to be recoverable. Amends the civil penalty amount to reflect the type of infraction. Requires USDA to publicly disclose the names of individuals who paid a civil penalty. Requires USDA to conduct outreach to relevant stakeholders on the reporting requirements of AFIDA. (§12301(d), (e), and (f))

Report to Congress on Foreign Investments in Agricultural Land in the United States. Requires USDA to submit reports to Congress on foreign ownership and investments in U.S. agricultural land. (7 U.S.C. §3501 note)

Report on agricultural land purchasing activities in the United States by countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism and certain other countries. Requires USDA to annually report to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction,a Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate, Committee on Intelligence of the Senate, the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives on potential national security risks of the purchase and management of agricultural land by covered foreign persons from a covered foreign country (defined in 42 U.S.C. §19237), including an analysis of possible threats to U.S. food security, safety, biosecurity, or environmental protection. Provides definitions for terms such as agricultural land, covered foreign country, covered foreign person, and state sponsor of terrorism. (§12302)

Investigative actions. Authorizes USDA to take necessary action to monitor compliance with the reporting requirements in AFIDA. Also authorizes USDA to determine whether all information submitted under AFIDA is accurate and reveals the ownership interest of all foreign persons who are required to submit a report. (7 U.S.C. §3503)

Investigative actions. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint a Chief of Operations of Investigative Actions (Chief of Operations). The Chief of Operations is to hire, appoint, and maintain additional employees to monitor compliance, conduct investigations, and conduct an annual audit of available data, among other tasks. The Chief of Operations is also to coordinate investigations with the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of the Treasury, the National Security Council, and state and local law enforcement agencies. The Chief of Operations is also required to refer to CFIUS transactions that raise national security concerns or are associated with a foreign entity of concern (as defined by 15 U.S.C. §4651). (§12303)

Report to Congress on foreign investments in agricultural land in the United States. Requires USDA to develop a streamlined process for electronic submission and retention of disclosures under AFIDA. (7 U.S.C. §3501 note)

Digitization and consolidation of foreign land ownership data collection and publication. Requires USDA, not later than three years after enactment, to establish a streamlined process for electronic submission and retention of disclosures in a database to include each registration or updated registration of agricultural land owned or leased by a foreign person. Requires an audit from the Chief of Operations (created in Section 12303 of H.R. 7567) and a report to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction,a Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate, Committee on Intelligence of the Senate, the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives on the accuracy of the database and recommendations to improve compliance with AFIDA reporting. Repeals data reporting requirements at 7 U.S.C. §3501 note from P.L. 117-328. (§12304)

Membership and activities of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). Establishes the authorities of CFIUS to review certain foreign investments with regard to potential U.S. national security risks (50 U.S.C. §4565)

The Secretary of Agriculture is not specified in CFIUS membership; CFIUS is authorized to include as a member any department or agency that the President determines appropriate, generally or on a case-by-case basis. (50 U.S.C. §4565(k)(2))

Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to be included as a member of CFIUS on a case-by-case basis pursuant to 50 U.S.C. §4565(k)(2)(J) for certain transactions involving agriculture. (P.L. 119-37, Title VII, §739)

CFIUS consideration of certain agricultural land transactions. Amends the authorities of CFIUS to require that the Secretary of Agriculture be a member of CFIUS with respect to a covered transaction that involves agricultural land, agriculture biotechnology, or the agriculture industry. The provisions do not specify who would determine the Secretary of Agriculture's involvement on a particular transaction and what type of CFIUS member USDA would be. For example, it does not state the extent to which USDA would have the same rights and responsibilities as full member agencies on the Committee. (§12305(a))

Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to notify CFIUS of any agricultural land transactions that may pose a risk to U.S. national security, particularly those involving interests in agricultural land by foreign governments or entities of concern (as defined in 42 U.S.C. §19221(a)), including China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran. (P.L. 119-37, Title VII, §739)

CFIUS consideration of certain agricultural land transactions. Amends 50 U.S.C. §4565(b)(1)) to require CFIUS, after receiving notification from the Secretary of Agriculture of a reportable agricultural land transaction, to determine whether the transaction is a covered transaction under CFIUS jurisdiction, and whether to initiate CFIUS review or take other action. Defines reportable agricultural land transaction to include acquisitions of agricultural land by a foreign person of China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran, and those subject to AFIDA requirements. (§12305(b))

Subtitle D—Other Miscellaneous Provisions

Commission on Farm Transitions—Needs for 2050. Requires the establishment of the Commission on Farm Transitions—Needs for 2050 to conduct a study on issues affecting the transition of agricultural operations from established farmers and ranchers to the next generation of farmers and ranchers. Requires the commission to provide a report to the President and the agriculture committees of jurisdiction.a The Commission has not been established to date. (P.L. 115-334, §12609)

Commission on Farm Transitions—Needs for 2050. Requires USDA to establish the Commission on Farm Transitions within 60 days after the enactment of the bill. Also, H.R. 7567 expands the Commission's study to include issues affecting farm succession, including heirs' property, barriers for historically underserved and women farmers, and land ownership trends. Extends the commission's termination to September 30, 2031. (§12401)

Report on personnel. Requires USDA to provide the agriculture committees of jurisdictiona biannual reports describing the number of staff years and employees at each USDA agency in FY2019-FY2026. (P.L. 115-334, §12506; P.L. 119-37)

Report on personnel. Extends the reporting requirement through FY2031. (§12402)

Improvements to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Authorizes appropriations of $5 million annually through FY2026 for the U.S. Drought Monitor. The U.S. Drought Monitor is a collaboration between USDA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Maps and data are released weekly. The drought monitor is used to determine drought relief for certain USDA programs. (7 U.S.C. §5856; P.L. 119-37)

Improvements to United States Drought Monitor. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§12403)

Reports on land access and farmland ownership data collection. Requires USDA to submit to the agriculture committees of jurisdictiona and make publicly available a report that identifies the barriers to entry for beginning farmers and socially disadvantaged farmers in acquiring farmland, the extent to which specified USDA programs aid these farmers in farmland access, and recommendations to improve access to these farmers. Authorizes appropriations of $3 million annually through FY2026 for this section. (7 U.S.C. §2204i; P.L. 119-37)

Reports on land access and farmland ownership data collection. Amends Section 12607 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334) and adds requirements for USDA to update, on a biennial basis, a report identifying barriers to farmland access and evaluating federal programs supporting beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers, and to expand reporting to include a catalog of federal, state, and private programs that facilitate access to land, capital, and markets, including covering assistance related to land acquisition, financing, down payment support, title clarification, land improvements, infrastructure, legal and planning services, and related activities. Requires continued reporting. Requires USDA to provide the report to the agriculture committees of jurisdiction.a Reauthorizes appropriations at the current level through FY2031. (§12404)

Lacey Act. The Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 (P.L. 97-79), as amended, prohibit the importation, exportation, transportation, sale, receipt, acquisition, or purchase of any fish or wildlife or plant taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of any law, treaty, or regulation of the United States or any Indian tribal law or foreign law. (16 U.S.C. §§3371-3378)

Increasing transparency regarding detention of imported plants. Requires USDA, within 180 days of enactment, to issue guidance in coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Customs and Border Protection clarifying the process for importers to obtain information on why their plants were denied entry and detained under the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 (P.L. 97-79). Requires USDA to provide detained plant importers with specific reasons for the detention, the detention date, the expected duration of the detention, details of tests or inquiries to be conducted (which the importer can replicate), and information that could expedite the resolution of the detention. (§12405)

No comparable provision.

Enhancement of pet protections. Requires USDA to report to the agriculture committees of jurisdictiona within two years evaluating enforcement, education, and capacity under the AWA and recommending improvements, including cost impacts. Clarifies that "adequate veterinary care" includes visual and dental examinations when practicable. Defines compensation, importer, import transporter, and transfer. (§12406)

Emergency and transitional pet shelter and housing assistance grant program. Requires USDA to provide grants for emergency and transitional shelter options for domestic violence survivors with companion animals. Authorizes appropriations of $3 million annually through FY2026. (34 U.S.C. §20127; (P.L. 119-37)

Protecting animals with shelter. Reauthorizes appropriations at current levels through FY2031. (§12407)

No comparable provision.

Report on available assistance to agricultural producers in the State of Texas that have suffered economic losses due to the failure of Mexico to deliver water. Requires USDA to provide the agriculture committees of jurisdiction,a within 180 days after enactment, a report containing all USDA authorities that could assist Texas agricultural producers that have suffered economic losses due to Mexico's failure to deliver water in accordance with a 1944 treaty and supplemental protocol. (§12408)

No comparable provision.

Qualified renewable biomass. Defines the term qualified renewable biomass. The definition includes forest products manufacturing bioenergy feedstocks and forest biomass derived from residues created as a byproduct of timber harvesting. Certain stipulations exist. The term excludes paper that is commonly recycled. Requires USDA to consider qualified renewable biomass as a renewable energy source and assign it a greenhouse gas emission rate and carbon intensity of no greater than zero, if the use of the qualified renewable biomass does not cause the conversion of forests to non-forest use. Requires USDA to establish guidance for considering qualified renewable biomass as a renewable energy source no later than 180 days following enactment of the bill, and to consult with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy, and any other relevant entities. (§12409)

Fluid milk. Among other federal nutrition guidelines for the programs, the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program require participating schools to offer meals that (1) include fluid milk and (2) do not exceed saturated fat limits. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 (P.L. 119-69) expands schools' milk options to include whole and reduced-fat (2%) in program-funded lunches (i.e., under the National School Lunch Program) and exempts milk from being counted towards the meal's saturated fat limits. For the School Breakfast Program, the requirement to offer only fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk remains in place, and the milk offered is subject to the meal's saturated fat limits. (42 U.S.C. §1758(a)(2); 7 C.F.R. §§210.10, 220.8)

Whole milk under the school breakfast program. Expands the fluid milk changes made by the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act to also apply to the School Breakfast Program. (§12410)

No comparable provision.

Spotted lanternfly awareness campaign. Requires USDA to carry out a national campaign to increase public awareness and knowledge of spotted lanternflies. Requires USDA to place public service announcements on television, radio, and billboards in areas with a high spotted lanternfly incidence rate communicating the threat these invasive pests pose to local agriculture and encouraging individuals to kill the pest, if encountered. (§12411)

No comparable provision.

Rio Grande Valley agricultural water interagency working group. Requires USDA, in coordination with other federal agencies, to form an interagency working group to coordinate federal efforts related to water deliveries from Mexico under a 1944 treaty. The group is required to meet annually and provide annual reports to Congress on the economic impacts, diplomatic strategies, trade actions, and recommendations related to water deliveries and their impact on agricultural production. (§12412)

No comparable provision.

Cost-share grants for rollover protection structures. Establishes a new USDA program to continue the Roll-Over Prevention and Safety (ROPS) Rebate Program by providing cost-share grants (generally up to 70%, with higher coverage for costs exceeding $500) to retrofit tractors with rollover protection structures. Authorizes appropriations of $725,000 annually for FY2027-FY2031, including $500,000 for grants and the rest for promotion and upgrades of the website, program administration, outreach, and a telephone hotline. (§12413)

Sources: Compiled by CRS from H.R. 7567 as reported by the House Committee on Agriculture (H.Rept. 119-620).

a. "Agriculture committees of jurisdiction" refers to the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

b. In the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point final rule published on July 25, 1996 (61 Federal Register 38806), USDA defines small and very small meat and poultry establishments as those having 10-499 employees and those having fewer than 10 employees or annual sales under $2.5 million, respectively. On March 23, 2026, USDA published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking stating that it would consider revising how establishment sizes are defined for purposes of its oversight of meat and poultry establishments and egg products plants (91 Federal Register 13979).

Footnotes

1.

CRS In Focus IF12047, Farm Bill Primer: Background and Status, by Jim Monke and Megan Stubbs.

2.

CRS Report R48775, The Farm Bill After FY2025 Budget Reconciliation: Frequently Asked Questions, by Jim Monke and Megan Stubbs .

3.

U.S. Congress, House Committee on Agriculture, "Markup of 'To Consider H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026,'" https://docs.house.gov/Committee/Calendar/ByEvent.aspx?EventID=118990.

4.

Congressional Budget Office (CBO), "Estimated Changes in Direct Spending Under H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026," February 26, 2026, https://www.cbo.gov/publication/62160.

5.

CBO, "Estimated Changes in Direct Spending Under H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026," February 20, 2026, https://www.cbo.gov/publication/62160.

6.

CBO, "Details About Baseline Projections for Selected Programs," February 2026, https://www.cbo.gov/data/baseline-projections-selected-programs.

7.

This section was prepared by Christine Whitt, Analyst in Agricultural Policy, Resources, Science, and Industry Division (RSI); Jim Monke, Specialist in Agricultural Policy, RSI; Stephanie Rosch, Analyst in Agricultural Policy, RSI; and Megan Stubbs, Specialist in Agricultural Conservation and Natural Resources, RSI.

8.

The capitalization in the section titles of the "H.R. 7567" column in Table 4 matches the capitalization of the section titles in H.R. 7567.

9.

See CRS Report R48574, One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1): Title I, Farm Safety Net and Miscellaneous Provisions, coordinated by Stephanie Rosch.

10.

See CRS Report R47659, Expiration of the 2018 Farm Bill and Extension for 2025, by Jim Monke, Randy Alison Aussenberg, and Megan Stubbs.

11.

See CRS Report R48573, U.S. Dairy Policy, by Christine Whitt.

12.

See CRS In Focus IF12140, Farm Bill Primer: MAL and LDP Farm Support Programs, by Stephanie Rosch.

13.

See CRS Report R44606, The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), by Megan Stubbs.

14.

See CRS In Focus IF13196, Farm Support for Tobacco and the 2026 Farm Bill, by Stephanie Rosch.

15.

See CRS In Focus IF12101, Farm Bill Primer: Disaster Assistance, by Christine Whitt.

16.

This section was prepared by Megan Stubbs, Specialist in Agricultural Conservation and Natural Resources, Resources, Science and Industry Division.

17.

The capitalization in the section titles of the "H.R. 7567" column in Table 5 matches the capitalization of the section titles in H.R. 7567.

18.

Payment limits under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) restrict the amount of funds a person or legal entity may receive under the program. Limits under both programs expired in FY2023 and were extended through FY2024 under the FY2024 farm bill extension (P.L. 118-22, Division B, §102). The most recent two farm bill extensions have excluded EQIP and CSP payments limits (P.L. 118-158, Division D, §4101(e)(2)(B); and P.L. 119-37, Division E, §5002(e)(2)(B)).

19.

Congressional Budget Office, Estimated Changes in Direct Spending Under H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, Table 3, February 23, 2026, pp. 4-5, https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2026-02/hr7567.pdf.

20.

7 U.S.C. §1308-3a.

21.

For additional information, see CRS In Focus IF13114, Agricultural Conservation After Enactment of the FY2025 Budget Reconciliation Law (P.L. 119-21), by Megan Stubbs.

22.

This section was prepared by Benjamin Tsui, Analyst in Agricultural Policy, Resources, Science, and Industry Division.

23.

The capitalization in the section titles of the "H.R. 7567" column in Table 6 matches the capitalization of the section titles in H.R. 7567.

24.

According to USDA, USDA currently administers Food for Peace Title II through an interagency agreement with the U.S. Agency for International Development. For more information about the status of U.S. international food assistance, see CRS In Focus IF13162, U.S. International Food Assistance Primer, by Rhoda Margesson, Emily M. McCabe, and Benjamin Tsui.

25.

The United States, Mexico, and Canada are scheduled to meet for the first joint review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) on July 1, 2026. For more information, see CRS Report R48787, USMCA Joint Review: Process and Role of Congress, by Kyla H. Kitamura and Danielle M. Trachtenberg.

26.

On February 5, 2026, the United States and Argentina signed the United States–Argentina Agreement on Reciprocal Trade and Investment. The U.S. tariff-rate quota for Argentinian beef imports for 2026 was increased by Presidential Proclamation 11010 of February 6, 2026, "Ensuring Affordable Beef for the American Consumer."

27.

This section was prepared by Randy Alison Aussenberg, Specialist in Nutrition Assistance Policy, Domestic Social Policy Division (DSP); Lisa Benson, Specialist in Agricultural Policy, Resources, Science and Industry Division (RSI); Gene Falk, Specialist in Social Policy, DSP; Alexandria K Mickler, Analyst in Health Policy, DSP; and Zachary T. Neuhofer, Analyst in Agricultural Policy, RSI.

28.

The capitalization in the section titles of the "H.R. 7567" column in Table 7 matches the capitalization of the section titles in H.R. 7567.

29.

See CRS Report R48552, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Related Nutrition Programs in P.L. 119-21: An Overview, by Randy Alison Aussenberg.

30.

USDA, "USDA Announces Availability of $1.13 Billion for Local Food Programs," https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2024/12/10/usda-announces-availability-113-billion-local-food-programs. Data from USA Spending reflects the recission of funds in 2025. Industry groups reported the cancellation of contracts for Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program in 2025. For more information, see National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, "USDA Programs Freeze: What We Know," https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2024/12/10/usda-announces-availability-113-billion-local-food-programs.

31.

This section was prepared by Jim Monke, Specialist in Agricultural Policy, Resources, Science, and Industry Division.

32.

The capitalization in the section titles of the "H.R. 7567" column in Table 8 matches the capitalization of the section titles in H.R. 7567.

33.

CRS Report R46768, Agricultural Credit: Institutions and Issues, by Jim Monke; CRS In Focus IF10767, Farm Credit Administration and Its Board Members, by Jim Monke; and CRS In Focus IF11595, Farmer Mac and Its Board Members, by Jim Monke.

34.

At the end of 2025, CoBank had nearly $15.1 billion of capital and $223 billion of assets (see CoBank, 2025 Annual Report, pp. 87, 158). These amounts allow up to $7.5 billion of export loans under current law and would allow about $33 billion under H.R. 7567.

35.

This section was prepared by Lisa S. Benson, Specialist in Agricultural Policy, Resources, Science, and Industry Division.

36.

The capitalization in the section titles of the "H.R. 7567" column in Table 9 matches the capitalization of the section titles in H.R. 7567.

37.

Section 6101 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334).

38.

7 U.S.C. §1990a.

39.

CRS Report R47017, USDA's ReConnect Program: Expanding Rural Broadband, by Lisa S. Benson.

40.

7 U.S.C. §1926(a)(22).

41.

7 U.S.C. §1926e.

42.

7 U.S.C. §1932.

43.

This section was prepared by Eleni G. Bickell, Analyst in Agricultural Policy, Resources, Industry and Science Division.

44.

The capitalization in the section titles of the "H.R. 7567" column in Table 10 matches the capitalization of the section titles in H.R. 7567.

45.

The Department of Defense is "using a secondary Department of War designation" under Executive Order 14347 of September 5, 2025, "Restoring the United States Department of War."

46.

This section was prepared by Anne Riddle, Specialist in Natural Resources Policy, Resources, Science and Industry Division (RSI); Alicyn Gitlin, Analyst in Natural Resources Policy, RSI; Kristen Hite, Legislative Attorney, American Law Division (ALD); Heather McPherron, Analyst in Environmental Policy, RSI; and Erin Ward, Coordinator of Research Planning, ALD.

47.

The capitalization in the section titles of the "H.R. 7567" column in Table 11 matches the capitalization of the section titles in H.R. 7567.

48.

National Environmental Policy Act: P.L. 91-190, 42 U.S.C. §§4321 et seq.

49.

Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA): P.L. 108-148. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA): P.L. 117-58. Both HFRA and IIJA are encoded at 16 U.S.C. Ch. 84, §§6501-6592.

50.

This section was prepared by Kelsi Bracmort, Specialist in Natural Resources and Energy Policy, Resources, Science and Industry Division.

51.

7 U.S.C. Ch. 107.

52.

For more information, see CRS In Focus IF10288, Overview of the 2018 Farm Bill Energy Title Programs, by Kelsi Bracmort.

53.

For more information, see CRS Report R45943, The Farm Bill Energy Title: An Overview and Funding History, by Kelsi Bracmort.

54.

The capitalization in the section titles of the "H.R. 7567" column in Table 12 matches the capitalization of the section titles in H.R. 7567.

55.

For more information on SAF, see CRS In Focus IF12757, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): An Overview of Current Laws and Legislation Introduced in the 119th Congress, by Kelsi Bracmort.

56.

This section was prepared by Zachary Neuhofer, Analyst in Agricultural Policy, Resources, Industry, and Science (RSI); Eleni Bickell, Analyst in Agricultural Policy, RSI; Laura Gatz, Specialist in Environmental Policy, RSI; Jason Heflin, Legislative Attorney, American Law Division; and Jerry Yen, Analyst in Environmental Policy, RSI.

57.

The capitalization in the section titles of the "H.R. 7567" column in Table 13 matches the capitalization of the section titles in H.R. 7567.

58.

The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations Act, 2026 (P.L. 119-37, Division B, §781).

59.

This section was prepared by Stephanie Rosch, Analyst in Agricultural Policy, Resources, Science, and Industry Division.

60.

For background on the changes made to the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP) in the FY2025 budget reconciliation law, see CRS Report R48574, One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1): Title I, Farm Safety Net and Miscellaneous Provisions, coordinated by Stephanie Rosch.

61.

The capitalization in the section titles of the "H.R. 7567" column in Table 14 matches the capitalization of the section titles in H.R. 7567.

62.

Veterans are individuals who have served and completed active military, naval, air, or space service and meet other requirements specified in 38 U.S.C. §101(24). For background on these requirements, see CRS Report R47299, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Who Is a Veteran?, by Madeline E. Moreno.

63.

The private sector can propose new types of FCIP policies and coverages as authorized under 7 U.S.C. §1508(h), which are often referred to as 508(h) submissions. For additional background, see CRS Report R46686, Federal Crop Insurance: A Primer, by Stephanie Rosch.

64.

This section was prepared by Christine Whitt, Analyst in Agricultural Policy, Resources, Industry, and Science Division (RSI); Randy Aussenberg, Specialist in Nutrition Assistance Policy, Domestic Social Policy Division; Eleni Bickell, Analyst in Agricultural Policy, RSI; Kelsi Bracmort, Specialist in Natural Resources and Energy Policy, RSI; Cathleen Cimino-Isaacs, Specialist in International Trade and Finance, Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade Division (FDT); Zachary Neuhofer, Analyst in Agricultural Policy, RSI; Laura Pineda-Bermudez, Analyst in Agricultural Policy, RSI; Megan Stubbs, Specialist in Agricultural Policy and Natural Resources Policy, RSI; and Karen Sutter, Specialist in Asian Trade and Finance, FDT.

65.

The capitalization in the section titles of the "H.R. 7567" column in Table 15 matches the capitalization of the section titles in H.R. 7567.

66.

The agriculture committees of jurisdiction are the House Committee on Agriculture and Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

67.

In the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point final rule (61 Federal Register 38806, July 25, 1996), USDA defines small meat processors as those having 10-499 employees; and very small meat processors as having fewer than 10 employees or annual sales under $2.5 million, respectively. On March 23, 2026, USDA published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking stating that it would consider revising how establishment sizes are defined for purposes of its oversight of meat and poultry establishments and egg products plants. (91 Federal Register 13979, March 24, 2026)

68.

Section 12303 of H.R. 7567 states that the reports would be sent to the Committee On Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate; the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; the Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives; the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives; and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives.

69.

The provisions do not specify who would determine the Secretary of Agriculture's involvement on a particular transaction and the extent to which USDA would have any specific rights and responsibilities on CFIUS that full CFIUS member agencies have. Agencies that are full CFIUS members, for example, may develop and present their own analysis to CFIUS to determine whether a transaction is a covered transaction and falls under CFIUS jurisdiction.