[Sec. 9025]. [Sec. 2014(g)], Excludes all tax-qualified retirement plans/accounts/savings and all tax-qualified education savings from countable liquid assets in judging eligibility. Interest in renewable energy has grown rapidly since late 2005 due, in large part, to a strong rise in domestic and international fuel prices and a dramatic acceleration in domestic biofuel production (mostly ethanol). ), Adopts House provision with modifications. 7121-7122], Sec. [Sec. [IRC Sec. Clarifies the purpose of the program as protecting land for agricultural use by limiting nonagricultural uses. 7051], Adopts Senate provision with additional language to give priority to collaborative efforts. Provides a fourth component of the alcohol fuels credit consisting of a 10 per gallon credit for fossil-free alcohol fuels. Authorizes appropriations of $6 million annually (FY2002-07). 4028] Increases the annual authorization of appropriations for TEFAP administrative and distribution costs to $100 million. [Sec. [Sec. The Plant Protection Act (PPA) [7 U.S.C. [Sec. 1949(b)(1)], Extends the suspension of term limits for guaranteed operating loans through Jan. 1, 2008. [Sec. 3017(1)], Adopts Senate provision, but increases funding to $10 million and adds House language on studying additional prepositioning sites. 11102], Creates a new special counsel at USDA to investigate/prosecute violations of competition laws. [7 U.S.C. [Sec. (100 pounds), which it has done by purchasing surplus butter, nonfat dry milk, and cheese at specified minimum prices. [Sec. This delays the ACR direct payment component one year compared to traditional direct payments. April 24, 2008Congress approves a one-week extension (P.L. [16 U.S.C. 3022]Adopts House provision. 4104(a)], Sec. 1001(4)], Direct payment: a payment made to producers on a farm under direct payment provisions. 7505], The 1998 reseach act (AREERA) requires CSREES to conduct merit reviews of non-competitive research and extension grants, and peer reviews of grants. Includes wheat, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats, upland cotton, extra long staple cotton, long grain rice, medium grain rice, soybeans, other oilseeds, graded wool, nongraded wool, mohair, honey, dry peas, lentils, small chickpeas, and large chickpeas. May 2005One of the first comprehensive sets of recommendations for the next farm bill is released by a major agricultural trade association, followed by proposal by other major interest groups and organizations (both traditional farm and nonfarm groups). [Sec. 4001], Renames the Food Stamp program the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 2103(a)], Defines eligible land and eligible producers; land must have been planted to crops 4 of preceding 6 years. 7039], Adds regional centers of excellence to the list of high priority research and extension areas. For more information, see CRS Report RS21977, Agricultural Credit: Institutions and Issues, by [author name scrubbed]. Requires USDA to allow schools and other institutions receiving funds under the National School Lunch and Child Nutrition Acts to use geographic preference for the procurement of locally produced foods. 14216]. 1240C of the FSA, as amended, gives higher priority for participation in EQIP to producers using cost-effective conservation practices and practices that address national conservation priorities. [12 U.S.C. When the monthly fluid milk price falls below $16.94/cwt., all dairy farmers are paid an amount equal to 34% of the difference between $16.94 and the lower market price. [Sec. In January 2007, the Bush Administration released its own detailed recommendations for the farm bill that aimed to substantially alter many aspects of the current commodity support system and other existing farm bill programs.3 The Administration's stated approach for designing its 2007 farm bill recommendations was to take a "reform-minded and fiscally responsible approach to making farm policy more equitable, predictable and protected from challenge. 2131 et seq. [7 U.S.C. [7 U.S.C. 2419. Directs USDA to encourage producers who are transitioning from land retirement programs to enroll in CSP and other working lands programs. 3839aa-8], Adds to the Conservation Innovation Grants provisions under EQIP. [Sec. [Sec. Adopts the Senate provision, with modification; places provision in different U.S. Code section. 1722(e)(1)], Provides that not less than 7% and not more than 12% of funds available for Title II for support of eligible organizations. The House Agriculture Committee conducted its markup of its version of the farm bill (H.R. It also includes provisions that make certain changes to tax laws, in order to offset some new spending initiatives in the final bill. Protects interests of tenants and sharecroppers and provides for sharing of payments on a farm on an equitable basis. 343], Makes 1890 institutions eligible for the Children, Youth, and Families Education and Research Network funds (CYFERNet). 5002], Sets a maximum per borrower of $200,000 for direct farm ownership loans. Finally, the 2008 farm bill establishes the cellulosic biofuel producer credit of $1.01 per gallon with special provisions for small cellulosic ethanol producers. [Sec. Authorizes USDA to employ a test of net worth or other measure to qualify. 1202(a)], Loan rates:Wheat, bu., $2.94Corn, bu., $1.95Grain sorghum, bu., $1.95Barley, bu., $1.95Oats, bu., $1.39Base quality upland cotton, lb., $0.52Extra long staple cotton, lb., $0.7977Long grain rice, cwt., $6.50 Medium grain rice, cwt., $6.50 Soybeans, bu., $5.00 Other oilseeds, cwt., $10.09 Dry peas, cwt., $5.40 Lentils, cwt., $11.28 Small chickpeas, cwt., $7.43 Large chickpeas, cwt., $11.28 Graded wool, lb., $1.20 Nongraded wool, lb., $0.40 Mohair, lb., $4.20 Honey, lb., $0.72 [Sec. [Sec. Establishes a USDA-led Environmental Services Standards Board of senior federal officials to facilitate the development of credit markets and disseminate performance standards to federal agencies. 313(j)(2) of the Tariff Act of 1930, to provide a standard for what is considered to be "commercially interchangeable" for purposes of unused merchandise drawback for wine. 2002], Secs. Deletes provision for loans and grants for electric generation. [Sec. [Sec. 6033], Adopts the Senate provision. 2402(h)], Sets annual fiscal year enrollment goal of 250,000 acres, with no enrollment after FY2012. 2396], Reauthorizes the program through 2012. [2607], Adopts Senate provision with changes. 1001(12)] Same definition for peanuts. For more information on the commodity programs above and payment limits, see CRS Report RL34594, Farm Commodity Programs in the 2008 Farm Bill, by [author name scrubbed]. Limit may be exceeded if at least 75% of the AGI is derived from farming, ranching, or forestry operations. Specifies 14 criteria to be used in reviewing applications and 9 project priorities. [Sec. Authorizes direct credits or export credit guarantees of not less that $1 billion for exports to emerging markets. Allows for new contracts until September 30, 2012, but no contract can extend beyond September 30, 2015. [16 U.S.C. About $42 billion (15%) in projected spending will support commodity crops, $189 billion (67%) will support the cost of domestic nutrition programs, $24 billion (9%) will support conservation programs, and $22 billion (8%) will support crop insurance. Provides authorization for appropriations. [Sec. 1927 (a)(3) (A)], Senate provision establishes interest rates for water and waste water loans based on a market index of loans to ensure that interest rates for intermediate and poverty rate loans are tied to the current market rate. 7312], Other Research Provisions Related to Bioenergy Programssee section on Energy Programs (below), Authorizes USDA to establish animal disease laboratories, conduct research on diseases that constitute a threat to the livestock industry, and gives USDA discretion over the importation and movement of live viruses. 12030], Defines an organic crop as any agricultural commodity organically produced consistent with Section 2103 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. Limits payments to 75% of costs. [Sec. [Sec. Certain provisions were extended until March 15, 2008, under the Consolidated Appropriations Act for FY2008 (P.L. Several other provisions retained, in somewhat modified form, in the enacted bill are intended to give producers additional protections when disputing contract terms. [Sec. [Sec. [Sec. Reduces the tax credit rate for ethanol credits to 46 from 51 per gallon. 450i], Within miscellaneous programs, adds authority for a Tropical and Subtropical Agricultural Research competitive grant program limited to the insular area land grant institutions and divided equally between the Caribbean and Pacific basins. [Sec. [Sec. [Sec. 10104], Adopts House provision with changes to require the Secretary to arrange to have performed an independent evaluation of the purchasing processes used by USDA to implement the requirement that funds available under Section 32 be principally devoted to perishable agricultural commodities. 4901], Similar to Senate provision, requires a USDA survey of foods purchased by schools in the School Lunch program and provides mandatory one-time funding of $3 million. [7 U.S.C. Permits the imposition of both a disqualification and a money penalty. 40 provides a three-part tax credit for alcohol fuels. USDA provides a conservation reserve program under which farmers receive annual federal payments for contracting to establish resource-conserving covers on farmland (Title XII of the 1985 farm bill). Provides added mandatory funding of $10 million a year. 582], Makes the 1890 institutions eligible for McIntire-Stennis forestry research funds. [Sec. 110-246) has expired twice; the first was from October through December 2012. in FY2009. Prohibits a surcharge on premiums for organic crops, unless greater loss history is confirmed. The 2008 farm bill extends USDA's export market development programs through FY2012. [Sec. March 12, 2008Congress approves a one-month extension (P.L. [Sec. Authorizes CCC funds of $2 million annually (FY2002-07). 1651, enacted June 18, 2008, also known as the 2008 U.S. Farm Bill) was a $288 billion, five-year agricultural policy bill that was passed into law by the United States Congress on June 18, 2008. Includes production of crops, livestock or raw forestry products; sale of land or rights; sale of equipment but not as a dealer; rental of land; supplying inputs and services to farmers; processing, storing and transporting agricultural products. Allows USDA to enter into cooperative agreements with eligible entities under certain circumstances, and requires the protection of federal investment through an executory limitation. [Sec. 6007], Makes technical changes to address funding for cooperative organizations by allowing for business guarantees of loans. [7 U.S.C. 112-240), which extended most of the 2008 farm bill provisions for an additional year, as well as other relevant statutes that are revised by the 2014 farm bill. Maximum amount of payments per year to a person for the sum of all covered commodities (except peanuts, wool, mohair, and honey): Maximum amount of payments per year to a person or legal entity for the sum of all covered commodities, except peanuts: Direct payments and fixed ACR payment: $40,000. May 15, 2008The Senate passes the conference agreement by a vote of 81-15. Expands CFTC's authority over non-exchange "electronic trading facilities" where contracts based on metals and energy commodities are traded. 3015], Requires USDA, in cooperation with the Depart. Adds meat produced from goats. No funds authorized. [Sec. Provides a transition period until 2011. 10203], Identical amendments were made to the Animal Health Protection Act in the livestock title. Adopts House and Senate provision to bar those disqualified from the FDPIR from the (renamed) food stamp program. Allocates 50% of funds to USDA's NRCS; 10% to Agricultural Marketing Service (for organic certification assistance); and 40% to the Risk Management Agency. [Sec. [16 U.S.C. [Sec. The bill modifies EQIP's Conservation Innovation Grants program to cover air quality concerns associated with agriculture (including greenhouse gas emissions). Their base acres are temporarily reduced for the year (resulting in lower direct and counter-cyclical payments), but restored for the next crop year. 2606], The 2002 farm bill amended Sec. 7236], Sec. 3839bb-2], Authorizes $20 million annually in discretionary funds (FY2008-12) and one-time funding of $10 million in mandatory funding to remain available until spent. 1503], Authorizes CCC to provide financing to processors of domestic sugar to construct or upgrade storage and handling facilities. [16 U.S.C. 2608], Makes native sods planted to an insurable crop (over 5 acres) ineligible for crop insurance and the noninsured crop disaster assistance program for the first 5 years of planting. [Sec. 170. [12 U.S.C. [Sec. [Sec. [16 U.S.C. 10404], Similar to the House bill, with technical differences. [Sec. 1606], Provides cash bonus payments to U.S. dairy exporters, subject to World Trade Organization obligations to limit export subsidies. Limits administrative costs to 5% of any grant. [Sec. [Sec. As part of the efforts to address the needs of socially disadvantaged and limited-resource farmers and ranchers, the bill also authorizes a new USDA Office of Advocacy and Outreach to carry out the Section 2501 program, and also to oversee the Minority Farmer Advisory Committee and carry out the functions of the Office of Outreach and Diversity previously handled by the Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights. It was 53 percent of the 2002 Farm Bill and 66 percent of the 2008 Farm Bill. 141-142], Establishes (in limited amounts) a new type of tax-exempt private activity bond for bonds whose proceeds are used to finance forest conservation. 1609 and 1610], Authorizes USDA to establish an electronic reporting system (subject to available funds), after which increased frequency in mandatory reporting of dairy product sales would be required. Sec. 2113], Replaces USDA Committee with new Forest Resource Coordinating Committee, to coordinate among agencies, state agency representatives, and others. 1238C of the FSA, as amended, specifies that duties of the Secretary include making payments early in each fiscal year, the components of payments for each tier, annual payment limits for each tier ($20,000 for tier 1, $35,000 for tier 2, and $45,000 for tier 3), minimum requirements for practices, and requirements for implementing regulations [16 U.S.C. [Sec. Price guarantees are averages of the marketing year price (or the marketing loan rate reduced by 30%, if greater) for the most recent two years. for raw cane and 10 per cwt. Per farm payments had been limited to the first 2.4 million lbs. 2904]. 11054]. 6008], The Con Act, as amended, authorizes funds for essential community facilities; the maximum amount of a community facility grant cannot exceed 75% of the project costs. 2301], Provides for enrollment of up to 79.628 million acres and attempted annual enrollment of 13.273 million acres, nationwide and at a average annual cost of $19 per acre. [7 U.S.C. 1833], Establishes a grant program entitled the Healthy Food Urban Enterprise Program to support feasibility studies on improving the access of underserved communities to affordable, locally produced, nutritious food. 2277a-5], Gives discretion to FCSIC for timing of certification. [7 U.S.C. 1307(e)], Payments in lieu of LDP for grazed acreage of wheat, barley, oats, or triticale. [Sec. 9015], Establishes Community Wood Energy Program, with matching grants (up to 50%) for use of local, sustainable wood sources for a community wood energy system. [Sec. [Sec. 11086], Permits USDA to enter into cooperative agreements to carry out a project under a national aquatic animal health plan under Sec. The bill makes certain program changes, including allowing for USDA to address state, regional, and national conservation initiatives; expanding the program to cover beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers/ranchers; allowing for certain types of managed grazing and installation of wind turbines on enrolled lands (but at reduced rates); requiring that program participants manage lands according to a conservation plan; requiring USDA to survey annually the per-acre estimates of county cash rents paid to CRP contract holders; clarifying the status of alfalfa grown as part of a rotation practice; and establishing cost-sharing rates for certain types of conservation structures. 2105(g)], Amends the cost-share rate exception for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers to allow variable payment, not to exceed 90%, and authority to provide advance payments up to 30% for the purchase of materials or contracting. [7 U.S.C. (, [author name scrubbed], Analyst in Natural Resources and Rural Development Both the House and Senate farm bills contained language to enable state-inspected plants to sell products in interstate commerce, but under divergent policy approaches. 3 For example, expiration of the 2008 farm bill as the 2014 farm bill was being developed is discussed in CRS Report R42442, Expiration and Extension of the 2008 Farm Bill. [Sec. 1001(9)], Loan commodity: wheat, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats, upland cotton, extra long staple cotton, rice, soybeans, other oilseeds, wool, mohair, honey, dry peas, lentils, and small chickpeas. Restates Sec. Future CSP contracts would be replaced by a Comprehensive Stewardship Incentives Program consisting of a Conservation Stewardship Program with similar provisions of the existing CSP and EQIP. Adds definitions for advanced biofuels to include home heating fuels and aviation and jet fuels from cellulosic biomass. [Sec. [7 U.S.C. Adds socially disadvantaged farmers to beginning farmers when discussing steps in the process. [42 U.S.C. Authorizes $5 million in discretionary funds annually (FY2009-12). Also modifies the definition of "handler." The bill also reauthorizes a program of assistance for stockpiling and rapid transportation, delivery, and distribution of shelf-stable, prepackaged foods and increases the program's funding from $3 million to $8 million each fiscal year. [Sec. Conferees modified Senate bill language to provide for two new USDA initiatives affecting farm-raised domestic catfish: a voluntary grading program administered through the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), and mandated safety inspection of such products by Food Safety and Inspection Service (i.e., making catfish an amenable species along with the major meat and poultry species). The 85% ratio is restored for the 2012 crop year to maintain baseline for the next farm bill at a higher level. 313(j)(2) of the Tariff Act of 1930, domestic or imported merchandise that is commercially interchangeable with the imported merchandise may be substituted for the imported merchandise and drawback granted on the export or destruction of the substituted merchandise within the 3-year period beginning on the date of importation. 11080], The USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services program is charged with helping to alleviate wildlife damage to agricultural, urban, and natural resources. The enacted 2008 farm bill represents an amalgam of the research reorganization provisions in the House and Senate bills. A timeline showing a chronology of major events is provided at the end of this report. [Sec. 3005], Extends program through 2012. ), Adopts House provision with changes. [Secs. [7 U.S.C. 1920], and enterprise/whole farm units [Sec. 1503(e)], Prior law shall apply to payments made for the 2007 and 2008 crop years. [Sec. Available money each succeeding July 1 is indexed for inflation. [Sec. 110-208), and May 14 (P.L. Under previous law, these programs would cost nearly $40 billion a year and be expected to grow to almost $50 billion in FY2017. [Sec. [Sec. Repayment at loan rate plus interest. [Sec. 6004]. 1211-1212 of the FSA, as amended, makes violators of the conservation compliance program ineligible for certain program benefits, with some exceptions from full loss of eligibility. 10303], Similar to Senate provision, but does not rename the program. [16 U.S.C. [Sec. 2107], Sec. Second, the 2008 farm bill debate was set against a backdrop of an ongoing multilateral negotiation, which targeted farm subsidies and challenged U.S. support and legal programs under existing trade rules. Also, among the miscellaneous provisions (Title XV), the ethanol production tax credit is lowered from 51 to 46 cents per gallon beginning in the first year following that in which ethanol production of 7.5 billion gallons is achieved. 1524(b)], Adds Hawaii and Virginia to the list of eligible states. 4304], Same as the House bill, except that geographic preference would be allowed only for locally grown fruits and vegetables. 7954(a)], Counter-cyclical payments: same as prior law, except it covers 2008-2012 crop years. 7308], Adds Senate bill language to reauthori-zation of the education grants program at Alaska Native- and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions. The conference bill became law on May 22, 2008 (P.L. Authorizes annual appropria-tions (set at "such sums as are necessary" annually through FY2012) to carry out these health and nutrition promotion pilot projects. Sec. [Sec. No more than $8 million of these funds may be used for the Famine Early Warning System Network. [Sec. 4 of the Food Stamp Act states that, at the request of Indian tribal organizations, a FDPIR may be operated on Indian reservations in lieu of food stamps. No advance payments. [Sec. For example, if a full-time farmer has nonfarm AGI over $500,000, their program payments are eliminated regardless of their farm income. On May 8, 2008, House and Senate farm bill conferees announced the details of a completed conference agreement (H.R. [Sec. Among other programs, the 2008 farm bill reauthorizes WHIP at current funding levels, but limits program eligibility to focus on lands "for the development of wildlife habitat on private agricultural land, nonindustrial private forest land, and tribal lands," thus potentially excluding some previously covered areas. 6008], Adopts House provision with changes, striking consideration of matching funds and increasing the assistance limit for each well from $8,000 to $11,000. 7991(d)], Same as prior law, applied to the 2008 farm bill. The bill provides no mandatory funding for rural health care facilities or the construction of child care facilities, although such funds were proposed by the Senate. [7 U.S.C. [Sec. 1243 of the FSA to authorize administration of CCEP. Matching funds are required for IFAFS grants, not for NRI grants. 12206], Elective tax credits for payments under conservation programs [Sec. The bill also includes a provision directing USDA to conduct studies on rural transportation issues and on rural electric power generation. 1510], Requires USDA to the maximum extent practicable to operate the sugar nonrecourse loan program at no net cost by avoiding sugar forfeitures to the CCC. [Sec. [Sec. Congress addressed the management issue in the 2002 farm bill by directing USDA to examine and report on the structure of Agricultural Research Service (ARS) management and the merits of establishing a National Institute of Food and Agriculture (possibly modeled after the National Institutes of Health). 2704], Authorizes a new Muck Soils Conservation Program for eligible land, defined by five characteristics. (Continue using traditional direct payments. 5206], Prohibits USDA from studying or entering into a contract for competitive sourcing in the rural development or farm loan programs. In addition, the farm bill's research title (Title VII) takes major step in consolidating programs and planning in USDA's agricultural research, education, and economics mission area, which will merge three existing USDA agencies. 1769(g)], Expands the existing fresh fruit and vegetable program in elementary and secondary schools. 2014(g)], Indexes to inflation the dollar limits on assets annually (adjusted to the nearest $100). Nevertheless, President Bush repeatedly threatened to veto any legislation that included certain revenue and tax-related provisions being considered by Congress, as well as legislation that failed to implement certain policy changes, including cuts in farm income subsidies, among other policy issues and concerns.5 Also during the debate, the Administration recommended that Congress consider a one- or two-year extension of the current farm bill and take up a new farm bill in the next session.6. Allows for waivers granted by USDA to protect environmentally sensitive land of special significance. J. Hagstrom, "USDA Says It Needs More Cash to Implement Farm Bill," National Journal, June 26, 2008. 2201-2204). 1905 and 1926], Raises the CAT fee to $300 per crop per county. 7701 et seq.] 12022] Adopts House provision to enter into contracts to improve coverage for organic crops, and Senate provisions for energy crops and aquaculture, and other new provisions for poultry, beekeepers, and beginning farmers. 1603(b)], The Dairy Producer Stabilization Act of 1983 authorized a generic dairy product promotion, research, and nutrition education program, funded by a mandatory 15/cwt assessment on milk produced/marketed in the 48 contiguous states. When farmers have low net income or losses from farming, they may use one of two optional methods for calculating net earnings from self-employment. 1614], Authorizes cotton classification services be available to producers of cotton, and for the collection of fees and appropriations to pay for such services. [Sec. 1672 through FY2012. 11308], Similar to the House bill, except it provides that a grant can be used either for a physical lock or a chemical substance. Conference negotiations were initially delayed because of differences between committee leadership and the Administration, and also differences between the House and Senate on how to resolve approaches to finance new spending above baseline using tax provisions not usually associated with farm bills. The farm bill includes a Senate provision that eliminates base acres on land that had been subdivided into multiple residential units or other non-farming uses. 5003], Similar to House provision, except interest rate equals the greater of 2% or the regular direct farm ownership interest rate minus 4%. [Sec. Deductions for endangered species recovery expenditures. [Sec. 4005], Places into law an exclusion for combat-related military pay, as in the House bill and Senate amendment. If agreement is reached, then implementing legislation could require changes in some farm bill programs and limit spending on farm support. [Sec. 6020], Adopts the Senate provision but deletes the housing density criterion from the definition of "rural." CBO has estimated the total net five-year increase in outlays for the bill's key dairy provisions at $386 million. [Sec. 8001], Authorizes new cost-share grants for local governments, tribes, and non-profits to acquire lands threatened by conversion to non-forest uses and provide public benefits. The Administration opposed the safe box concept, saying that it would deprive it of the flexibility needed to respond to emergency food aid needs. 7621], Merges the existing NRI and IFAFS grant programs and groups them with all other competitive grant programs currently administered by CSREES to become the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The non-federal cost share for each project will be at least 35%, but will not exceed $5 million.
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2008 farm bill summary
