Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 (H.R. 1947; 113th Congress)

by Frank Dean Lucas

113th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 1947

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 13, 2013

Mr. Lucas (for himself and Mr. Peterson ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture

A BILL

To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.

Section 1. Short title; table of contents

(a) Short title–

This Act may be cited as the “Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013” .

(b) Table of contents–

The table of contents of this Act is as follows:**Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

• • Sec. 2. Definition of Secretary of Agriculture.
• Title I—Commodities

Subtitle A—Repeals and reforms

• • Sec. 1101. Repeal of direct payments.
  • Sec. 1102. Repeal of counter-cyclical payments.
  • Sec. 1103. Repeal of average crop revenue election program.
  • Sec. 1104. Definitions.
  • Sec. 1105. Base acres.
  • Sec. 1106. Payment yields.
  • Sec. 1107. Farm risk management election.
  • Sec. 1108. Producer agreements.
  • Sec. 1109. Period of effectiveness.

Subtitle B—Marketing loans

• • Sec. 1201. Availability of nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for loan commodities.
  • Sec. 1202. Loan rates for nonrecourse marketing assistance loans.
  • Sec. 1203. Term of loans.
  • Sec. 1204. Repayment of loans.
  • Sec. 1205. Loan deficiency payments.
  • Sec. 1206. Payments in lieu of loan deficiency payments for grazed acreage.
  • Sec. 1207. Special marketing loan provisions for upland cotton.
  • Sec. 1208. Special competitive provisions for extra long staple cotton.
  • Sec. 1209. Availability of recourse loans for high moisture feed grains and seed cotton.
  • Sec. 1210. Adjustments of loans.

Subtitle C—Sugar

• • Sec. 1301. Sugar program.

Subtitle D—Dairy Part I—Dairy producer margin protection and dairy market stabilization programs

• • Sec. 1401. Definitions.
  • Sec. 1402. Calculation of average feed cost and actual dairy producer margins.

Subpart A—Dairy producer margin protection program

• • Sec. 1411. Establishment of dairy producer margin protection program.
  • Sec. 1412. Participation of dairy producers in margin protection program.
  • Sec. 1413. Production history of participating dairy producers.
  • Sec. 1414. Basic margin protection.
  • Sec. 1415. Supplemental margin protection.
  • Sec. 1416. Effect of failure to pay administrative fees or premiums.

Subpart B—Dairy Market Stabilization Program

• • Sec. 1431. Establishment of dairy market stabilization program.
  • Sec. 1432. Threshold for implementation and reduction in dairy producer payments.
  • Sec. 1433. Producer milk marketing information.
  • Sec. 1434. Calculation and collection of reduced dairy producer payments.
  • Sec. 1435. Remitting monies to the Secretary and use of monies.
  • Sec. 1436. Suspension of reduced payment requirement.
  • Sec. 1437. Enforcement.
  • Sec. 1438. Audit requirements.

Subpart C—Commodity Credit Corporation

• • Sec. 1451. Use of Commodity Credit Corporation.

Subpart D—Initiation and duration

• • Sec. 1461. Rulemaking.
  • Sec. 1462. Duration.

Part II—Repeal or reauthorization of other dairy-related provisions

• • Sec. 1481. Repeal of dairy product price support and milk income loss contract programs.
  • Sec. 1482. Repeal of dairy export incentive program.
  • Sec. 1483. Extension of dairy forward pricing program.
  • Sec. 1484. Extension of dairy indemnity program.
  • Sec. 1485. Extension of dairy promotion and research program.
  • Sec. 1486. Repeal of Federal Milk Marketing Order Review Commission.

Part III—Effective date

• • Sec. 1491. Effective date.

Subtitle E—Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs

• • Sec. 1501. Supplemental agricultural disaster assistance.

Subtitle F—Administration

• • Sec. 1601. Administration generally.
  • Sec. 1602. Suspension of permanent price support authority.
  • Sec. 1603. Payment limitations.
  • Sec. 1604. Adjusted gross income limitation.
  • Sec. 1605. Geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.
  • Sec. 1606. Personal liability of producers for deficiencies.
  • Sec. 1607. Prevention of deceased individuals receiving payments under farm commodity programs.
  • Sec. 1608. Technical corrections.
  • Sec. 1609. Assignment of payments.
  • Sec. 1610. Tracking of benefits.
  • Sec. 1611. Signature authority.
  • Sec. 1612. Implementation.
• Title II—Conservation

Subtitle A—Conservation Reserve Program

• • Sec. 2001. Extension and enrollment requirements of conservation reserve program.
  • Sec. 2002. Farmable wetland program.
  • Sec. 2003. Duties of owners and operators.
  • Sec. 2004. Duties of the Secretary.
  • Sec. 2005. Payments.
  • Sec. 2006. Contract requirements.
  • Sec. 2007. Conversion of land subject to contract to other conserving uses.
  • Sec. 2008. Effective date.

Subtitle B—Conservation Stewardship Program

• • Sec. 2101. Conservation stewardship program.

Subtitle C—Environmental Quality Incentives Program

• • Sec. 2201. Purposes.
  • Sec. 2202. Establishment and administration.
  • Sec. 2203. Evaluation of applications.
  • Sec. 2204. Duties of producers.
  • Sec. 2205. Limitation on payments.
  • Sec. 2206. Conservation innovation grants and payments.
  • Sec. 2207. Effective date.

Subtitle D—Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

• • Sec. 2301. Agricultural conservation easement program.

Subtitle E—Regional Conservation Partnership Program

• • Sec. 2401. Regional conservation partnership program.

Subtitle F—Other Conservation Programs

• • Sec. 2501. Conservation of private grazing land.
  • Sec. 2502. Grassroots source water protection program.
  • Sec. 2503. Voluntary public access and habitat incentive program.
  • Sec. 2504. Agriculture conservation experienced services program.
  • Sec. 2505. Small watershed rehabilitation program.
  • Sec. 2506. Agricultural management assistance program.

Subtitle G—Funding and Administration

• • Sec. 2601. Funding.
  • Sec. 2602. Technical assistance.
  • Sec. 2603. Reservation of funds to provide assistance to certain farmers or ranchers for conservation access.
  • Sec. 2604. Annual report on program enrollments and assistance.
  • Sec. 2605. Review of conservation practice standards.
  • Sec. 2606. Administrative requirements applicable to all conservation programs.
  • Sec. 2607. Standards for State technical committees.
  • Sec. 2608. Rulemaking authority.

Subtitle H—Repeal of Superseded Program Authorities and Transitional Provisions; Technical Amendments

• • Sec. 2701. Comprehensive conservation enhancement program.
  • Sec. 2702. Emergency forestry conservation reserve program.
  • Sec. 2703. Wetlands reserve program.
  • Sec. 2704. Farmland protection program and farm viability program.
  • Sec. 2705. Grassland reserve program.
  • Sec. 2706. Agricultural water enhancement program.
  • Sec. 2707. Wildlife habitat incentive program.
  • Sec. 2708. Great Lakes basin program.
  • Sec. 2709. Chesapeake Bay watershed program.
  • Sec. 2710. Cooperative conservation partnership initiative.
  • Sec. 2711. Environmental easement program.
  • Sec. 2712. Technical amendments.
• Title III—Trade

Subtitle A—Food for Peace Act

• • Sec. 3001. General authority.
  • Sec. 3002. Support for organizations through which assistance is provided.
  • Sec. 3003. Food aid quality.
  • Sec. 3004. Minimum levels of assistance.
  • Sec. 3005. Food Aid Consultative Group.
  • Sec. 3006. Oversight, monitoring, and evaluation.
  • Sec. 3007. Assistance for stockpiling and rapid transportation, delivery, and distribution of shelf-stable prepackaged foods.
  • Sec. 3008. General provisions.
  • Sec. 3009. Prepositioning of agricultural commodities.
  • Sec. 3010. Annual report regarding food aid programs and activities.
  • Sec. 3011. Deadline for agreements to finance sales or to provide other assistance.
  • Sec. 3012. Authorization of appropriations.
  • Sec. 3013. Micronutrient fortification programs.
  • Sec. 3014. John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program.

Subtitle B—Agricultural Trade Act of 1978

• • Sec. 3101. Funding for export credit guarantee program.
  • Sec. 3102. Funding for market access program.
  • Sec. 3103. Foreign market development cooperator program.

Subtitle C—Other Agricultural Trade Laws

• • Sec. 3201. Food for Progress Act of 1985.
  • Sec. 3202. Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust.
  • Sec. 3203. Promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets.
  • Sec. 3204. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program.
  • Sec. 3205. Technical assistance for specialty crops.
  • Sec. 3206. Global Crop Diversity Trust.
  • Sec. 3207. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services.
• Title IV—Nutrition

Subtitle A—Supplemental nutrition assistance program

• • Sec. 4001. Preventing payment of cash to recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance for the return of empty bottles and cans used to contain food purchased with benefits provided under the program.
  • Sec. 4002. Retailers.
  • Sec. 4003. Enhancing services to elderly and disabled supplemental nutrition assistance program recipients.
  • Sec. 4004. Food distribution program on Indian reservations.
  • Sec. 4005. Updating program eligibility.
  • Sec. 4006. Exclusion of medical marijuana from excess medical expense deduction.
  • Sec. 4007. Standard utility allowances based on the receipt of energy assistance payments.
  • Sec. 4008. Eligibility disqualifications.
  • Sec. 4009. Ending supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits for lottery or gambling winners.
  • Sec. 4010. Improving security of food assistance.
  • Sec. 4011. Demonstration projects on acceptance of benefits of mobile transactions.
  • Sec. 4012. Use of benefits for purchase of community-supported agriculture share.
  • Sec. 4013. Restaurant meals program.
  • Sec. 4014. Mandating State immigration verification.
  • Sec. 4015. Data exchange standardization for improved interoperability.
  • Sec. 4016. Prohibiting government-sponsored recruitment activities.
  • Sec. 4017. Repeal of bonus program.
  • Sec. 4018. Funding of employment and training programs.
  • Sec. 4019. Monitoring employment and training program.
  • Sec. 4020. Cooperation with program research and evaluation.
  • Sec. 4021. Pilot projects to reduce dependency and increase work effort in the supplemental nutrition assistance program.
  • Sec. 4022. Authorization of appropriations.
  • Sec. 4023. Limitation on use of block grant to Puerto Rico.
  • Sec. 4024. Assistance for community food projects.
  • Sec. 4025. Emergency food assistance.
  • Sec. 4026. Nutrition education.
  • Sec. 4027. Retailer trafficking.
  • Sec. 4028. Technical and conforming amendments.
  • Sec. 4029. Tolerance level for excluding small errors.
  • Sec. 4030. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands pilot program.
  • Sec. 4031. Annual State report on verification of SNAP participation.

Subtitle B—Commodity distribution programs

• • Sec. 4101. Commodity distribution program.
  • Sec. 4102. Commodity supplemental food program.
  • Sec. 4103. Distribution of surplus commodities to special nutrition projects.
  • Sec. 4104. Processing of commodities.

Subtitle C—Miscellaneous

• • Sec. 4201. Farmers’ market nutrition program.
  • Sec. 4202. Nutrition information and awareness pilot program.
  • Sec. 4203. Fresh fruit and vegetable program.
  • Sec. 4204. Additional authority for purchase of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other specialty food crops.
  • Sec. 4205. Encouraging locally and regionally grown and raised food.
• Title V—Credit

Subtitle A—Farm ownership loans

• • Sec. 5001. Eligibility for farm ownership loans.
  • Sec. 5002. Conservation loan and loan guarantee program.
  • Sec. 5003. Down payment loan program.
  • Sec. 5004. Elimination of mineral rights appraisal requirement.

Subtitle B—Operating loans

• • Sec. 5101. Eligibility for farm operating loans.
  • Sec. 5102. Elimination of rural residency requirement for operating loans to youth.
  • Sec. 5103. Authority to waive personal liability for youth loans due to circumstances beyond borrower control.
  • Sec. 5104. Microloans.

Subtitle C—Emergency loans

• • Sec. 5201. Eligibility for emergency loans.

Subtitle D—Administrative provisions

• • Sec. 5301. Beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts pilot program.
  • Sec. 5302. Eligible beginning farmers and ranchers.
  • Sec. 5303. Loan authorization levels.
  • Sec. 5304. Priority for participation loans.
  • Sec. 5305. Loan fund set-asides.
  • Sec. 5306. Conforming amendment to borrower training provision, relating to eligibility changes.

Subtitle E—State agricultural mediation programs

• • Sec. 5401. State agricultural mediation programs.

Subtitle F—Loans to purchasers of highly fractionated land

• • Sec. 5501. Loans to purchasers of highly fractionated land.
• Title VI—Rural development

Subtitle A—Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act

• • Sec. 6001. Water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility grants.
  • Sec. 6002. Rural business opportunity grants.
  • Sec. 6003. Elimination of reservation of community facilities grant program funds.
  • Sec. 6004. Utilization of loan guarantees for community facilities.
  • Sec. 6005. Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program.
  • Sec. 6006. Tribal college and university essential community facilities.
  • Sec. 6007. Emergency and imminent community water assistance grant program.
  • Sec. 6008. Household water well systems.
  • Sec. 6009. Rural business and industry loan program.
  • Sec. 6010. Rural cooperative development grants.
  • Sec. 6011. Locally or regionally produced agricultural food products.
  • Sec. 6012. Intermediary relending program.
  • Sec. 6013. Rural water and waste disposal infrastructure.
  • Sec. 6014. Simplified applications.
  • Sec. 6015. Grants for NOAA weather radio transmitters.
  • Sec. 6016. Rural microentrepreneur assistance program.
  • Sec. 6017. Delta Regional Authority.
  • Sec. 6018. Northern Great Plains Regional Authority.
  • Sec. 6019. Rural business investment program.

Subtitle B—Rural Electrification Act of 1936

• • Sec. 6101. Relending for certain purposes.
  • Sec. 6102. Fees for certain loan guarantees.
  • Sec. 6103. Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for electrification or telephone purposes.
  • Sec. 6104. Expansion of 911 access.
  • Sec. 6105. Access to broadband telecommunications services in rural areas.

Subtitle C—Miscellaneous

• • Sec. 6201. Distance learning and telemedicine.
  • Sec. 6202. Value-added agricultural market development program grants.
  • Sec. 6203. Agriculture innovation center demonstration program.
  • Sec. 6204. Program metrics.
  • Sec. 6205. Study of rural transportation issues.
  • Sec. 6206. Certain Federal actions not to be considered major.
• Title VII—Research, Extension, and Related Matters

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

• • Sec. 7101. Option to be included as non-land-grant college of agriculture.
  • Sec. 7102. National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board.
  • Sec. 7103. Specialty crop committee.
  • Sec. 7104. Veterinary services grant program.
  • Sec. 7105. Grants and fellowships for food and agriculture sciences education.
  • Sec. 7106. Policy research centers.
  • Sec. 7107. Repeal of human nutrition intervention and health promotion research program.
  • Sec. 7108. Repeal of pilot research program to combine medical and agricultural research.
  • Sec. 7109. Nutrition education program.
  • Sec. 7110. Continuing animal health and disease research programs.
  • Sec. 7111. Repeal of appropriations for research on national or regional problems.
  • Sec. 7112. Grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University.
  • Sec. 7113. Grants to upgrade agriculture and food science facilities and equipment at insular area land-grant institutions.
  • Sec. 7114. Repeal of national research and training virtual centers.
  • Sec. 7115. Hispanic-serving institutions.
  • Sec. 7116. Competitive Grants Program for Hispanic Agricultural Workers and Youth.
  • Sec. 7117. Competitive grants for international agricultural science and education programs.
  • Sec. 7118. Repeal of research equipment grants.
  • Sec. 7119. University research.
  • Sec. 7120. Extension service.
  • Sec. 7121. Auditing, reporting, bookkeeping, and administrative requirements.
  • Sec. 7122. Supplemental and alternative crops.
  • Sec. 7123. Capacity building grants for NLGCA institutions.
  • Sec. 7124. Aquaculture assistance programs.
  • Sec. 7125. Rangeland research programs.
  • Sec. 7126. Special authorization for biosecurity planning and response.
  • Sec. 7127. Distance education and resident instruction grants program for insular area institutions of higher education.
  • Sec. 7128. Matching funds requirement.

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

• • Sec. 7201. Best utilization of biological applications.
  • Sec. 7202. Integrated management systems.
  • Sec. 7203. Sustainable agriculture technology development and transfer program.
  • Sec. 7204. National training program.
  • Sec. 7205. National Genetics Resources Program.
  • Sec. 7206. Repeal of National Agricultural Weather Information System.
  • Sec. 7207. Repeal of rural electronic commerce extension program.
  • Sec. 7208. Repeal of agricultural genome initiative.
  • Sec. 7209. High-priority research and extension initiatives.
  • Sec. 7210. Repeal of nutrient management research and extension initiative.
  • Sec. 7211. Organic agriculture research and extension initiative.
  • Sec. 7212. Repeal of agricultural bioenergy feedstock and energy efficiency research and extension initiative.
  • Sec. 7213. Farm business management.
  • Sec. 7214. Centers of excellence.
  • Sec. 7215. Repeal of red meat safety research center.
  • Sec. 7216. Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities.
  • Sec. 7217. National rural information center clearinghouse.

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

• • Sec. 7301. Relevance and merit of agricultural research, extension, and education funded by the Department.
  • Sec. 7302. Integrated research, education, and extension competitive grants program.
  • Sec. 7303. Repeal of coordinated program of research, extension, and education to improve viability of small and medium size dairy, livestock, and poultry operations.
  • Sec. 7304. Fusarium Graminearum grants.
  • Sec. 7305. Repeal of Bovine Johne's disease control program.
  • Sec. 7306. Grants for youth organizations.
  • Sec. 7307. Specialty crop research initiative.
  • Sec. 7308. Food animal residue avoidance database program.
  • Sec. 7309. Repeal of national swine research center.
  • Sec. 7310. Office of pest management policy.
  • Sec. 7311. Repeal of studies of agricultural research, extension, and education.

Subtitle D—Other Laws

• • Sec. 7401. Critical Agricultural Materials Act.
  • Sec. 7402. Equity in Educational Land-grant Status Act of1994.
  • Sec. 7403. Research Facilities Act.
  • Sec. 7404. Repeal of carbon cycle research.
  • Sec. 7405. Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act.
  • Sec. 7406. Renewable Resources Extension Act of1978.
  • Sec. 7407. National Aquaculture Act of1980.
  • Sec. 7408. Repeal of use of remote sensing data.
  • Sec. 7409. Repeal of reports under Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of2002.
  • Sec. 7410. Beginning farmer and rancher development program.
  • Sec. 7411. Inclusion of Northern Mariana Islands as a State under McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act.

Subtitle E—Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of2008 Part 1—Agricultural Security

• • Sec. 7501. Agricultural biosecurity communication center.
  • Sec. 7502. Assistance to build local capacity in agricultural biosecurity planning, preparation, and response.
  • Sec. 7503. Research and development of agricultural countermeasures.
  • Sec. 7504. Agricultural biosecurity grant program.

Part 2—Miscellaneous

• • Sec. 7511. Enhanced use lease authority pilot program.
  • Sec. 7512. Grazinglands research laboratory.
  • Sec. 7513. Budget submission and funding.
  • Sec. 7514. Repeal of research and education grants for the study of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
  • Sec. 7515. Repeal of farm and ranch stress assistance network.
  • Sec. 7516. Repeal of seed distribution.
  • Sec. 7517. Natural products research program.
  • Sec. 7518. Sun grant program.
  • Sec. 7519. Repeal of study and report on food deserts.
  • Sec. 7520. Repeal of agricultural and rural transportation research and education.

Subtitle F—Miscellaneous provisions

• • Sec. 7601. Agreements with nonprofit organizations for National Arboretum.
  • Sec. 7602. Cotton Disease Research Report.
  • Sec. 7603. Acceptance of facility for Agricultural Research Service.
  • Sec. 7604. Miscellaneous technical corrections.
• Title VIII—Forestry

Subtitle A—Repeal of Certain Forestry Programs

• • Sec. 8001. Forest land enhancement program.
  • Sec. 8002. Watershed forestry assistance program.
  • Sec. 8003. Expired cooperative national forest products marketing program.
  • Sec. 8004. Hispanic-serving institution agricultural land national resources leadership program.
  • Sec. 8005. Tribal watershed forestry assistance program.
  • Sec. 8006. Separate Forest Service decisionmaking and appeals process.

Subtitle B—Reauthorization of Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 Programs

• • Sec. 8101. State-wide assessment and strategies for forest resources.
  • Sec. 8102. Forest Legacy Program.
  • Sec. 8103. Community forest and open space conservation program.

Subtitle C—Reauthorization of Other Forestry-Related Laws

• • Sec. 8201. Rural revitalization technologies.
  • Sec. 8202. Office of International Forestry.
  • Sec. 8203. Change in funding source for healthy forests reserve program.
  • Sec. 8204. Stewardship end result contracting project authority.

Subtitle D—National Forest Critical Area Response

• • Sec. 8301. Definitions.
  • Sec. 8302. Designation of critical areas.
  • Sec. 8303. Application of expedited procedures and activities of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to critical areas.
  • Sec. 8304. Good neighbor authority.

Subtitle E—Miscellaneous Provisions

• • Sec. 8401. Revision of strategic plan for forest inventory and analysis.
  • Sec. 8402. Forest Service participation in ACES Program.
• Title IX—Energy
  • Sec. 9001. Definition of renewable energy system.
  • Sec. 9002. Biobased markets program.
  • Sec. 9003. Biorefinery Assistance.
  • Sec. 9004. Repowering assistance program.
  • Sec. 9005. Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels.
  • Sec. 9006. Biodiesel Fuel Education Program.
  • Sec. 9007. Rural Energy for America Program.
  • Sec. 9008. Biomass Research and Development.
  • Sec. 9009. Feedstock Flexibility Program for Bioenergy Producers.
  • Sec. 9010. Biomass Crop Assistance Program.
  • Sec. 9011. Community wood energy program.
  • Sec. 9012. Repeal of biofuels infrastructure study.
  • Sec. 9013. Repeal of renewable fertilizer study.
• Title X—Horticulture
  • Sec. 10001. Specialty crops market news allocation.
  • Sec. 10002. Repeal of grant program to improve movement of specialty crops.
  • Sec. 10003. Farmers market and local food promotion program.
  • Sec. 10004. Organic agriculture.
  • Sec. 10005. Investigations and enforcement of the Organic Foods Production Act of1990.
  • Sec. 10006. Food safety education initiatives.
  • Sec. 10007. Specialty crop block grants.
  • Sec. 10008. Report on honey.
  • Sec. 10009. Bulk shipments of apples to Canada.
  • Sec. 10010. Inclusion of olive oil in import controls under the Agricultural Adjustment Act.
  • Sec. 10011. Consolidation of plant pest and disease management and disaster prevention programs.
  • Sec. 10012. Modification, cancellation, or suspension on basis of a biological opinion.
  • Sec. 10013. Use and discharges of authorized pesticides.
• Title XI—Crop Insurance
  • Sec. 11001. Information sharing.
  • Sec. 11002. Publication of information on violations of prohibition on premium adjustments.
  • Sec. 11003. Supplemental coverage option.
  • Sec. 11004. Premium amounts for catastrophic risk protection.
  • Sec. 11005. Repeal of performance-based discount.
  • Sec. 11006. Permanent enterprise unit subsidy.
  • Sec. 11007. Enterprise units for irrigated and nonirrigated crops.
  • Sec. 11008. Data collection.
  • Sec. 11009. Adjustment in actual production history to establish insurable yields.
  • Sec. 11010. Submission and review of policies.
  • Sec. 11011. Equitable relief for specialty crop policies.
  • Sec. 11012. Budget limitations on renegotiation of the standard reinsurance agreement.
  • Sec. 11013. Crop production on native sod.
  • Sec. 11014. Coverage levels by practice.
  • Sec. 11015. Beginning farmer and rancher provisions.
  • Sec. 11016. Stacked income protection plan for producers of upland cotton.
  • Sec. 11017. Peanut revenue crop insurance.
  • Sec. 11018. Authority to correct errors.
  • Sec. 11019. Implementation.
  • Sec. 11020. Research and development priorities.
  • Sec. 11021. Additional research and development contracting requirements.
  • Sec. 11022. Program compliance partnerships.
  • Sec. 11023. Pilot programs.
  • Sec. 11024. Technical amendments.
• Title XII—Miscellaneous

Subtitle A—Livestock

• • Sec. 12101. National Sheep Industry Improvement Center.
  • Sec. 12102. Trichinae certification program.
  • Sec. 12103. National Aquatic Animal Health Plan.
  • Sec. 12104. Country of origin labeling.
  • Sec. 12105. National animal health laboratory network.

Subtitle B—Socially disadvantaged producers and limited resource producers

• • Sec. 12201. Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers.
  • Sec. 12202. Office of Advocacy and Outreach.

Subtitle C—Other miscellaneous provisions

• • Sec. 12301. Grants to improve supply, stability, safety, and training of agricultural labor force.
  • Sec. 12302. Program benefit eligibility status for participants in high plains water study.
  • Sec. 12303. Office of Tribal Relations.
  • Sec. 12304. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison.
  • Sec. 12305. Prohibition on keeping GSA leased cars overnight.
  • Sec. 12306. Noninsured crop assistance program.
  • Sec. 12307. Ensuring high standards for agency use of scientific information.

Sec. 2. Definition of Secretary of Agriculture

In this Act, the term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Agriculture.

Title I— Commodities

Sec. 1101. Repeal of direct payments

(a) Repeal–

Sections 1103and 1303 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/8713 7 U.S.C. 8713 ] , 8753 ) are repealed.

(b) Continued application for 2013 crop year–

Sections 1103and 1303 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/8713 7 U.S.C. 8713 ] , 8753 ), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2013 crop year with respect to all covered commodities (as defined in section 1001 of that Act( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/8702 7 U.S.C. 8702 ] )) and peanuts on a farm.

(c) Continued application for 2014 and 2015 crop years–

Subject to this subtitle, the amendments made by sections 1603and 1604 of this Act, and sections 1607and 1611 of this Act, section 1103 of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/8713 7 U.S.C. 8713 ] ), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2014 and 2015 crop years with respect to upland cotton only (as defined in section 1001 of that Act( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/8702 7 U.S.C. 8702 ] )), except that, in applying such section 1103, the term “payment acres” means the following:

(1) For crop year 2014, 70 percent of the base acres of upland cotton on a farm on which direct payments are made.

(2) For crop year 2015, 60 percent of the base acres of upland cotton on a farm on which direct payments are made.

Sec. 1102. Repeal of counter-cyclical payments

(a) Repeal–

Sections 1104and 1304 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/8714 7 U.S.C. 8714 ] , 8754 ) are repealed.

(b) Continued application for 2013 crop year–

Sections 1104and 1304 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/8714 7 U.S.C. 8714 ] , 8754 ), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2013 crop year with respect to all covered commodities (as defined in section 1001 of that Act( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/8702 7 U.S.C. 8702 ] )) and peanuts on a farm.

Sec. 1103. Repeal of average crop revenue election program

(a) Repeal–

Section 1105 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/8715 7 U.S.C. 8715 ] )is repealed.

(b) Continued application for 2013 crop year–

Section 1105 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/8715 7 U.S.C. 8715 ] ), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2013 crop year with respect to all covered commodities (as defined in section 1001 of that Act( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/8702 7 U.S.C. 8702 ] )) and peanuts on a farm for which the irrevocable election under section 1105 of that Actwas made before the date of enactment of this Act.

Sec. 1104. Definitions

In this subtitle and subtitle B:

(1) Actual county revenue–

The term actual county revenue , with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the amount determined by the Secretary under section 1107(c)(4)to determine whether revenue loss coverage payments are required to be provided for that crop year.

(2) Base acres–

The term base acres , with respect to a covered commodity and cotton on a farm, means the number of acres established under section 1101and 1302 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/7911 7 U.S.C. 7911 ] , 7952 ) or section 1101and 1302 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/8711 7 U.S.C. 8711 ] , 8752 ), as in effect on September 30, 2013, subject to any adjustment under section 1105 of this Act. For purposes of making payments under subsections (b)and (c) of section 1107, base acres are reduced by the payment acres calculated in 1101(c).

(3) County revenue loss coverage trigger–

The term county revenue loss coverage trigger , with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the amount determined by the Secretary under section 1107(c)(5)to determine whether revenue loss coverage payments are required to be provided for that crop year.

(4) Covered commodity–

The term covered commodity means wheat, oats, and barley (including wheat, oats, and barley used for haying and grazing), corn, grain sorghum, long grain rice, medium grain rice, pulse crops, soybeans, other oilseeds, and peanuts.

(5) Effective price–

The term effective price , with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the price calculated by the Secretary under section 1107(b)(2)to determine whether price loss coverage payments are required to be provided for that crop year.

(6) Extra long staple cotton–

The term extra long staple cotton means cotton that—

(A) is produced from pure strain varieties of the Barbadense species or any hybrid of the species, or other similar types of extra long staple cotton, designated by the Secretary , having characteristics needed for various end uses for which United States upland cotton is not suitable and grown in irrigated cotton-growing regions of the United States designated by the Secretary or other areas designated by the Secretary as suitable for the production of the varieties or types; and

(B) is ginned on a roller-type gin or, if authorized by the Secretary , ginned on another type gin for experimental purposes.

(7) Farm base acres–

The term farm base acres means the sum of the base acreage for all covered commodities and cotton on a farm in effect as of September 30, 2013, and subject to any adjustment under section 1105.

(8) Medium grain rice–

The term medium grain rice includes short grain rice.

(9) Midseason price–

The term midseason price means the applicable national average market price received by producers for the first 5 months of the applicable marketing year, as determined by the Secretary .

(10) Other oilseed–

The term other oilseed means a crop of sunflower seed, rapeseed, canola, safflower, flaxseed, mustard seed, crambe, sesame seed, or any oilseed designated by the Secretary .

(11) Payment acres–

(A) In general–

Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) through (D), the term payment acres , with respect to the provision of price loss coverage payments and revenue loss coverage payments, means—

(i) 85 percent of total acres planted for the year to each covered commodity on a farm; and

(ii) 30 percent of total acres approved as prevented from being planted for the year to each covered commodity on a farm.

(B) Maximum–

The total quantity of payment acres determined under subparagraph (A)shall not exceed the farm base acres.

(C) Reduction–

If the sum of all payment acres for a farm exceeds the limits established under subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall reduce the payment acres applicable to each crop proportionately.

(D) Exclusion–

The term payment acres does not include any crop subsequently planted during the same crop year on the same land for which the first crop is eligible for payments under this subtitle, unless the crop was approved for double cropping in the county, as determined by the Secretary .

(12) Payment yield–

The term payment yield means the yield established for counter-cyclical payments under section 1102or 1302 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/7912 7 U.S.C. 7912 ] , 7952 ), section 1102 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/8712 7 U.S.C. 8712 ] ), as in effect on September 30, 2013, or under section 1106 of this Act, for a farm for a covered commodity.

(13) Price loss coverage–

The term price loss coverage means coverage provided under section 1107(b).

(14) Producer–

(A) In general–

The term producer means an owner, operator, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper that shares in the risk of producing a crop and is entitled to share in the crop available for marketing from the farm, or would have shared had the crop been produced.

(B) Hybrid seed–

In determining whether a grower of hybrid seed is a producer, the Secretary shall—

(i) not take into consideration the existence of a hybrid seed contract; and

(ii) ensure that program requirements do not adversely affect the ability of the grower to receive a payment under this title.

(15) Pulse crop–

The term pulse crop means dry peas, lentils, small chickpeas, and large chickpeas.

(16) Reference price–

The term reference price , with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the following:

(A) Wheat, $5.50 per bushel.

(B) Corn, $3.70 per bushel.

(C) Grain sorghum, $3.95 per bushel.

(D) Barley, $4.95 per bushel.

(E) Oats, $2.40 per bushel.

(F) Long grain rice, $14.00 per hundredweight.

(G) Medium grain rice, $14.00 per hundredweight.

(H) Soybeans, $8.40 per bushel.

(I) Other oilseeds, $20.15 per hundredweight.

(J) Peanuts $535.00 per ton.

(K) Dry peas, $11.00 per hundredweight.

(L) Lentils, $19.97 per hundredweight.

(M) Small chickpeas, $19.04 per hundredweight.

(N) Large chickpeas, $21.54 per hundredweight.

(17) Revenue loss coverage–

The term “revenue loss coverage” means coverage provided under section 1107(c).

(18) Secretary–

The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Agriculture.

(19) State–

The term State means—

(A) a State;

(B) the District of Columbia;

(C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and

(D) any other territory or possession of the United States.

(20) Temperate japonica rice–

The term “temperate japonica rice” means rice that is grown in high altitudes or temperate regions of high latitudes with cooler climate conditions, in the Western United States, as determined by the Secretary .

(21) Transitional yield–

The term “transitional yield” has the meaning given the term in section 502(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1502 7 U.S.C. 1502(b) ] ).

(22) United States–

The term United States , when used in a geographical sense, means all of the States.

(23) United States premium factor–

The term United States Premium Factor means the percentage by which the difference in the United States loan schedule premiums for Strict Middling (SM) 11/8-inch upland cotton and for Middling (M) 13/32-inch upland cotton exceeds the difference in the applicable premiums for comparable international qualities.

Sec. 1105. Base acres

(a) Adjustment of base acres–

(1) In general–

The Secretary shall provide for an adjustment, as appropriate, in the base acres for covered commodities and cotton for a farm whenever any of the following circumstances occurs:

(A) A conservation reserve contract entered into under section 1231 of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3831 16 U.S.C. 3831 ] )with respect to the farm expires or is voluntarily terminated.

(B) Cropland is released from coverage under a conservation reserve contract by the Secretary .

(C) The producer has eligible oilseed acreage as the result of the Secretary designating additional oilseeds, which shall be determined in the same manner as eligible oilseed acreage under section 1101(a)(1)(D) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/8711 7 U.S.C. 8711(a)(1)(D) ] ).

(2) Special conservation reserve acreage payment rules–

For the crop year in which a base acres adjustment under subparagraph (A)or (B) of paragraph (1)is first made, the owner of the farm shall elect to receive price loss coverage or revenue loss coverage with respect to the acreage added to the farm under this subsection or a prorated payment under the conservation reserve contract, but not both.

(b) Prevention of excess base acres–

(1) Required reduction–

If the sum of the base acres for a farm, together with the acreage described in paragraph (2)exceeds the actual cropland acreage of the farm, the Secretary shall reduce the base acres for 1 or more covered commodities or cotton for the farm so that the sum of the base acres and acreage described in paragraph (2)does not exceed the actual cropland acreage of the farm.

(2) Other acreage–

For purposes of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall include the following:

(A) Any acreage on the farm enrolled in the conservation reserve program or wetlands reserve program (or successor programs) under chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3830 16 U.S.C. 3830 et seq. ] ).

(B) Any other acreage on the farm enrolled in a Federal conservation program for which payments are made in exchange for not producing an agricultural commodity on the acreage.

(C) If the Secretary designates additional oilseeds, any eligible oilseed acreage, which shall be determined in the same manner as eligible oilseed acreage under subsection (a)(1)(C).

(3) Selection of acres–

The Secretary shall give the owner of the farm the opportunity to select the base acres for a covered commodity or cotton for the farm against which the reduction required by paragraph (1)will be made.

(4) Exception for double-cropped acreage–

In applying paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make an exception in the case of double cropping, as determined by the Secretary .

(c) Reduction in base acres–

(A) In general–

The owner of a farm may reduce, at any time, the base acres for any covered commodity or cotton for the farm.

(B) Effect of reduction–

A reduction under subparagraph (A)shall be permanent and made in a manner prescribed by the Secretary .

(A) In general–

The Secretary shall proportionately reduce base acres on a farm for covered commodities and cotton for land that has been subdivided and developed for multiple residential units or other nonfarming uses if the size of the tracts and the density of the subdivision is such that the land is unlikely to return to the previous agricultural use, unless the producers on the farm demonstrate that the land—

(i) remains devoted to commercial agricultural production; or

(ii) is likely to be returned to the previous agricultural use.

(B) Requirement–

The Secretary shall establish procedures to identify land described in subparagraph (A).

Sec. 1106. Payment yields

(a) Establishment and purpose–

For the purpose of making payments under this subtitle, the Secretary shall provide for the establishment of a yield for each farm for any designated oilseed for which a payment yield was not established under section 1102 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/8712 7 U.S.C. 8712 ] )in accordance with this section.

(b) Payment yields for designated oilseeds–

(1) Determination of average yield–

In the case of designated oilseeds, the Secretary shall determine the average yield per planted acre for the designated oilseed on a farm for the 1998 through 2001 crop years, excluding any crop year in which the acreage planted to the designated oilseed was zero.

(A) In general–

The payment yield for a farm for a designated oilseed shall be equal to the product of the following:

(i) The average yield for the designated oilseed determined under paragraph (1).

(ii) The ratio resulting from dividing the national average yield for the designated oilseed for the 1981 through 1985 crops by the national average yield for the designated oilseed for the 1998 through 2001 crops.

(B) No national average yield information available–

To the extent that national average yield information for a designated oilseed is not available, the Secretary shall use such information as the Secretary determines to be fair and equitable to establish a national average yield under this section.

(3) Use of county average yield–

If the yield per planted acre for a crop of a designated oilseed for a farm for any of the 1998 through 2001 crop years was less than 75 percent of the county yield for that designated oilseed, the Secretary shall assign a yield for that crop year equal to 75 percent of the county yield for the purpose of determining the average under paragraph (1).

(4) No historic yield data available–

In the case of establishing yields for designated oilseeds, if historic yield data is not available, the Secretary shall use the ratio for dry peas calculated under paragraph (2)(A)(ii)in determining the yields for designated oilseeds, as determined to be fair and equitable by the Secretary .

(c) Effect of lack of payment yield–

(1) Establishment by secretary–

If no payment yield is otherwise established for a farm for which a covered commodity is planted and eligible to receive price loss coverage payments, the Secretary shall establish an appropriate payment yield for the covered commodity on the farm under paragraph (2).

(2) Use of similarly situated farms–

To establish an appropriate payment yield for a covered commodity on a farm as required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall take into consideration the farm program payment yields applicable to that covered commodity for similarly situated farms. The use of such data in an appeal, by the Secretary or by the producer, shall not be subject to any other provision of law.

(d) Single opportunity to update yields used to determine price loss coverage payments–

(1) Election to update–

At the sole discretion of the owner of a farm, the owner of a farm shall have a 1-time opportunity to update the payment yields on a covered commodity-by-covered commodity basis that would otherwise be used in calculating any price loss coverage payment for covered commodities on the farm.

(2) Time for election–

The election under paragraph (1)shall be made at a time and manner to be in effect for the 2014 crop year as determined by the Secretary .

(3) Method of updating yields–

If the owner of a farm elects to update yields under this subsection, the payment yield for a covered commodity on the farm, for the purpose of calculating price loss coverage payments only, shall be equal to 90 percent of the average of the yield per planted acre for the crop of the covered commodity on the farm for the 2008 through 2012 crop years, as determined by the Secretary , excluding any crop year in which the acreage planted to the crop of the covered commodity was zero.

(4) Use of county average yield–

If the yield per planted acre for a crop of the covered commodity for a farm for any of the 2008 through 2012 crop years was less than 75 percent of the average of the 2008 through 2012 county yield for that commodity, the Secretary shall assign a yield for that crop year equal to 75 percent of the average of the 2008 through 2012 county yield for the purposes of determining the average yield under paragraph (3).

(A) Establishment by secretary–

For purposes of this subsection, if no payment yield is otherwise established for a covered commodity on a farm, the Secretary shall establish an appropriate updated payment yield for the covered commodity on the farm under subparagraph (B).

(B) Use of similarly situated farms–

To establish an appropriate payment yield for a covered commodity on a farm as required by subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall take into consideration the farm program payment yields applicable to that covered commodity for similarly situated farms. The use of such data in an appeal, by the Secretary or by the producer, shall not be subject to any other provision of law.

Sec. 1107. Farm risk management election

(a) In general–

(1) Payments required–

Except as provided in paragraph (2), if the Secretary determines that payments are required under subsection (b)(1)or (c)(2)for a covered commodity, the Secretary shall make payments for that covered commodity available under such subsection to producers on a farm pursuant to the terms and conditions of this section.

(2) Prohibition on payments; exceptions–

Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, a producer on a farm may not receive price loss coverage payments or revenue loss coverage payments if the sum of the planted acres of covered commodities on the farm is 10 acres or less, as determined by the Secretary , unless the producer is—

(A) a socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher (as defined in section 355(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/2003 7 U.S.C. 2003(e) ] )); or

(B) a limited resource farmer or rancher, as defined by the Secretary .

(b) Price loss coverage–

(1) Payments–

For each of the 2014 through 2018 crop years, the Secretary shall make price loss coverage payments to producers on a farm for a covered commodity if the Secretary determines that—

(A) the effective price for the covered commodity for the crop year; is less than

(B) the reference price for the covered commodity for the crop year.

(2) Effective price–

The effective price for a covered commodity for a crop year shall be the higher of—

(A) the midseason price; or

(B) the national average loan rate for a marketing assistance loan for the covered commodity in effect for crop years 2014 through 2018 under subtitle B.

(3) Payment rate–

The payment rate shall be equal to the difference between—

(A) the reference price for the covered commodity; and

(B) the effective price determined under paragraph (2)for the covered commodity.

(4) Payment amount–

If price loss coverage payments are required to be provided under this subsection for any of the 2014 through 2018 crop years for a covered commodity, the amount of the price loss coverage payment to be paid to the producers on a farm for the crop year shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying—

(A) the payment rate for the covered commodity under paragraph (3);

(B) the payment yield for the covered commodity; and

(C) the payment acres for the covered commodity.

(5) Time for payments–

If the Secretary determines under this subsection that price loss coverage payments are required to be provided for the covered commodity, the payments shall be made beginning October 1, or as soon as practicable thereafter, after the end of the applicable marketing year for the covered commodity.

(6) Special rule for barley–

In determining the effective price for barley in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall use the all-barley price.

(7) Special rule for temperate japonica rice–

The Secretary shall provide a reference price with respect to temperate japonica rice in an amount equal to 115 percent of the amount established in subparagraphs (F)and (G) of section 1104(16)in order to reflect price premiums.

(c) Revenue loss coverage–

(1) Available as an alternative–

As an alternative to receiving price loss coverage payments under subsection (b) for a covered commodity, all of the owners of the farm may make a one-time, irrevocable election on a covered commodity-by-covered commodity basis to receive revenue loss coverage payments for each covered commodity in accordance with this subsection. If any of the owners of the farm make different elections on the same covered commodity on the farm, all of the owners of the farm shall be deemed to have not made the election available under this paragraph.

(2) Payments–

In the case of owners of a farm that make the election described in paragraph (1)for a covered commodity, the Secretary shall make revenue loss coverage payments available under this subsection for each of the 2014 through 2018 crop years if the Secretary determines that—

(A) the actual county revenue for the crop year for the covered commodity; is less than

(B) the county revenue loss coverage trigger for the crop year for the covered commodity.

(3) Time for payments–

If the Secretary determines under this subsection that revenue loss coverage payments are required to be provided for the covered commodity, payments shall be made beginning October 1, or as soon as practicable thereafter, after the end of the applicable marketing year for the covered commodity.

(4) Actual county revenue–

The amount of the actual county revenue for a crop year of a covered commodity shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying—

(A) the actual county yield, as determined by the Secretary , for each planted acre for the crop year for the covered commodity; and

(B) the higher of—

(i) the midseason price; or

(ii) the national average loan rate for a marketing assistance loan for the covered commodity in effect for crop years 2014 through 2018 under subtitle B.

(A) In general–

The county revenue loss coverage trigger for a crop year for a covered commodity on a farm shall equal 85 percent of the benchmark county revenue.

=(i) In general– =

The benchmark county revenue shall be the product obtained by multiplying—

(I) subject to clause (ii), the average historical county yield as determined by the Secretary for the most recent 5 crop years, excluding each of the crop years with the highest and lowest yields; and

(II) subject to clause (iii), the average national marketing year average price for the most recent 5 crop years, excluding each of the crop years with the highest and lowest prices.

=(ii) Yield conditions– =

If the historical county yield in clause (i)(I)for any of the 5 most recent crop years, as determined by the Secretary , is less than 70 percent of the transitional yield, as determined by the Secretary , the amounts used for any of those years in clause (i)(I)shall be 70 percent of the transitional yield.

=(iii) Reference price– =

If the national marketing year average price in clause (i)(II)for any of the 5 most recent crop years is lower than the reference price for the covered commodity, the Secretary shall use the reference price for any of those years for the amounts in clause (i)(II).

(6) Payment rate–

The payment rate shall be equal to the lesser of—

(A) the difference between—

(i) the county revenue loss coverage trigger for the covered commodity; and

(ii) the actual county revenue for the crop year for the covered commodity; or

(B) 10 percent of the benchmark county revenue for the crop year for the covered commodity.

(7) Payment amount–

If revenue loss coverage payments under this subsection are required to be provided for any of the 2014 through 2018 crop years of a covered commodity, the amount of the revenue loss coverage payment to be provided to the producers on a farm for the crop year shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying—

(A) the payment rate under paragraph (6); and

(B) the payment acres of the covered commodity on the farm.

(8) Duties of the secretary–

In providing revenue loss coverage payments under this subsection, the Secretary —

(A) shall ensure that producers on a farm do not reconstitute the farm of the producers to void or change the election made under paragraph (1);

(B) to the maximum extent practicable, shall use all available information and analysis, including data mining, to check for anomalies in the provision of revenue loss coverage payments;

(C) to the maximum extent practicable, shall calculate a separate county revenue loss coverage trigger for irrigated and nonirrigated covered commodities and a separate actual county revenue for irrigated and nonirrigated covered commodities;

(D) shall assign a benchmark county yield for each planted acre for the crop year for the covered commodity on the basis of the yield history of representative farms in the State, region, or crop reporting district, as determined by the Secretary , if—

(i) the Secretary cannot establish the benchmark county yield for each planted acre for a crop year for a covered commodity in the county in accordance with paragraph (5); or

(ii) the yield determined under paragraph (5)is an unrepresentative average yield for the county (as determined by the Secretary ); and

(E) to the maximum extent practicable, shall ensure that in order to be eligible for a payment under this subsection, the producers on the farm suffered an actual loss on the covered commodity for the crop year for which payment is sought.

Sec. 1108. Producer agreements

(a) Compliance with certain requirements–

(1) Requirements–

Before the producers on a farm may receive payments under this subtitle with respect to the farm, the producers shall agree, during the crop year for which the payments are made and in exchange for the payments—

(A) to comply with applicable conservation requirements under subtitle B of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3811 16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq. ] );

(B) to comply with applicable wetland protection requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3821 16 U.S.C. 3821 et seq. ] ); and

(C) to effectively control noxious weeds and otherwise maintain the land in accordance with sound agricultural practices, as determined by the Secretary .

(2) Compliance–

The Secretary may issue such rules as the Secretary considers necessary to ensure producer compliance with the requirements of paragraph (1).

(3) Modification–

At the request of the transferee or owner, the Secretary may modify the requirements of this subsection if the modifications are consistent with the objectives of this subsection, as determined by the Secretary .

(b) Transfer or change of interest in farm–

(A) In general–

Except as provided in paragraph (2), a transfer of (or change in) the interest of the producers on a farm for which payments under this subtitle are provided shall result in the termination of the payments, unless the transferee or owner of the acreage agrees to assume all obligations under subsection (a).

(B) Effective date–

The termination shall take effect on the date determined by the Secretary .

(2) Exception–

If a producer entitled to a payment under this subtitle dies, becomes incompetent, or is otherwise unable to receive the payment, the Secretary shall make the payment in accordance with rules issued by the Secretary .

(c) Acreage reports–

As a condition on the receipt of any benefits under this subtitle or subtitle B, the Secretary shall require producers on a farm to submit to the Secretary annual acreage reports with respect to all cropland on the farm.

(d) Tenants and sharecroppers–

In carrying out this subtitle, the Secretary shall provide adequate safeguards to protect the interests of tenants and sharecroppers.

(e) Sharing of payments–

The Secretary shall provide for the sharing of payments made under this subtitle among the producers on a farm on a fair and equitable basis.

Sec. 1109. Period of effectiveness

This subtitle shall be effective beginning with the 2014 crop year of each covered commodity through the 2018 crop year.

Sec. 1201. Availability of nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for loan commodities

(a) Definition of loan commodity–

In this subtitle, the term loan commodity means wheat, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats, upland cotton, extra long staple cotton, long grain rice, medium grain rice, peanuts, soybeans, other oilseeds, graded wool, nongraded wool, mohair, honey, dry peas, lentils, small chickpeas, and large chickpeas.

(b) Nonrecourse loans available–

(1) In general–

For each of the 2014 through 2018 crops of each loan commodity, the Secretary shall make available to producers on a farm nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for loan commodities produced on the farm.

(2) Terms and conditions–

The marketing assistance loans shall be made under terms and conditions that are prescribed by the Secretary and at the loan rate established under section 1202for the loan commodity.

(c) Eligible production–

The producers on a farm shall be eligible for a marketing assistance loan under subsection (b)for any quantity of a loan commodity produced on the farm.

(d) Compliance with conservation and wetlands requirements–

As a condition of the receipt of a marketing assistance loan under subsection (b), the producer shall comply with applicable conservation requirements under subtitle B of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3811 16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq. ] )and applicable wetland protection requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3821 16 U.S.C. 3821 et seq. ] )during the term of the loan.

(e) Special rules for peanuts–

(1) In general–

This subsection shall apply only to producers of peanuts.

(2) Options for obtaining loan–

A marketing assistance loan under this section, and loan deficiency payments under section 1205, may be obtained at the option of the producers on a farm through—

(A) a designated marketing association or marketing cooperative of producers that is approved by the Secretary ; or

(B) the Farm Service Agency .

(3) Storage of loan peanuts–

As a condition on the approval by the Secretary of an individual or entity to provide storage for peanuts for which a marketing assistance loan is made under this section, the individual or entity shall agree—

(A) to provide the storage on a nondiscriminatory basis; and

(B) to comply with such additional requirements as the Secretary considers appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this section and promote fairness in the administration of the benefits of this section.

(A) In general–

To ensure proper storage of peanuts for which a loan is made under this section, the Secretary shall pay handling and other associated costs (other than storage costs) incurred at the time at which the peanuts are placed under loan, as determined by the Secretary .

(B) Redemption and forfeiture–

The Secretary shall—

(i) require the repayment of handling and other associated costs paid under subparagraph (A)for all peanuts pledged as collateral for a loan that is redeemed under this section; and

(ii) pay storage, handling, and other associated costs for all peanuts pledged as collateral that are forfeited under this section.

(5) Marketing–

A marketing association or cooperative may market peanuts for which a loan is made under this section in any manner that conforms to consumer needs, including the separation of peanuts by type and quality.

(6) Reimbursable agreements and payment of administrative expenses–

The Secretary may implement any reimbursable agreements or provide for the payment of administrative expenses under this subsection only in a manner that is consistent with those activities in regard to other loan commodities.

Sec. 1202. Loan rates for nonrecourse marketing assistance loans

(a) In general–

For purposes of each of the 2014 through 2018 crop years, the loan rate for a marketing assistance loan under section 1201for a loan commodity shall be equal to the following:

(1) In the case of wheat, $2.94 per bushel.

(2) In the case of corn, $1.95 per bushel.

(3) In the case of grain sorghum, $1.95 per bushel.

(4) In the case of barley, $1.95 per bushel.

(5) In the case of oats, $1.39 per bushel.

(6) In the case of base quality of upland cotton, for the 2014 and each subsequent crop year, the simple average of the adjusted prevailing world price for the 2 immediately preceding marketing years, as determined by the Secretary and announced October 1 preceding the next domestic plantings, but in no case less than $0.47 per pound or more than $0.52 per pound.

(7) In the case of extra long staple cotton, $0.7977 per pound.

(8) In the case of long grain rice, $6.50 per hundredweight.

(9) In the case of medium grain rice, $6.50 per hundredweight.

(10) In the case of soybeans, $5.00 per bushel.

(11) In the case of other oilseeds, $10.09 per hundredweight for each of the following kinds of oilseeds:

(A) Sunflower seed.

(B) Rapeseed.

(C) Canola.

(D) Safflower.

(E) Flaxseed.

(F) Mustard seed.

(G) Crambe.

(H) Sesame seed.

(I) Other oilseeds designated by the Secretary .

(12) In the case of dry peas, $5.40 per hundredweight.

(13) In the case of lentils, $11.28 per hundredweight.

(14) In the case of small chickpeas, $7.43 per hundredweight.

(15) In the case of large chickpeas, $11.28 per hundredweight.

(16) In the case of graded wool, $1.15 per pound.

(17) In the case of nongraded wool, $0.40 per pound.

(18) In the case of mohair, $4.20 per pound.

(19) In the case of honey, $0.69 per pound.

(20) In the case of peanuts, $355 per ton.

(b) Single county loan rate for other oilseeds–

The Secretary shall establish a single loan rate in each county for each kind of other oilseeds described in subsection (a)(11).

Sec. 1203. Term of loans

(a) Term of loan–

In the case of each loan commodity, a marketing assistance loan under section 1201shall have a term of 9 months beginning on the first day of the first month after the month in which the loan is made.

(b) Extensions prohibited–

The Secretary may not extend the term of a marketing assistance loan for any loan commodity.

Sec. 1204. Repayment of loans

(a) General rule–

The Secretary shall permit the producers on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan under section 1201for a loan commodity (other than upland cotton, long grain rice, medium grain rice, extra long staple cotton, peanuts and confectionery and each other kind of sunflower seed (other than oil sunflower seed)) at a rate that is the lesser of—

(1) the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/7283 7 U.S.C. 7283 ] ));

(2) a rate (as determined by the Secretary ) that—

(A) is calculated based on average market prices for the loan commodity during the preceding 30-day period; and

(B) will minimize discrepancies in marketing loan benefits across State boundaries and across county boundaries; or

(3) a rate that the Secretary may develop using alternative methods for calculating a repayment rate for a loan commodity that the Secretary determines will—

(A) minimize potential loan forfeitures;

(B) minimize the accumulation of stocks of the commodity by the Federal Government;

(C) minimize the cost incurred by the Federal Government in storing the commodity;

(D) allow the commodity produced in the United States to be marketed freely and competitively, both domestically and internationally; and

(E) minimize discrepancies in marketing loan benefits across State boundaries and across county boundaries.

(b) Repayment rates for upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice–

The Secretary shall permit producers to repay a marketing assistance loan under section 1201for upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice at a rate that is the lesser of—

(1) the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/7283 7 U.S.C. 7283 ] )); or

(2) the prevailing world market price for the commodity, as determined and adjusted by the Secretary in accordance with this section.

(c) Repayment rates for extra long staple cotton–

Repayment of a marketing assistance loan for extra long staple cotton shall be at the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/7283 7 U.S.C. 7283 ] )).

(d) Prevailing world market price–

For purposes of this section and section 1207, the Secretary shall prescribe by regulation—

(1) a formula to determine the prevailing world market price for each of upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice; and

(2) a mechanism by which the Secretary shall announce periodically those prevailing world market prices.

(e) Adjustment of prevailing world market price for upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice–

(1) Rice–

The prevailing world market price for long grain rice and medium grain rice determined under subsection (d)shall be adjusted to United States quality and location.

(2) Cotton–

The prevailing world market price for upland cotton determined under subsection (d)—

(A) shall be adjusted to United States quality and location, with the adjustment to include—

(i) a reduction equal to any United States Premium Factor for upland cotton of a quality higher than Middling (M) 13/32-inch; and

(ii) the average costs to market the commodity, including average transportation costs, as determined by the Secretary ; and

(B) may be further adjusted, during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on July 31, 2019, if the Secretary determines the adjustment is necessary—

(i) to minimize potential loan forfeitures;

(ii) to minimize the accumulation of stocks of upland cotton by the Federal Government;

(iii) to ensure that upland cotton produced in the United States can be marketed freely and competitively, both domestically and internationally; and

(iv) to ensure an appropriate transition between current-crop and forward-crop price quotations, except that the Secretary may use forward-crop price quotations prior to July 31 of a marketing year only if—

(I) there are insufficient current-crop price quotations; and

(II) the forward-crop price quotation is the lowest such quotation available.

(3) Guidelines for additional adjustments–

In making adjustments under this subsection, the Secretary shall establish a mechanism for determining and announcing the adjustments in order to avoid undue disruption in the United States market.

(f) Repayment rates for confectionery and other kinds of sunflower seeds–

The Secretary shall permit the producers on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan under section 1201for confectionery and each other kind of sunflower seed (other than oil sunflower seed) at a rate that is the lesser of—

(1) the loan rate established for the commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/7283 7 U.S.C. 7283 ] )); or

(2) the repayment rate established for oil sunflower seed.

(g) Payment of cotton storage costs–

Effective for each of the 2014 through 2018 crop years, the Secretary shall make cotton storage payments available in the same manner, and at the same rates as the Secretary provided storage payments for the 2006 crop of cotton, except that the rates shall be reduced by 10 percent.

(h) Repayment rate for peanuts–

The Secretary shall permit producers on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan for peanuts under section 1201 at a rate that is the lesser of—

(1) the loan rate established for peanuts under section 1202(a)(20), plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/7283 7 U.S.C. 7283 ] )); or

(2) a rate that the Secretary determines will—

(A) minimize potential loan forfeitures;

(B) minimize the accumulation of stocks of peanuts by the Federal Government;

(C) minimize the cost incurred by the Federal Government in storing peanuts; and

(D) allow peanuts produced in the United States to be marketed freely and competitively, both domestically and internationally.

(i) Authority to temporarily adjust repayment rates–

(1) Adjustment authority–

In the event of a severe disruption to marketing, transportation, or related infrastructure, the Secretary may modify the repayment rate otherwise applicable under this section for marketing assistance loans under section 1201 for a loan commodity.

(2) Duration–

Any adjustment made under paragraph (1)in the repayment rate for marketing assistance loans for a loan commodity shall be in effect on a short-term and temporary basis, as determined by the Secretary .

Sec. 1205. Loan deficiency payments

(a) Availability of loan deficiency payments–

(1) In general–

Except as provided in subsection (d), the Secretary may make loan deficiency payments available to producers on a farm that, although eligible to obtain a marketing assistance loan under section 1201with respect to a loan commodity, agree to forgo obtaining the loan for the commodity in return for loan deficiency payments under this section.

(A) Marketing assistance loans–

Subject to subparagraph (B), nongraded wool in the form of unshorn pelts and hay and silage derived from a loan commodity are not eligible for a marketing assistance loan under section 1201.

(B) Loan deficiency payment–

Effective for the 2014 through 2018 crop years, the Secretary may make loan deficiency payments available under this section to producers on a farm that produce unshorn pelts or hay and silage derived from a loan commodity.

(b) Computation–

A loan deficiency payment for a loan commodity or commodity referred to in subsection (a)(2)shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying—

(1) the payment rate determined under subsection (c)for the commodity; by

(2) the quantity of the commodity produced by the eligible producers, excluding any quantity for which the producers obtain a marketing assistance loan under section 1201.

(c) Payment rate–

(1) In general–

In the case of a loan commodity, the payment rate shall be the amount by which—

(A) the loan rate established under section 1202for the loan commodity; exceeds

(B) the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for the loan commodity may be repaid under section 1204.

(2) Unshorn pelts–

In the case of unshorn pelts, the payment rate shall be the amount by which—

(A) the loan rate established under section 1202for ungraded wool; exceeds

(B) the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for ungraded wool may be repaid under section 1204.

(3) Hay and silage–

In the case of hay or silage derived from a loan commodity, the payment rate shall be the amount by which—

(A) the loan rate established under section 1202for the loan commodity from which the hay or silage is derived; exceeds

(B) the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for the loan commodity may be repaid under section 1204.

(d) Exception for extra long staple cotton–

This section shall not apply with respect to extra long staple cotton.

(e) Effective date for payment rate determination–

The Secretary shall determine the amount of the loan deficiency payment to be made under this section to the producers on a farm with respect to a quantity of a loan commodity or commodity referred to in subsection (a)(2)using the payment rate in effect under subsection (c)as of the date the producers request the payment.

Sec. 1206. Payments in lieu of loan deficiency payments for grazed acreage

(a) Eligible producers–

(1) In general–

Effective for the 2014 through 2018 crop years, in the case of a producer that would be eligible for a loan deficiency payment under section 1205for wheat, barley, or oats, but that elects to use acreage planted to the wheat, barley, or oats for the grazing of livestock, the Secretary shall make a payment to the producer under this section if the producer enters into an agreement with the Secretary to forgo any other harvesting of the wheat, barley, or oats on that acreage.

(2) Grazing of triticale acreage–

Effective for the 2014 through 2018 crop years, with respect to a producer on a farm that uses acreage planted to triticale for the grazing of livestock, the Secretary shall make a payment to the producer under this section if the producer enters into an agreement with the Secretary to forgo any other harvesting of triticale on that acreage.

(b) Payment amount–

(1) In general–

The amount of a payment made under this section to a producer on a farm described in subsection (a)(1)shall be equal to the amount determined by multiplying—

(A) the loan deficiency payment rate determined under section 1205(c)in effect, as of the date of the agreement, for the county in which the farm is located; by

(B) the payment quantity determined by multiplying—

(i) the quantity of the grazed acreage on the farm with respect to which the producer elects to forgo harvesting of wheat, barley, or oats; and

(ii)

(I) the payment yield in effect for the calculation of price loss coverage under subtitle A with respect to that loan commodity on the farm; or

(II) in the case of a farm without a payment yield for that loan commodity, an appropriate yield established by the Secretary in a manner consistent with section 1106(c) of this Act.

(2) Grazing of triticale acreage–

The amount of a payment made under this section to a producer on a farm described in subsection (a)(2)shall be equal to the amount determined by multiplying—

(A) the loan deficiency payment rate determined under section 1205(c)in effect for wheat, as of the date of the agreement, for the county in which the farm is located; by

(B) the payment quantity determined by multiplying—

(i) the quantity of the grazed acreage on the farm with respect to which the producer elects to forgo harvesting of triticale; and

(ii)

(I) the payment yield in effect for the calculation of price loss coverage under subtitle A with respect to wheat on the farm; or

(II) in the case of a farm without a payment yield for wheat, an appropriate yield established by the Secretary in a manner consistent with section 1106(c)of this Act.

(c) Time, manner, and availability of payment–

(1) Time and manner–

A payment under this section shall be made at the same time and in the same manner as loan deficiency payments are made under section 1205.

(A) In general–

The Secretary shall establish an availability period for the payments authorized by this section.

(B) Certain commodities–

In the case of wheat, barley, and oats, the availability period shall be consistent with the availability period for the commodity established by the Secretary for marketing assistance loans authorized by this subtitle.

(d) Prohibition on crop insurance indemnity or noninsured crop assistance–

A 2014 through 2018 crop of wheat, barley, oats, or triticale planted on acreage that a producer elects, in the agreement required by subsection (a), to use for the grazing of livestock in lieu of any other harvesting of the crop shall not be eligible for an indemnity under a policy or plan of insurance authorized under the Federal Crop Insurance Act( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1501 7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ] )or noninsured crop assistance under section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/7333 7 U.S.C. 7333 ] ).

Sec. 1207. Special marketing loan provisions for upland cotton

(a) Special import quota–

(1) Definition of special import quota–

In this subsection, the term special import quota means a quantity of imports that is not subject to the over-quota tariff rate of a tariff-rate quota.

(A) In general–

The President shall carry out an import quota program during the period beginning on August 1, 2014, and ending on July 31, 2019, as provided in this subsection.

(B) Program requirements–

Whenever the Secretary determines and announces that for any consecutive 4-week period, the Friday through Thursday average price quotation for the lowest-priced United States growth, as quoted for Middling (M) 13/32-inch cotton, delivered to a definable and significant international market, as determined by the Secretary , exceeds the prevailing world market price, there shall immediately be in effect a special import quota.

(3) Quantity–

The quota shall be equal to the consumption during a 1-week period of cotton by domestic mills at the seasonally adjusted average rate of the most recent 3 months for which official data of the Department of Agriculture are available or, in the absence of sufficient data, as estimated by the Secretary .

(4) Application–

The quota shall apply to upland cotton purchased not later than 90 days after the date of the Secretary ’s announcement under paragraph (2)and entered into the United States not later than 180 days after that date.

(5) Overlap–

A special quota period may be established that overlaps any existing quota period if required by paragraph (2), except that a special quota period may not be established under this subsection if a quota period has been established under subsection (b).

(6) Preferential tariff treatment–

The quantity under a special import quota shall be considered to be an in-quota quantity for purposes of—

(A) section 213(d) of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/19/2703 19 U.S.C. 2703(d) ] );

(B) section 204 of the Andean Trade Preference Act( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/19/3203 19 U.S.C. 3203 ] );

(C) section 503(d) of the Trade Act of 1974( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/19/2463 19 U.S.C. 2463(d) ] ); and

(D) General Note 3(a)(iv) to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

(7) Limitation–

The quantity of cotton entered into the United States during any marketing year under the special import quota established under this subsection may not exceed the equivalent of 10 week’s consumption of upland cotton by domestic mills at the seasonally adjusted average rate of the 3 months immediately preceding the first special import quota established in any marketing year.

(b) Limited global import quota for upland cotton–

(1) Definitions–

In this subsection:

(A) Demand–

The term demand means—

(i) the average seasonally adjusted annual rate of domestic mill consumption of cotton during the most recent 3 months for which official data of the Department of Agriculture are available or, in the absence of sufficient data, as estimated by the Secretary ; and

(ii) the larger of—

(I) average exports of upland cotton during the preceding 6 marketing years; or

(II) cumulative exports of upland cotton plus outstanding export sales for the marketing year in which the quota is established.

(B) Limited global import quota–

The term limited global import quota means a quantity of imports that is not subject to the over-quota tariff rate of a tariff-rate quota.

(C) Supply–

The term “supply” means, using the latest official data of the Department of Agriculture —

(i) the carry-over of upland cotton at the beginning of the marketing year (adjusted to 480-pound bales) in which the quota is established;

(ii) production of the current crop; and

(iii) imports to the latest date available during the marketing year.

(2) Program–

The President shall carry out an import quota program that provides that whenever the Secretary determines and announces that the average price of the base quality of upland cotton, as determined by the Secretary , in the designated spot markets for a month exceeded 130 percent of the average price of the quality of cotton in the markets for the preceding 36 months, notwithstanding any other provision of law, there shall immediately be in effect a limited global import quota subject to the following conditions:

(A) Quantity–

The quantity of the quota shall be equal to 21 days of domestic mill consumption of upland cotton at the seasonally adjusted average rate of the most recent 3 months for which official data of the Department of Agriculture are available or, in the absence of sufficient data, as estimated by the Secretary .

(B) Quantity if prior quota–

If a quota has been established under this subsection during the preceding 12 months, the quantity of the quota next established under this subsection shall be the smaller of 21 days of domestic mill consumption calculated under subparagraph (A)or the quantity required to increase the supply to 130 percent of the demand.

(C) Preferential tariff treatment–

The quantity under a limited global import quota shall be considered to be an in-quota quantity for purposes of—

(i) section 213(d) of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/19/2703 19 U.S.C. 2703(d) ] );

(ii) section 204 of the Andean Trade Preference Act( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/19/3203 19 U.S.C. 3203 ] );

(iii) section 503(d) of the Trade Act of 1974( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/19/2463 19 U.S.C. 2463(d) ] ); and

(iv) General Note 3(a)(iv) to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

(D) Quota entry period–

When a quota is established under this subsection, cotton may be entered under the quota during the 90-day period beginning on the date the quota is established by the Secretary .

(3) No overlap–

Notwithstanding paragraph (2), a quota period may not be established that overlaps an existing quota period or a special quota period established under subsection (a).

(c) Economic adjustment assistance to users of upland cotton–

(1) In general–

Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary shall, on a monthly basis, make economic adjustment assistance available to domestic users of upland cotton in the form of payments for all documented use of that upland cotton during the previous monthly period regardless of the origin of the upland cotton.

(2) Value of assistance–

Effective beginning on August 1, 2013, the value of the assistance provided under paragraph (1)shall be 3 cents per pound.

(3) Allowable purposes–

Economic adjustment assistance under this subsection shall be made available only to domestic users of upland cotton that certify that the assistance shall be used only to acquire, construct, install, modernize, develop, convert, or expand land, plant, buildings, equipment, facilities, or machinery.

(4) Review or audit–

The Secretary may conduct such review or audit of the records of a domestic user under this subsection as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out this subsection.

(5) Improper use of assistance–

If the Secretary determines, after a review or audit of the records of the domestic user, that economic adjustment assistance under this subsection was not used for the purposes specified in paragraph (3), the domestic user shall be—

(A) liable for the repayment of the assistance to the Secretary , plus interest, as determined by the Secretary ; and

(B) ineligible to receive assistance under this subsection for a period of 1 year following the determination of the Secretary .

Sec. 1208. Special competitive provisions for extra long staple cotton

(a) Competitiveness program–

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act through July 31, 2019, the Secretary shall carry out a program—

(1) to maintain and expand the domestic use of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States;

(2) to increase exports of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States; and

(3) to ensure that extra long staple cotton produced in the United States remains competitive in world markets.

(b) Payments under program; trigger–

Under the program, the Secretary shall make payments available under this section whenever—

(1) for a consecutive 4-week period, the world market price for the lowest priced competing growth of extra long staple cotton (adjusted to United States quality and location and for other factors affecting the competitiveness of such cotton), as determined by the Secretary , is below the prevailing United States price for a competing growth of extra long staple cotton; and

(2) the lowest priced competing growth of extra long staple cotton (adjusted to United States quality and location and for other factors affecting the competitiveness of such cotton), as determined by the Secretary , is less than 134 percent of the loan rate for extra long staple cotton.

(c) Eligible recipients–

The Secretary shall make payments available under this section to domestic users of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States and exporters of extra long staple cotton produced in the United States that enter into an agreement with the Commodity Credit Corporation to participate in the program under this section.

(d) Payment amount–

Payments under this section shall be based on the amount of the difference in the prices referred to in subsection (b)(1)during the fourth week of the consecutive 4-week period multiplied by the amount of documented purchases by domestic users and sales for export by exporters made in the week following such a consecutive 4-week period.

Sec. 1209. Availability of recourse loans for high moisture feed grains and seed cotton

(a) High moisture feed grains–

(1) Definition of high moisture state–

In this subsection, the term high moisture state means corn or grain sorghum having a moisture content in excess of Commodity Credit Corporation standards for marketing assistance loans made by the Secretary under section 1201.

(2) Recourse loans available–

For each of the 2014 through 2018 crops of corn and grain sorghum, the Secretary shall make available recourse loans, as determined by the Secretary , to producers on a farm that—

(A) normally harvest all or a portion of their crop of corn or grain sorghum in a high moisture state;

(B) present—

(i) certified scale tickets from an inspected, certified commercial scale, including a licensed warehouse, feedlot, feed mill, distillery, or other similar entity approved by the Secretary , pursuant to regulations issued by the Secretary ; or

(ii) field or other physical measurements of the standing or stored crop in regions of the United States, as determined by the Secretary , that do not have certified commercial scales from which certified scale tickets may be obtained within reasonable proximity of harvest operation;

(C) certify that the producers on the farm were the owners of the feed grain at the time of delivery to, and that the quantity to be placed under loan under this subsection was in fact harvested on the farm and delivered to, a feedlot, feed mill, or commercial or on-farm high-moisture storage facility, or to a facility maintained by the users of corn and grain sorghum in a high moisture state; and

(D) comply with deadlines established by the Secretary for harvesting the corn or grain sorghum and submit applications for loans under this subsection within deadlines established by the Secretary .

(3) Eligibility of acquired feed grains–

A loan under this subsection shall be made on a quantity of corn or grain sorghum of the same crop acquired by the producer equivalent to a quantity determined by multiplying—

(A) the acreage of the corn or grain sorghum in a high moisture state harvested on the farm of the producer; by

(B) the lower of the farm program payment yield used to make payments under subtitle A or the actual yield on a field, as determined by the Secretary , that is similar to the field from which the corn or grain sorghum was obtained.

(b) Recourse loans available for seed cotton–

For each of the 2014 through 2018 crops of upland cotton and extra long staple cotton, the Secretary shall make available recourse seed cotton loans, as determined by the Secretary , on any production.

(c) Repayment rates–

Repayment of a recourse loan made under this section shall be at the loan rate established for the commodity by the Secretary , plus interest (determined in accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/7283 7 U.S.C. 7283 ] )).

Sec. 1210. Adjustments of loans

(a) Adjustment authority–

Subject to subsection (e), the Secretary may make appropriate adjustments in the loan rates for any loan commodity (other than cotton) for differences in grade, type, quality, location, and other factors.

(b) Manner of adjustment–

The adjustments under subsection (a)shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be made in such a manner that the average loan level for the commodity will, on the basis of the anticipated incidence of the factors, be equal to the level of support determined in accordance with this subtitle and subtitle C.

(c) Adjustment on county basis–

(1) In general–

The Secretary may establish loan rates for a crop for producers in individual counties in a manner that results in the lowest loan rate being 95 percent of the national average loan rate, if those loan rates do not result in an increase in outlays.

(2) Prohibition–

Adjustments under this subsection shall not result in an increase in the national average loan rate for any year.

(d) Adjustment in loan rate for cotton–

(1) In general–

The Secretary may make appropriate adjustments in the loan rate for cotton for differences in quality factors.

(2) Types of adjustments–

Loan rate adjustments under paragraph (1)may include—

(A) the use of non-spot market price data, in addition to spot market price data, that would enhance the accuracy of the price information used in determining quality adjustments under this subsection;

(B) adjustments in the premiums or discounts associated with upland cotton with a staple length of 33 or above due to micronaire with the goal of eliminating any unnecessary artificial splits in the calculations of the premiums or discounts; and

(C) such other adjustments as the Secretary determines appropriate, after consultations conducted in accordance with paragraph (3).

(A) Prior to revision–

In making adjustments to the loan rate for cotton (including any review of the adjustments) as provided in this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with representatives of the United States cotton industry.

(B) Inapplicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act–

The Federal Advisory Committee Act(5 U.S.C. App.)shall not apply to consultations under this subsection.

(4) Review of adjustments–

The Secretary may review the operation of the upland cotton quality adjustments implemented pursuant to this subsection and may make further adjustments to the administration of the loan program for upland cotton, by revoking or revising any adjustment taken under paragraph (2).

(e) Rice–

The Secretary shall not make adjustments in the loan rates for long grain rice and medium grain rice, except for differences in grade and quality (including milling yields).

Sec. 1301. Sugar program

(a) Continuation of current program and loan rates–

(1) Sugarcane–

Section 156(a)(5) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/7272 7 U.S.C. 7272(a)(5) ] )is amended by striking “the 2012 crop year” and inserting “each of the 2012 through 2018 crop years” .

(2) Sugar beets–

Section 156(b)(2) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/7272 7 U.S.C. 7272(b)(2) ] )is amended by striking “2012” and inserting “2018” .

(3) Effective period–

Section 156(i) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/7272 7 U.S.C. 7272(i) ] )is amended by striking “2012” and inserting “2018” .

(b) Flexible marketing allotments for sugar–

(1) Sugar estimates–

Section 359b(a)(1) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1359bb 7 U.S.C. 1359bb(a)(1) ] )is amended by striking “2012” and inserting “2018” .

(2) Effective period–

Section 359l(a) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1359ll 7 U.S.C. 1359ll(a) ] )is amended by striking “2012” and inserting “2018” .

D Dairy–

Sec. 1401. Definitions

In this part:

(1) Actual dairy producer margin–

The term actual dairy producer margin means the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed cost, as calculated under section 1402.

(2) All-milk price–

The term all-milk price means the average price received, per hundredweight of milk, by dairy producers for all milk sold to plants and dealers in the United States, as determined by the Secretary .

(3) Annual production history–

The term annual production history means the production history determined for a participating dairy producer under section 1413(b)whenever the dairy producer purchases supplemental margin protection.

(4) Average feed cost–

The term average feed cost means the average cost of feed used by a dairy operation to produce a hundredweight of milk, determined under section 1402using the sum of the following:

(A) The product determined by multiplying 1.0728 by the price of corn per bushel.

(B) The product determined by multiplying 0.00735 by the price of soybean meal per ton.

(C) The product determined by multiplying 0.0137 by the price of alfalfa hay per ton.

(5) Basic production history–

The term basic production history means the production history determined for a participating dairy producer under section 1413(a)for provision of basic margin protection.

(6) Consecutive two-month period–

The term consecutive two-month period refers to the two-month period consisting of the months of January and February, March and April, May and June, July and August, September and October, or November and December, respectively.

(A) In general–

Subject to subparagraph (B), the term “dairy producer” means an individual or entity that directly or indirectly (as determined by the Secretary )—

(i) shares in the risk of producing milk; and

(ii) makes contributions (including land, labor, management, equipment, or capital) to the dairy operation of the individual or entity that are at least commensurate with the share of the individual or entity of the proceeds of the operation.

(B) Additional ownership structures–

The Secretary shall determine additional ownership structures to be covered by the definition of dairy producer.

(A) In general–

The term handler means the initial individual or entity making payment to a dairy producer for milk produced in the United States and marketed for commercial use.

(B) Producer-handler–

The term includes a producer-handler when the producer satisfies the definition in subparagraph (A).

(9) Margin protection program–

The term margin protection program means the dairy producer margin protection program required by subpart A.

(10) Participating dairy producer–

The term participating dairy producer means a dairy producer that—

(A) signs up under section 1412to participate in the margin protection program under subpart A; and

(B) as a result, also participates in the stabilization program under subpart B.

(11) Stabilization program–

The term stabilization program means the dairy market stabilization program required by subpart B for all participating dairy producers.

(12) Stabilization program base–

The term stabilization program base , with respect to a participating dairy producer, means the stabilization program base calculated for the producer under section 1431(b).

(13) United States–

The term United States , in a geographical sense, means the 50 States, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands of the United States, and any other territory or possession of the United States.

Sec. 1402. Calculation of average feed cost and actual dairy producer margins

(a) Calculation of average feed cost–

The Secretary shall calculate the national average feed cost for each month using the following data:

(1) The price of corn for a month shall be the price received during that month by farmers in the United States for corn, as reported in the monthly Agricultural Prices report by the Secretary .

(2) The price of soybean meal for a month shall be the central Illinois price for soybean meal, as reported in the Market News-Monthly Soybean Meal Price Report by the Secretary .

(3) The price of alfalfa hay for a month shall be the price received during that month by farmers in the United States for alfalfa hay, as reported in the monthly Agricultural Prices report by the Secretary .

(1) Margin protection program–

For use in the margin protection program under subpart A, the Secretary shall calculate the actual dairy producer margin for each consecutive two-month period by subtracting—

(A) the average feed cost for that consecutive two-month period, determined in accordance with subsection (a); from

(B) the all-milk price for that consecutive two-month period.

(2) Stabilization program–

For use in the stabilization program under subpart B, the Secretary shall calculate each month the actual dairy producer margin for the preceding month by subtracting—

(A) the average feed cost for that preceding month, determined in accordance with subsection (a); from

(B) the all-milk price for that preceding month.

(3) Time for calculations–

The calculations required by paragraphs (1)and (2)shall be made as soon as practicable each month using the full month price of the applicable reference month, but in no case shall the calculation be made later than the last business day of the month.

Sec. 1411. Establishment of dairy producer margin protection program

The Secretary shall establish and administer a dairy producer margin protection program for the purpose of protecting dairy producer income by paying participating dairy producers—

(1) basic margin protection payments when actual dairy producer margins are less than the threshold levels for such payments; and

(2) supplemental margin protection payments if purchased by a participating dairy producer.

Sec. 1412. Participation of dairy producers in margin protection program

(a) Eligibility–

All dairy producers in the United States are eligible to participate in the margin protection program, except that a dairy producer must sign up with the Secretary before the producer may receive—

(1) basic margin protection payments under section 1414; and

(2) if the dairy producer purchases supplemental margin protection under section 1415, supplemental margin protection payments under such section.

(1) In General–

The Secretary shall allow all interested dairy producers to sign up to participate in the margin protection program. The Secretary shall specify the manner and form by which a dairy producer must sign up to participate in the margin protection program.

(2) Treatment of Multi-Producer Operations–

If a dairy operation consists of more than one dairy producer, all of the dairy producers of the operation shall be treated as a single dairy producer for purposes of—

(A) registration to receive basic margin protection and purchase supplemental margin protection;

(B) payment of the administrative fee under subsection (e)and producer premiums under section 1415; and

(C) participation in the stabilization program under subpart B.

(3) Treatment of Producers with Multiple Dairy Operations–

If a dairy producer operates two or more dairy operations, each dairy operation of the producer shall require a separate registration to receive basic margin protection and purchase supplemental margin protection. Only those dairy operations so registered shall be subject to the stabilization program.

(1) Existing Dairy Producers–

During the one-year period beginning on the date of the initiation of the sign-up period for the margin protection program, a dairy producer that is actively engaged in a dairy operation as of such date may sign up with the Secretary —

(A) to receive basic margin protection; and

(B) if the producer elects, to purchase supplemental margin protection.

(2) New Entrants–

A dairy producer that has no existing interest in a dairy operation as of the date of the initiation of the sign-up period for the margin protection program, but that, after such date, establishes a new dairy operation, may sign up with the Secretary during the one year period beginning on the date on which the dairy operation first markets milk commercially—

(A) to receive basic margin protection; and

(B) if the producer elects, to purchase supplemental margin protection.

(1) Notice of availability of retroactive protection–

Not later than 30 days after the effective date of this subtitle, the Secretary shall publish a notice in the Federal Register to inform dairy producers of the availability of retroactive basic margin protection and retroactive supplemental margin protection, subject to the condition that interested producers must file a notice of intent (in such form and manner as the Secretary specifies in the Federal Register notice)—

(A) to participate in the margin protection program and receive basic margin protection; and

(B) at the election of the producer under paragraph (3), to also obtain supplemental margin protection.

=(A) Availability– =

If a dairy producer files a notice of intent under paragraph (1)to participate in the margin protection program before the initiation of the sign-up period for the margin protection program and subsequently signs up for the margin protection program, the producer shall receive basic margin protection retroactive to the effective date of this subtitle.

=(B) Duration– =

Retroactive basic margin protection under this paragraph for a dairy producer shall apply from the effective date of this subtitle until the date on which the producer signs up for the margin protection program.

=(A) Availability– =

Subject to subparagraphs (B)and (C), if a dairy producer files a notice of intent under paragraph (1)to participate in the margin protection program and obtain supplemental margin protection and subsequently signs up for the margin protection program, the producer shall receive supplemental margin protection, in addition to the basic margin protection under paragraph (2), retroactive to the effective date of this subtitle.

=(B) Deadline for submission– =

A notice of intent to obtain retroactive supplemental margin protection must be filed with the Secretary no later than the earlier of the following:

(i) 150 days after the date on which the Secretary publishes the notice in the Federal Register required by paragraph (1).

(ii) The date on which the Secretary initiates the sign up period for the margin protection program.

=(C) Election of coverage level and percentage of coverage– =

To be sufficient to obtain retroactive supplemental margin protection, the notice of intent to participate filed by a dairy producer must specify—

(i) a selected coverage level that is higher, in any increment of $0.50, than the payment threshold for basic margin protection specified in section 1414(b), but not to exceed $6.00; and

(ii) the percentage of coverage, subject to limits imposed in section 1415(c).

=(D) Duration– =

The coverage level and percentage specified in the notice of intent to participate filed by a dairy producer shall apply from the effective date of this subtitle until the later of the following:

(i) October 1, 2013.

(ii) The date on which the Secretary initiates the sign-up period for the margin protection program.

(4) Notice of intent and obligation to participate in margin protection program–

In no way does filing a notice of intent under this subsection obligate a dairy producer to sign up for the margin protection program once the program rules are final, but if a producer does file a notice of intent and subsequently signs up for the margin protection program, that dairy producer is obligated to pay fees and premiums for any retroactive basic margin protection or retroactive supplemental margin protection selected in the notice of intent.

(1) Administrative fee required–

A dairy producer shall pay an administrative fee under this subsection to sign up to participate in the margin protection program. The participating dairy producer shall pay the administrative fee annually thereafter to continue to participate in the margin protection program.

(2) Fee amount–

The administrative fee for a participating dairy producer for a calendar year is based on the pounds of milk (in millions) marketed by the dairy producer in the previous calendar year, as follows:Pounds Marketed (in millions)Admin. Feeless than 1$1001 to 10$250more than 10 to 40$500more than 40$1000

(3) Deposit of Fees–

All administrative fees collected under this subsection shall be credited to the fund or account used to cover the costs incurred to administer the margin protection program and the stabilization program and shall be available to the Secretary , without further appropriation and until expended, for use or transfer as provided in paragraph (4).

(4) Use of Fees–

The Secretary shall use administrative fees collected under this subsection—

(A) to cover administrative costs of the margin protection program and stabilization program; and

(B) to the extent funds remain available after operation of subparagraphs (A), to cover costs of the Department of Agriculture relating to reporting of dairy market news and to carry out section 273 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1637b 7 U.S.C. 1637b ] ).

(f) Reconstitution–

The Secretary shall prohibit a dairy producer from reconstituting a dairy operation for the sole purpose of the dairy producer—

(1) receiving basic margin protection;

(2) purchasing supplemental margin protection; or

(3) avoiding participation in the stabilization program.

(g) Priority consideration–

A dairy operation that participates in the margin protection program shall be eligible to participate in the livestock gross margin for dairy program under the Federal Crop Insurance Act( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1501 7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ] )only after operations that are not participating in the production margin protection program are enrolled.

Sec. 1413. Production history of participating dairy producers

(1) Determination required–

For purposes of providing basic margin protection, the Secretary shall determine the basic production history of the dairy operation of each participating dairy producer in the margin protection program.

(2) Calculation–

Except as provided in paragraph (3), the basic production history of a participating dairy producer for basic margin protection is equal to the highest annual milk marketings of the dairy producer during any one of the three calendar years immediately preceding the calendar year in which the dairy producer first signed up to participate in the margin protection program.

(3) Election by new producers–

If a participating dairy producer has been in operation for less than a year, the dairy producer shall elect one of the following methods for the Secretary to determine the basic production history of the dairy producer:

(A) The volume of the actual milk marketings for the months the dairy producer has been in operation extrapolated to a yearly amount.

(B) An estimate of the actual milk marketings of the dairy producer based on the herd size of the producer relative to the national rolling herd average data published by the Secretary .

(4) No change in production history for basic margin protection–

Once the basic production history of a participating dairy producer is determined under paragraph (2)or (3), the basic production history shall not be subsequently changed for purposes of determining the amount of any basic margin protection payments for the dairy producer made under section 1414.

(1) Determination required–

For purposes of providing supplemental margin protection for a participating dairy producer that purchases supplemental margin protection for a year under section 1415, the Secretary shall determine the annual production history of the dairy operation of the dairy producer under paragraph (2).

(2) Calculation–

The annual production history of a participating dairy producer for a year is equal to the actual milk marketings of the dairy producer during the preceding calendar year.

(3) New producers–

Subsection (a)(3)shall apply with respect to determining the annual production history of a participating dairy producer that has been in operation for less than a year.

(c) Required information–

A participating dairy producer shall provide all information that the Secretary may require in order to establish—

(1) the basic production history of the dairy operation of the dairy producer under subsection (a); and

(2) the production history of the dairy operation of the dairy producer whenever the producer purchases supplemental margin protection under section 1415.

(1) Transfer by sale or lease–

In promulgating the rules to initiate the margin protection program, the Secretary shall specify the conditions under which and the manner by which the production history of a dairy operation may be transferred by sale or lease.

=(A) Basic margin protection– =

A purchaser or lessee to whom the Secretary transfers a basic production history under this subsection shall not obtain a different level of basic margin protection than the basic margin protection coverage held by the seller or lessor from whom the transfer was obtained.

=(B) Supplemental margin protection– =

A purchaser or lessee to whom the Secretary transfers an annual production history under this subsection shall not obtain a different level of supplemental margin protection coverage than the supplemental margin protection coverage in effect for the seller or lessor from whom the transfer was obtained for the calendar year in which the transfer was made.

(1) Movement and transfer authorized–

Subject to paragraph (2), if a dairy producer moves from one location to another location, the dairy producer may maintain the basic production history and annual production history associated with the operation.

(2) Notification requirement–

A dairy producer shall notify the Secretary of any move of a dairy operation under paragraph (1).

(3) Subsequent occupation of vacated location–

A party subsequently occupying a dairy operation location vacated as described in paragraph (1)shall have no interest in the basic production history or annual production history previously associated with the operation at such location.

Sec. 1414. Basic margin protection

(a) Eligibility–

All participating dairy producers are eligible to receive basic margin protection under the margin protection program.

(b) Payment threshold–

Participating dairy producers shall receive a basic margin protection payment whenever the average actual dairy producer margin for a consecutive two-month period is less than $4.00 per hundredweight of milk.

(1) Payment required–

The Secretary shall make a basic margin protection payment to each participating dairy producer whenever such a payment is required by subsection (b).

(2) Amount of payment–

The basic margin protection payment for the dairy operation of a participating dairy producer for a consecutive two-month period shall be determined as follows:

(A) The Secretary shall calculate the difference between the average actual dairy producer margin for the consecutive two-month period and $4.00, except that, if the difference is more than $4.00, the Secretary shall use $4.00.

(B) The Secretary shall multiply the amount under subparagraph (A)by the lesser of the following:

(i) 80 percent of the production history of the dairy producer, divided by six.

(ii) The actual amount of milk marketed by the dairy operation of the dairy producer during the consecutive two-month period.

Sec. 1415. Supplemental margin protection

(a) Election of supplemental margin protection–

Supplemental margin protection is available only on an annual basis. A participating dairy producer may annually purchase supplemental margin protection to protect, during the calendar year for which purchased, a higher level of the income of a participating dairy producer than the income level guaranteed by basic margin protection under section 1414.

(b) Selection of payment threshold–

A participating dairy producer purchasing supplemental margin protection for a year shall elect a coverage level that is higher, in any increment of $0.50, than the payment threshold for basic margin protection specified in section 1414(b), but not to exceed $8.00.

(c) Selection of coverage percentage–

A participating dairy producer purchasing supplemental margin protection for a year shall elect a percentage of coverage equal to not more than 90 percent, nor less than 25 percent, of the annual production history of the dairy operation of the participating dairy producer.

(1) Premiums required–

A participating dairy producer that purchases supplemental margin protection shall pay an annual premium equal to the product obtained by multiplying—

(A) the percentage selected by the dairy producer under subsection (c);

(B) the annual production history of the dairy producer; and

(C) the premium per hundredweight of milk, as specified in the applicable table under paragraph (2)or (3).

(2) Premium per hundredweight for first 4 million pounds of production–

For the first 4,000,000 pounds of milk marketings included in the annual production history of a participating dairy producer, the premium per hundredweight corresponding to each coverage level specified in the following table is as follows:Coverage LevelPremium per Cwt.$4.50$0.01$5.00$0.025$5.50$0.04$6.00$0.065$6.50$0.09$7.00$0.434$7.50$0.590$8.00$0.922

(3) Premium per hundredweight for production in excess of 4 million pounds–

For milk marketings in excess of 4,000,000 pounds included in the annual production history of a participating dairy producer, the premium per hundredweight corresponding to each coverage level is as follows:Coverage LevelPremium per Cwt.$4.50$0.015$5.00$0.036$5.50$0.081$6.00$0.155$6.50$0.230$7.00$0.434$7.50$0.590$8.00$0.922

(4) Time for payment–

In promulgating the rules to initiate the margin protection program, the Secretary shall provide more than one method by which a participating dairy producer that purchases supplemental margin protection for a calendar year may pay the premium under this subsection for that year that maximizes producer payment flexibility and program integrity.

(1) Pro-ration of premium for new producers–

A dairy producer described in section 1412(c)(2)that purchases supplemental margin protection for a calendar year after the start of the calendar year shall pay a pro-rated premium for that calendar year based on the portion of the calendar year for which the producer purchases the coverage.

(2) Legal obligation–

A participating dairy producer that purchases supplemental margin protection for a calendar year shall be legally obligated to pay the applicable premium for that calendar year, except that, if the dairy producer retires, the producer may request that Secretary cancel the supplemental margin protection if the producer has terminated the dairy operation entirely and certifies under oath that the producer will not be actively engaged in any dairy operation for at least the next seven years.

(f) Supplemental Payment threshold–

A participating dairy producer with supplemental margin protection shall receive a supplemental margin protection payment whenever the average actual dairy producer margin for a consecutive two-month period is less than the coverage level threshold selected by the dairy producer under subsection (b).

(1) In general–

The supplemental margin protection payment for a participating dairy producer is in addition to the basic margin protection payment.

(2) Amount of payment–

The supplemental margin protection payment for the dairy operation of a participating dairy producer shall be determined as follows:

(A) The Secretary shall calculate the difference between the coverage level threshold selected by the dairy producer under subsection (b)and the greater of—

(i) the average actual dairy producer margin for the consecutive two-month period; or

(ii) $4.00.

(B) The amount determined under subparagraph (A)shall be multiplied by the percentage selected by the participating dairy producer under subsection (c)and by the lesser of the following:

(i) The annual production history of the dairy operation of the dairy producer, divided by six.

(ii) The actual amount of milk marketed by the dairy operation of the dairy producer during the consecutive two-month period.

Sec. 1416. Effect of failure to pay administrative fees or premiums

(a) Loss of benefits–

A participating dairy producer that fails to pay the required administrative fee under section 1412or is in arrears on premium payments for supplemental margin protection under section 1415—

(1) remains legally obligated to pay the administrative fee or premiums, as the case may be; and

(2) may not receive basic margin protection payments or supplemental margin protection payments until the fees or premiums are fully paid.

(b) Enforcement–

The Secretary may take such action as necessary to collect administrative fees and premium payments for supplemental margin protection.

Sec. 1431. Establishment of dairy market stabilization program

(a) Program required; purpose–

The Secretary shall establish and administer a dairy market stabilization program applicable to participating dairy producers for the purpose of assisting in balancing the supply of milk with demand when dairy producers are experiencing low or negative operating margins.

(1) Election–

When a dairy producer signs up under section 1412to participate in the margin protection program, the dairy producer shall inform the Secretary of the method by which the stabilization program base for the dairy producer for fiscal year 2013 will be calculated under paragraph (3).

(2) Change in calculation method–

A participating dairy producer may change the stabilization program base calculation method to be used for a calendar year by notifying the Secretary of the change not later than a date determined by the Secretary .

(3) Calculation methods–

A participating dairy producer may elect either of the following methods for calculation of the stabilization program base for the producer:

(A) The volume of the average monthly milk marketings of the dairy producer for the three months immediately preceding the announcement by the Secretary that the stabilization program will become effective.

(B) The volume of the monthly milk marketings of the dairy producer for the same month in the preceding year as the month for which the Secretary has announced the stabilization program will become effective.

Sec. 1432. Threshold for implementation and reduction in dairy producer payments

(a) When stabilization program required–

Except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary shall announce that the stabilization program is in effect and order reduced payments for any participating dairy producer that exceeds the applicable percentage of the producer’s stabilization program base whenever—

(1) the actual dairy producer margin has been $6.00 or less per hundredweight of milk for each of the immediately preceding two months; or

(2) the actual dairy producer margin has been $4.00 or less per hundredweight of milk for the immediately preceding month.

(b) Exception–

The Secretary shall not make the announcement under subsection (a)to implement the stabilization program or order reduced payments if any of the conditions described in section 1436(b)have been met during the two months immediately preceding the month in which the announcement under subsection (a)would otherwise be made by the Secretary in the absence of this exception.

(c) Effective date for implementation of payment reductions–

Reductions in dairy producer payments shall commence beginning on the first day of the month immediately following the date of the announcement by the Secretary under subsection (a).

Sec. 1433. Producer milk marketing information

(a) Collection of milk marketing data–

The Secretary shall establish, by regulation, a process to collect from participating dairy producers and handlers such information that the Secretary considers necessary for each month during which the stabilization program is in effect.

(b) Reduce regulatory burden–

When implementing the process under subsection (a), the Secretary shall minimize the regulatory burden on dairy producers and handlers.

Sec. 1434. Calculation and collection of reduced dairy producer payments

(a) Reduced producer payments required–

During any month in which payment reductions are in effect under the stabilization program, each handler shall reduce payments to each participating dairy producer from whom the handler receives milk.

(1) Reduction requirement 1–

Unless the reduction required by paragraph (2)or (3)applies, when the actual dairy producer margin has been $6.00 or less per hundredweight of milk for two consecutive months, the handler shall make payments to a participating dairy producer for a month based on the greater of the following:

(A) 98 percent of the stabilization program base of the dairy producer.

(B) 94 percent of the marketings of milk for the month by the producer.

(2) Reduction requirement 2–

Unless the reduction required by paragraph (3)applies, when the actual dairy producer margin has been $5.00 or less per hundredweight of milk for two consecutive months, the handler shall make payments to a participating dairy producer for a month based on the greater of the following:

(A) 97 percent of the stabilization program base of the dairy producer.

(B) 93 percent of the marketings of milk for the month by the producer.

(3) Reduction requirement 3–

When the actual dairy producer margin has been $4.00 or less for any one month, the handler shall make payments to a participating dairy producer for a month based on the greater of the following:

(A) 96 percent of the stabilization program base of the dairy producer.

(B) 92 percent of the marketings of milk for the month by the producer.

(c) Continuation of reductions–

The largest level of payment reduction required under paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (b)shall be continued for each month until the Secretary suspends the stabilization program and terminates payment reductions in accordance with section 1436.

(d) Payment reduction exception–

Notwithstanding any preceding subsection of this section, a handler shall make no payment reductions for a dairy producer for a month if the producer’s milk marketings for the month are equal to or less than the percentage of the stabilization program base applicable to the producer under paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (b).

Sec. 1435. Remitting monies to the Secretary and use of monies

(a) Remitting monies–

As soon as practicable after the end of each month during which payment reductions are in effect under the stabilization program, each handler shall remit to the Secretary an amount equal to the amount by which payments to participating dairy producers are reduced by the handler under section 1434.

(b) Deposit of monies–

All monies received under subsection (a)shall be available to the Secretary , without further appropriation and until expended, for use or transfer as provided in subsection (c).

(1) Availability for certain commodity donations–

Within three months of the receipt of monies under subsection (a), the Secretary shall obligate the monies for the purpose of—

(A) purchasing dairy products for donation to food banks and other programs that the Secretary determines appropriate; and

(B) expanding consumption and building demand for dairy products.

(2) No duplication of effort–

The Secretary shall ensure that expenditures under paragraph (1)are compatible with, and do not duplicate, programs supported by the dairy research and promotion activities conducted under the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/4501 7 U.S.C. 4501 et seq. ] ).

(3) Accounting–

The Secretary shall keep an accurate account of all monies obligated under paragraph (1).

(d) Annual Report–

Not later than December 31 of each year that the stabilization program is in effect, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that provides an accurate accounting of—

(1) the monies received by the Secretary during the preceding fiscal year under subsection (a); and

(2) all expenditures made by the Secretary under subsection (b)during the preceding fiscal year.

(e) Enforcement–

If a participating dairy producer or handler fails to remit or collect the amounts by which payments to participating dairy producers are reduced under section 1434, the producer or handler responsible for the failure shall be liable to the Secretary for the amount that should have been remitted or collected, plus interest. In addition to the enforcement authorities available under section 1437, the Secretary may enforce this subsection in the courts of the United States.

Sec. 1436. Suspension of reduced payment requirement

(a) Determination of prices–

For purposes of this section:

(1) The price in the United States for cheddar cheese and nonfat dry milk shall be determined by the Secretary .

(2) The world price of cheddar cheese and skim milk powder shall be determined by the Secretary .

(b) Initial suspension thresholds–

The Secretary shall announce that the stabilization program shall be suspended whenever the Secretary determines that—

(1) the actual dairy producer margin is greater than $6.00 per hundredweight of milk for two consecutive months;

(2) the dairy producer margin is equal to or less than $6.00 (but greater than $5.00) for two consecutive months, and during the same two consecutive months—

(A) the price in the United States for cheddar cheese is equal to or greater than the world price of cheddar cheese; or

(B) the price in the United States for nonfat dry milk is equal to or greater than the world price of skim milk powder;

(3) the dairy producer margin is equal to or less than $5.00 (but greater than $4.00) for two consecutive months, and during the same two consecutive months—

(A) the price in the United States for cheddar cheese is more than 5 percent above the world price of cheddar cheese; or

(B) the price in the United States for nonfat dry milk is more than 5 percent above the world price of skim milk powder; or

(4) the dairy producer margin is equal to or less than $4.00 for two consecutive months, and during the same two consecutive months—

(A) the price in the United States for cheddar cheese is more than 7 percent above the world price of cheddar cheese; or

(B) the price in the United States for nonfat dry milk is more than 7 percent above the world price of skim milk powder.

(c) Enhanced suspension thresholds–

If the stabilization program is not suspended pursuant to subsection (b)for six consecutive months or more, the stabilization program shall be suspended whenever the Secretary determines that—

(1) the actual dairy producer margin is greater than $6.00 per hundredweight of milk for two consecutive months;

(2) the dairy producer margin is equal to or less than $6.00 (but greater than $5.00) for two consecutive months, and during the same two consecutive months—

(A) the price in the United States for cheddar cheese is not less than 97 percent of the world price of cheddar cheese; or

(B) the price in the United States for non-fat dry milk is not less than 97 percent of the world price of skim milk powder;

(3) the dairy producer margin is equal to or less than $5.00 (but greater than $4.00) for two consecutive months, and during the same two consecutive months—

(A) the price in the United States for cheddar cheese is more than 3 percent above the world price of cheddar cheese; or

(B) the price in the United States for non fat dry milk is more than 3 percent above the world price of skim milk powder; or

(4) the dairy producer margin is equal to or less than $4.00 for two consecutive months, and during the same two consecutive months—

(A) the price in the United States for cheddar cheese is more than 6 percent above the world price of cheddar cheese; or

(B) the price in the United States for non fat dry milk is more than 6 percent above the world price of skim milk powder.

(d) Implementation by handlers–

Effective on the day after the date of the announcement by the Secretary under subsection (b)or (c)of the suspension of the stabilization program, the handler shall cease reducing payments to participating dairy producers under the stabilization program.

(e) Condition on resumption of stabilization program–

Upon the announcement by the Secretary under subsection (b)or (c)that the stabilization program has been suspended, the stabilization program may not be implemented again until, at the earliest—

(1) two months have passed, beginning on the first day of the month immediately following the announcement by the Secretary ; and

(2) the conditions of section 1432(a)are again met.

Sec. 1437. Enforcement

(a) Unlawful act–

It shall be unlawful and a violation of the this subpart for any person subject to the stabilization program to willfully fail or refuse to provide, or delay the timely reporting of, accurate information and remittance of funds to the Secretary in accordance with this subpart.

(b) Order–

After providing notice and opportunity for a hearing to an affected person, the Secretary may issue an order against any person to cease and desist from continuing any violation of this subpart.

(c) Appeal–

An order of the Secretary under subsection (b)shall be final and conclusive unless an affected person files an appeal of the order of the Secretary in United States district court not later than 30 days after the date of the issuance of the order. A finding of the Secretary in the order shall be set aside only if the finding is not supported by substantial evidence.

(d) Noncompliance with order–

If a person subject to this subpart fails to obey an order issued under subsection (b) after the order has become final and unappealable, or after the appropriate United States district court has entered a final judgment in favor of the Secretary , the United States may apply to the appropriate United States district court for enforcement of the order. If the court determines that the order was lawfully made and duly served and that the person violated the order, the court shall enforce the order.

Sec. 1438. Audit requirements

(1) Audits authorized–

If determined by the Secretary to be necessary to ensure compliance by participating dairy producers and handlers with the stabilization program, the Secretary may conduct periodic audits of participating dairy producers and handlers.

(2) Sample of dairy producers–

Any audit conducted under this subsection shall include, at a minimum, investigation of a statistically valid and random sample of participating dairy producers.

(b) Submission of results–

The Secretary shall submit the results of any audit conducted under subsection (a)to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and include such recommendations as the Secretary considers appropriate regarding the stabilization program.

Sec. 1451. Use of Commodity Credit Corporation

The Secretary shall use the funds, facilities, and the authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out this part.

Sec. 1461. Rulemaking

(a) Procedure–

The promulgation of regulations for the initiation of the margin protection program and the stabilization program, and for administration of such programs, shall be made without regard to—

(1) chapter 35of title 44, United States Code(commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act);

(2) the Statement of Policy of the Secretary of Agriculture effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 13804), relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in rulemaking; and

(3) the notice and comment provisions of section 553of title 5, United States Code .

(b) Congressional review of agency rulemaking–

In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall use the authority provided under section 808of title 5, United States Code .

(c) Inclusion of additional order–

Section 143(a)(2) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/7253 7 U.S.C. 7253(a)(2) ] )is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: “ Subsection (b)(2)does not apply to the authority of the Secretary under this subsection.” .

Sec. 1462. Duration

The margin protection program and the stabilization program shall end on December 31, 2018.

Sec. 1481. Repeal of dairy product price support and milk income loss contract programs

(a) Repeal of dairy product price support program–

Section 1501 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/8771 7 U.S.C. 8771 ] )is repealed.

(b) Repeal of milk income loss contract program–

Section 1506 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/8773 7 U.S.C. 8773 ] )is repealed.

Sec. 1482. Repeal of dairy export incentive program

(a) Repeal–

Section 153 of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/713a–14 15 U.S.C. 713a–14 ] )is repealed.

(b) Conforming amendments–

Section 902(2) of the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/22/7201 22 U.S.C. 7201(2) ] ) is amended—

(1) by striking subparagraph (D); and

(2) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F)as subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively.

Sec. 1483. Extension of dairy forward pricing program

Section 1502(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/8772 7 U.S.C. 8772(e) ] )is amended—

(1) in paragraph (1), by striking “2012” and inserting “2018” ; and

(2) in paragraph (2), by striking “2015” and inserting “2021” .

Sec. 1484. Extension of dairy indemnity program

[[Public Law 90-484|Section 3 ofPublic Law 90–484 ]] ( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/450l 7 U.S.C. 450l ] )is amended by striking “2012” and inserting “2018” .

Sec. 1485. Extension of dairy promotion and research program

Section 113(e)(2) of the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/4504 7 U.S.C. 4504(e)(2) ] )is amended by striking “2012” and inserting “2018” .

Sec. 1486. Repeal of Federal Milk Marketing Order Review Commission

Section 1509 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008([[Public Law -|Public Law 110–246 ]] ;122 Stat. 1726)is repealed.

Sec. 1491. Effective date

This subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle shall take effect on October 1, 2013.

Sec. 1501. Supplemental agricultural disaster assistance

(a) Definitions–

In this section:

(A) In general–

The term “eligible producer on a farm” means an individual or entity described in subparagraph (B)that, as determined by the Secretary , assumes the production and market risks associated with the agricultural production of crops or livestock.

(B) Description–

An individual or entity referred to in subparagraph (A)is—

(i) a citizen of the United States;

(ii) a resident alien;

(iii) a partnership of citizens of the United States; or

(iv) a corporation, limited liability corporation, or other farm organizational structure organized under State law.

(2) Farm-raised fish–

The term “farm-raised fish” means any aquatic species that is propagated and reared in a controlled environment.

(3) Livestock–

The term “livestock” includes—

(A) cattle (including dairy cattle);

(B) bison;

(C) poultry;

(D) sheep;

(E) swine;

(F) horses; and

(G) other livestock, as determined by the Secretary .

(4) Secretary–

The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Agriculture.

(b) Livestock indemnity payments–

(1) Payments–

For each of the fiscal years 2012 through 2018, the Secretary shall use such sums as are necessary of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to make livestock indemnity payments to eligible producers on farms that have incurred livestock death losses in excess of the normal mortality, as determined by the Secretary , due to—

(A) attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the Federal Government or protected by Federal law, including wolves and avian predators; or

(B) adverse weather, as determined by the Secretary , during the calendar year, including losses due to hurricanes, floods, blizzards, disease, wildfires, extreme heat, and extreme cold.

(2) Payment rates–

Indemnity payments to an eligible producer on a farm under paragraph (1)shall be made at a rate of 75 percent of the market value of the applicable livestock on the day before the date of death of the livestock, as determined by the Secretary .

(3) Special rule for payments made due to disease–

The Secretary shall ensure that payments made to an eligible producer under paragraph (1)are not made for the same livestock losses for which compensation is provided pursuant to section 10407(d) of the Animal Health Protection Act( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/8306 7 U.S.C. 8306(d) ] ).

(c) Livestock forage disaster program–

(1) Definitions–

In this subsection:

=(i) In general– =

Except as provided in clause (ii), the term “covered livestock” means livestock of an eligible livestock producer that, during the 60 days prior to the beginning date of a qualifying drought or fire condition, as determined by the Secretary , the eligible livestock producer—

(I) owned;

(II) leased;

(III) purchased;

(IV) entered into a contract to purchase;

(V) is a contract grower; or

(VI) sold or otherwise disposed of due to qualifying drought conditions during—

(aa) the current production year; or

(bb) subject to paragraph (3)(B)(ii), 1 or both of the 2 production years immediately preceding the current production year.

=(ii) Exclusion– =

The term “covered livestock” does not include livestock that were or would have been in a feedlot, on the beginning date of the qualifying drought or fire condition, as a part of the normal business operation of the eligible livestock producer, as determined by the Secretary .

(B) Drought monitor–

The term “drought monitor” means a system for classifying drought severity according to a range of abnormally dry to exceptional drought, as defined by the Secretary .

=(i) In general– =

The term “eligible livestock producer” means an eligible producer on a farm that—

(I) is an owner, cash or share lessee, or contract grower of covered livestock that provides the pastureland or grazing land, including cash-leased pastureland or grazing land, for the livestock;

(II) provides the pastureland or grazing land for covered livestock, including cash-leased pastureland or grazing land that is physically located in a county affected by drought;

(III) certifies grazing loss; and

(IV) meets all other eligibility requirements established under this subsection.

=(ii) Exclusion– =

The term “eligible livestock producer” does not include an owner, cash or share lessee, or contract grower of livestock that rents or leases pastureland or grazing land owned by another person on a rate-of-gain basis.

(D) Normal carrying capacity–

The term “normal carrying capacity” , with respect to each type of grazing land or pastureland in a county, means the normal carrying capacity, as determined under paragraph (3)(D)(i), that would be expected from the grazing land or pastureland for livestock during the normal grazing period, in the absence of a drought or fire that diminishes the production of the grazing land or pastureland.

(E) Normal grazing period–

The term “normal grazing period” , with respect to a county, means the normal grazing period during the calendar year for the county, as determined under paragraph (3)(D)(i).

(2) Program–

For each of the fiscal years 2012 through 2018, the Secretary shall use such sums as are necessary of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide compensation for losses to eligible livestock producers due to grazing losses for covered livestock due to—

(A) a drought condition, as described in paragraph (3); or

(B) fire, as described in paragraph (4).

=(i) In general– =

An eligible livestock producer may receive assistance under this subsection only for grazing losses for covered livestock that occur on land that—

(I) is native or improved pastureland with permanent vegetative cover; or

(II) is planted to a crop planted specifically for the purpose of providing grazing for covered livestock.

=(ii) Exclusions– =

An eligible livestock producer may not receive assistance under this subsection for grazing losses that occur on land used for haying or grazing under the conservation reserve program established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3831 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ] ).

=(i) In general– =

Except as provided in clause (ii), the payment rate for assistance under this paragraph for 1 month shall, in the case of drought, be equal to 60 percent of the lesser of—

(I) the monthly feed cost for all covered livestock owned or leased by the eligible livestock producer, as determined under subparagraph (C); or

(II) the monthly feed cost calculated by using the normal carrying capacity of the eligible grazing land of the eligible livestock producer.

=(ii) Partial compensation– =

In the case of an eligible livestock producer that sold or otherwise disposed of covered livestock due to drought conditions in 1 or both of the 2 production years immediately preceding the current production year, as determined by the Secretary , the payment rate shall be 80 percent of the payment rate otherwise calculated in accordance with clause (i).

=(i) In general– =

The monthly feed cost shall equal the product obtained by multiplying—

(I) 30 days;

(II) a payment quantity that is equal to the feed grain equivalent, as determined under clause (ii); and

(III) a payment rate that is equal to the corn price per pound, as determined under clause (iii).

=(ii) Feed grain equivalent– =

For purposes of clause (i)(II), the feed grain equivalent shall equal—

(I) in the case of an adult beef cow, 15.7 pounds of corn per day; or

(II) in the case of any other type of weight of livestock, an amount determined by the Secretary that represents the average number of pounds of corn per day necessary to feed the livestock.

=(iii) Corn price per pound– =

For purposes of clause (i)(III), the corn price per pound shall equal the quotient obtained by dividing—

(I) the higher of—

(aa) the national average corn price per bushel for the 12-month period immediately preceding March 1 of the year for which the disaster assistance is calculated; or

(bb) the national average corn price per bushel for the 24-month period immediately preceding that March 1; by

(II) 56.

==(I) In general– ==

The Secretary shall determine the normal carrying capacity and normal grazing period for each type of grazing land or pastureland in the county served by the applicable committee.

==(II) Changes– ==

No change to the normal carrying capacity or normal grazing period established for a county under subclause (I)shall be made unless the change is requested by the appropriate State and county Farm Service Agency committees.

==(I) D2– ==

An eligible livestock producer that owns or leases grazing land or pastureland that is physically located in a county that is rated by the U.S. Drought Monitor as having a D2 (severe drought) intensity in any area of the county for at least 8 consecutive weeks during the normal grazing period for the county, as determined by the Secretary , shall be eligible to receive assistance under this paragraph in an amount equal to 1 monthly payment using the monthly payment rate determined under subparagraph (B).

==(II) D3– ==

An eligible livestock producer that owns or leases grazing land or pastureland that is physically located in a county that is rated by the U.S. Drought Monitor as having at least a D3 (extreme drought) intensity in any area of the county at any time during the normal grazing period for the county, as determined by the Secretary , shall be eligible to receive assistance under this paragraph—

(aa) in an amount equal to 3 monthly payments using the monthly payment rate determined under subparagraph (B);

(bb) if the county is rated as having a D3 (extreme drought) intensity in any area of the county for at least 4 weeks during the normal grazing period for the county, or is rated as having a D4 (exceptional drought) intensity in any area of the county at any time during the normal grazing period, in an amount equal to 4 monthly payments using the monthly payment rate determined under subparagraph (B); or

(cc) if the county is rated as having a D4 (exceptional drought) intensity in any area of the county for at least 4 weeks during the normal grazing period, in an amount equal to 5 monthly payments using the monthly rate determined under subparagraph (B).

(A) In general–

An eligible livestock producer may receive assistance under this paragraph only if—

(i) the grazing losses occur on rangeland that is managed by a Federal agency; and

(ii) the eligible livestock producer is prohibited by the Federal agency from grazing the normal permitted livestock on the managed rangeland due to a fire.

(B) Payment rate–

The payment rate for assistance under this paragraph shall be equal to 50 percent of the monthly feed cost for the total number of livestock covered by the Federal lease of the eligible livestock producer, as determined under paragraph (3)(C).

=(i) In general– =

Subject to clause (ii), an eligible livestock producer shall be eligible to receive assistance under this paragraph for the period—

(I) beginning on the date on which the Federal agency excludes the eligible livestock producer from using the managed rangeland for grazing; and

(II) ending on the last day of the Federal lease of the eligible livestock producer.

=(ii) Limitation– =

An eligible livestock producer may only receive assistance under this paragraph for losses that occur on not more than 180 days per year.

(5) No duplicative payments–

An eligible livestock producer may elect to receive assistance for grazing or pasture feed losses due to drought conditions under paragraph (3)or fire under paragraph (4), but not both for the same loss, as determined by the Secretary .

(d) Emergency assistance for livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish–

(1) In general–

For each of the fiscal years 2012 through 2018, the Secretary shall use not more than $20,000,000 of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide emergency relief to eligible producers of livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish to aid in the reduction of losses due to disease (including cattle tick fever), adverse weather, or other conditions, such as blizzards and wildfires, as determined by the Secretary , that are not covered under subsection (b)or (c).

(2) Use of funds–

Funds made available under this subsection shall be used to reduce losses caused by feed or water shortages, disease, or other factors as determined by the Secretary .

(3) Availability of funds–

Any funds made available under this subsection shall remain available until expended.

(e) Tree assistance program–

(1) Definitions–

In this subsection:

(A) Eligible orchardist–

The term “eligible orchardist” means a person that produces annual crops from trees for commercial purposes.

(B) Natural disaster–

The term “natural disaster” means plant disease, insect infestation, drought, fire, freeze, flood, earthquake, lightning, or other occurrence, as determined by the Secretary .

(C) Nursery tree grower–

The term “nursery tree grower” means a person who produces nursery, ornamental, fruit, nut, or Christmas trees for commercial sale, as determined by the Secretary .

(D) Tree–

The term “tree” includes a tree, bush, and vine.

(A) Loss–

Subject to subparagraph (B), for each of the fiscal years 2012 through 2018, the Secretary shall use such sums as are necessary of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide assistance—

(i) under paragraph (3)to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers that planted trees for commercial purposes but lost the trees as a result of a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary ; and

(ii) under paragraph (3)(B)to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers that have a production history for commercial purposes on planted or existing trees but lost the trees as a result of a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary .

(B) Limitation–

An eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower shall qualify for assistance under subparagraph (A)only if the tree mortality of the eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower, as a result of damaging weather or related condition, exceeds 15 percent (adjusted for normal mortality).

(3) Assistance–

Subject to paragraph (4), the assistance provided by the Secretary to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers for losses described in paragraph (2)shall consist of—

(A)

(i) reimbursement of 65 percent of the cost of replanting trees lost due to a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary , in excess of 15 percent mortality (adjusted for normal mortality); or

(ii) at the option of the Secretary , sufficient seedlings to reestablish a stand; and

(B) reimbursement of 50 percent of the cost of pruning, removal, and other costs incurred by an eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower to salvage existing trees or, in the case of tree mortality, to prepare the land to replant trees as a result of damage or tree mortality due to a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary , in excess of 15 percent damage or mortality (adjusted for normal tree damage and mortality).

(A) Definitions of legal entity and person–

In this paragraph, the terms “legal entity” and “person” have the meaning given those terms in section 1001(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1308 7 U.S.C. 1308(a) ] ).

(B) Amount–

The total amount of payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity (excluding a joint venture or general partnership) under this subsection may not exceed $125,000 for any crop year, or an equivalent value in tree seedlings.

(C) Acres–

The total quantity of acres planted to trees or tree seedlings for which a person or legal entity shall be entitled to receive payments under this subsection may not exceed 500 acres.

(f) Payment limitations–

(1) Definitions of legal entity and person–

In this subsection, the terms “legal entity” and “person” have the meaning given those terms in section 1001(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1308 7 U.S.C. 1308(a) ] ).

(2) Amount–

The total amount of disaster assistance payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity (excluding a joint venture or general partnership) under this section (excluding payments received under subsection (e)) may not exceed $125,000 for any crop year.

(3) Direct attribution–

Subsections (e)and (f)of section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1308 7 U.S.C. 1308 ] )or any successor provisions relating to direct attribution shall apply with respect to assistance provided under this section.

Sec. 1601. Administration generally

(a) Use of Commodity Credit Corporation–

The Secretary of Agriculture shall use the funds, facilities, and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out this title.

(b) Determinations by Secretary–

A determination made by the Secretary under this title shall be final and conclusive.

(c) Regulations–

(1) In general–

Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Commodity Credit Corporation , as appropriate, shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement this title and the amendments made by this title.

(2) Procedure–

The promulgation of the regulations and administration of this title and the amendments made by this title and sections 11003and 11016 of this Actshall be made without regard to—

(A) the notice and comment provisions of section 553of title 5, United States Code ;

(B) chapter 35of title 44, United States Code(commonly known as the “ Paperwork Reduction Act” ); and

(C) the Statement of Policy of the Secretary of Agriculture effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 13804), relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in rulemaking.

(3) Congressional review of agency rulemaking–

In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall use the authority provided under section 808of title 5, United States Code .

(d) Adjustment Authority Related to Trade Agreements Compliance–

(1) Required determination; adjustment–

If the Secretary determines that expenditures under this title that are subject to the total allowable domestic support levels under the Uruguay Round Agreements (as defined in section 2 of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/19/3501 19 U.S.C. 3501 ] )) will exceed the allowable levels for any applicable reporting period, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, make adjustments in the amount of the expenditures during that period to ensure that the expenditures do not exceed the allowable levels.

(2) Congressional notification–

Before making any adjustment under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report describing the determination made under that paragraph and the extent of the adjustment to be made.

Sec. 1602. Suspension of permanent price support authority

(a) Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938–

The following provisions of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938shall not be applicable to the 2014 through 2018 crops of covered commodities (as defined in section 1104), cotton, and sugar and shall not be applicable to milk during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act through December 31, 2018:

(1) Parts II through V of subtitle B of title III( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1326 7 U.S.C. 1326 et seq. ] ).

(2) In the case of upland cotton, section 377( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1377 7 U.S.C. 1377 ] ).

(3) Subtitle D of title III( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1379a 7 U.S.C. 1379a et seq. ] ).

(4) Title IV( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1401 7 U.S.C. 1401 et seq. ] ).

(b) Agricultural Act of 1949–

The following provisions of the Agricultural Act of 1949shall not be applicable to the 2013 through 2018 crops of covered commodities (as defined in section 1104), cotton, and sugar and shall not be applicable to milk during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and through December 31, 2018:

(1) Section 101( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1441 7 U.S.C. 1441 ] ).

(2) Section 103(a)( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1444 7 U.S.C. 1444(a) ] ).

(3) Section 105( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1444b 7 U.S.C. 1444b ] ).

(4) Section 107( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1445a 7 U.S.C. 1445a ] ).

(5) Section 110( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1445e 7 U.S.C. 1445e ] ).

(6) Section 112( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1445g 7 U.S.C. 1445g ] ).

(7) Section 115( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1445k 7 U.S.C. 1445k ] ).

(8) Section 201( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1446 7 U.S.C. 1446 ] ).

(9) Title III( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1447 7 U.S.C. 1447 et seq. ] ).

(10) Title IV( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1421 7 U.S.C. 1421 et seq. ] ), other than sections 404, 412, and 416( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1424 7 U.S.C. 1424 ] , 1429 , and 1431 ).

(11) Title V( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1461 7 U.S.C. 1461 et seq. ] ).

(12) Title VI( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1471 7 U.S.C. 1471 et seq. ] ).

(c) Suspension of certain quota provisions–

The joint resolution entitled “ A joint resolution relating to corn and wheat marketing quotas under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, as amended” , approved May 26, 1941 ( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1330 7 U.S.C. 1330 ] , 1340 ), shall not be applicable to the crops of wheat planted for harvest in the calendar years 2014 through 2018.

Sec. 1603. Payment limitations

(a) In general–

Section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1308 7 U.S.C. 1308 ] )is amended by striking subsections (b)and (c)and inserting the following:

(b) Limitation on payments for covered commodities (other than peanuts)–

(1) In general–

The total amount of payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity (except a joint venture or general partnership) for any crop year under section 1101(c) of theFederal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013and subsections (b)and (c) of section 1107 of such Act(other than peanuts) may not exceed $125,000.

(2) Additional limitation on payments related to upland cotton–

The total amount of direct payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity (except a joint venture or a general partnership) for each of the 2014 and 2015 crop years under section 1101(c) of theFederal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013may not exceed $40,000.

(c) Limitation on payments for peanuts–

The total amount of payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity (except a joint venture or general partnership) for any crop year under subtitle A of title I of theFederal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013for peanuts may not exceed $125,000..

(b) Conforming amendments–

(1) Section 1001(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1308 7 U.S.C. 1308(f) ] )is amended by striking “or title XII” each place it appears in paragraphs (5)(A)and (6)(A)and inserting “, title I of theFederal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, or title XII” .

(2) Section 1001C(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1308–3 7 U.S.C. 1308–3(a) ] )is amended by inserting “ title I of theFederal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013,” after “2008,” .

(c) Application–

The amendments made by this section shall apply beginning with the 2014 crop year.

Sec. 1604. Adjusted gross income limitation

(a) Limitations and covered benefits–

Section 1001D(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985( 7 U.S.C. 1308–3a(b) )is amended—

(1) in the subsection heading, by striking “Limitations” and inserting “Limitations on Commodity and Conservation Programs” ;

(2) by striking paragraphs (1)and (2)and inserting the following new paragraphs:

(1) Limitation–

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person or legal entity shall not be eligible to receive any benefit described in paragraph (2)during a crop, fiscal, or program year, as appropriate, if the average adjusted gross income of the person or legal entity exceeds $950,000.

(2) Covered benefits–

Paragraph (1)applies with respect to a payment or benefit under subtitle A, B, or E of title I, or title II of theFederal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, title II of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, title II of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, section 524(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1524 7 U.S.C. 1524(b) ] ), or section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/7333 7 U.S.C. 7333 ] )..

(b) Elimination of unused definitions–

Paragraph (1)of section 1001D(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985( 7 U.S.C. 1308–3a(a) )is amended to read as follows:

(1) Average adjusted gross income–

In this section, the term average adjusted gross income , with respect to a person or legal entity, means the average of the adjusted gross income or comparable measure of the person or legal entity over the 3 taxable years preceding the most immediately preceding complete taxable year, as determined by the Secretary ..

(c) Income determination–

Section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1308–3a 7 U.S.C. 1308–3a ] )is amended—

(1) by striking subsection (c); and

(2) by redesignating subsections (d), (e), and (f)as subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively.

(d) Conforming amendments–

Section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1308–3a 7 U.S.C. 1308–3a ] )is amended—

(1) in subsection (a)(2)—

(A) by striking “subparagraph (A) or (B) of” ; and

(B) by striking “, the average adjusted gross farm income, and the average adjusted gross nonfarm income” ;

(2) in subsection (a)(3), by striking “, average adjusted gross farm income, and average adjusted gross nonfarm income” both places it appears;

(3) in subsection (c)(as redesignated by subsection (c)(2) of this section)—

(A) in paragraph (1), by striking “, average adjusted gross farm income, and average adjusted gross nonfarm income” both places it appears; and

(B) in paragraph (2), by striking “paragraphs (1)(C) and (2)(B) of subsection (b)” and inserting “ subsection (b)(2)” ; and

(4) in subsection (d)(as redesignated by subsection (c)(2) of this section)—

(A) by striking “paragraphs (1)(C) and (2)(B) of subsection (b)” and inserting “ subsection (b)(2)” ; and

(B) by striking “, average adjusted gross farm income, or average adjusted gross nonfarm income” .

(e) Effective period–

Subsection (e)of section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1308–3a 7 U.S.C. 1308–3a ] ), as redesignated by subsection (c)(2) of this section, is amended by striking “2009 through 2012” and inserting “2014 through 2018” .

(f) Limitation on applicability–

Section 1001(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1308 7 U.S.C. 1308 ] )is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following: “or title I of theFederal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013” .

(g) Transition–

Section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985( 7 U.S.C. 1308-3a ), as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act, shall apply with respect to the 2013 crop, fiscal, or program year, as appropriate, for each program described in paragraphs (1)(C)and (2)(B) of subsection (b) of that section(as so in effect on that day).

Sec. 1605. Geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers

Section 1621(d) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/8792 7 U.S.C. 8792(d) ] )is amended by striking “2012” and inserting “2018” .

Sec. 1606. Personal liability of producers for deficiencies

Section 164 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/7284 7 U.S.C. 7284 ] )is amended by striking “and title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008” each place it appears and inserting “ title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/8702 7 U.S.C. 8702 et seq. ] ), and title I of theFederal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013” .

Sec. 1607. Prevention of deceased individuals receiving payments under farm commodity programs

(a) Reconciliation–

At least twice each year, the Secretary shall reconcile social security numbers of all individuals who receive payments under this title, whether directly or indirectly, with the Commissioner of Social Security to determined if the individuals are alive.

(b) Preclusion–

The Secretary shall preclude the issuance of payments to, and on behalf of, deceased individuals that were not eligible for payments.

Sec. 1608. Technical corrections

(a) Missing punctuation–

Section 359f(c)(1)(B) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/1359ff 7 U.S.C. 1359ff(c)(1)(B) ] )is amended by adding a period at the end.

(b) Erroneous cross reference–

(1) Amendment–

Section 1603(g) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008([[Public Law -|Public Law 110–246 ]] ;122 Stat. 1739)is amended in paragraphs (2) through (6)and the amendments made by those paragraphs by striking “1703(a)” each place it appears and inserting “1603(a)” .

(2) Effective date–

This subsection and the amendments made by this subsection take effect as if included in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008([[Public Law -|Public Law 110–246 ]] ;122 Stat. 1651).

(c) Continued applicability of appropriations general provision–

[[Public Law 108-7|Section 767 of division A ofPublic Law 108–7 ]] ( 7 U.S.C. 7911note ;117 Stat. 48)is amended—

(1) insubsection (a) —

(A) by striking “sections 1101 and 1102 ofPublic Law 107–171 ” and inserting “ subtitle A of title I of theFederal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013” ; and

(B) by striking “such section 1102” and inserting “such subtitle” ; and

(2) by strikingsubsection (b) and inserting the following new subsection:

(b) This section, as amended by section 1608(c) of theFederal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, shall take effect beginning with the 2014 crop year..

Sec. 1609. Assignment of payments

(a) In general–

The provisions of section 8(g) of the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/590h 16 U.S.C. 590h(g) ] ), relating to assignment of payments, shall apply to payments made under this title.

(b) Notice–

The producer making the assignment, or the assignee, shall provide the Secretary with notice, in such manner as the Secretary may require, of any assignment made under this section.

Sec. 1610. Tracking of benefits

As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary may track the benefits provided, directly or indirectly, to individuals and entities under titles Iand IIand the amendments made by those titles.

Sec. 1611. Signature authority

(a) In general–

In carrying out this title and title IIand amendments made by those titles, if the Secretary approves a document, the Secretary shall not subsequently determine the document is inadequate or invalid because of the lack of authority of any person signing the document on behalf of the applicant or any other individual, entity, general partnership, or joint venture, or the documents relied upon were determined inadequate or invalid, unless the person signing the program document knowingly and willfully falsified the evidence of signature authority or a signature.

(b) Affirmation–

(1) In general–

Nothing in this section prohibits the Secretary from asking a proper party to affirm any document that otherwise would be considered approved under subsection (a).

(2) No retroactive effect–

A denial of benefits based on a lack of affirmation under paragraph (1)shall not be retroactive with respect to third-party producers who were not the subject of the erroneous representation of authority, if the third-party producers—

(A) relied on the prior approval by the Secretary of the documents in good faith; and

(B) substantively complied with all program requirements.

Sec. 1612. Implementation

(a) Streamlining–

In implementing this title, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable—

(1) seek to reduce administrative burdens and costs to producers by streamlining and reducing paperwork, forms, and other administrative requirements;

(2) improve coordination, information sharing, and administrative work with the Risk Management Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service ; and

(3) take advantage of new technologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of program delivery to producers.

(b) Maintenance of base acres and payment yields–

(1) In general–

The Secretary shall maintain through September 30, 2018, for each covered commodity and upland cotton, base acres and payment yields on a farm established under—

(A)

(i) in the case of covered commodities and upland cotton, sections 1101and 1102 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/7911 7 U.S.C. 7911 ] , 7912 ); and

(ii) in the case of peanuts, section 1302 of that Act( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/7952 7 U.S.C. 7952 ] ); and

(B)

(i) in the case of covered commodities and upland cotton, sections 1101and 1102 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/8711 7 U.S.C. 8711 ] , 8712 ); and

(ii) in the case of peanuts, section 1302 of that Act( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/8752 7 U.S.C. 8752 ] ).

(A) In general–

The Secretary shall maintain separate base acres for long grain rice and medium grain rice.

(B) Limitation–

In carrying out this paragraph, the Secretary shall use the same total base acres and payment yields established with respect to rice under sections 1108 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/8718 7 U.S.C. 8718 ] ), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, subject to any adjustment under section 1105.

(c) Implementation–

The Secretary shall make available to the Farm Service Agency to carry out this title $100,000,000.

Title II— Conservation

Sec. 2001. Extension and enrollment requirements of conservation reserve program

(a) Extension–

Section 1231(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3831 16 U.S.C. 3831(a) ] )is amended by striking “2012” and inserting “2018” .

(b) Eligible land–

Section 1231(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3831 16 U.S.C. 3831(b) ] )is amended—

(1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking “the date of enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008” and inserting “the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013” ;

(2) by striking paragraph (2)and redesignating paragraph (3)as paragraph (2);

(3) by inserting before paragraph (4)the following new paragraph:

(3) grasslands that—

(A) contain forbs or shrubland (including improved rangeland and pastureland) for which grazing is the predominant use;

(B) are located in an area historically dominated by grasslands; and

(C) could provide habitat for animal and plant populations of significant ecological value if the land is retained in its current use or restored to a natural condition;;

(4) in paragraph (4)(C), by striking “filterstrips devoted to trees or shrubs” and inserting “filterstrips or riparian buffers devoted to trees, shrubs, or grasses” ; and

(5) by striking paragraph (5)and inserting the following new paragraph:

(5) the portion of land in a field not enrolled in the conservation reserve in a case in which—

(A) more than 50 percent of the land in the field is enrolled as a buffer or filterstrip, or more than 75 percent of the land in the field is enrolled as a conservation practice other than as a buffer or filterstrip; and

(B) the remainder of the field is—

(i) infeasible to farm; and

(ii) enrolled at regular rental rates..

(c) Planting Status of Certain Land–

Section 1231(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3831 16 U.S.C. 3831(c) ] )is amended by striking “if” and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting “if, during the crop year, the land was devoted to a conserving use.” .

(d) Enrollment–

Subsection (d)of section 1231 of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3831 16 U.S.C. 3831 ] )is amended to read as follows:

(d) Enrollment–

(1) Maximum acreage enrolled–

The Secretary may maintain in the conservation reserve at any one time during—

(A) fiscal year 2014, no more than 27,500,000 acres;

(B) fiscal year 2015, no more than 26,000,000 acres;

(C) fiscal year 2016, no more than 25,000,000 acres;

(D) fiscal year 2017, no more than 24,000,000 acres; and

(E) fiscal year 2018, no more than 24,000,000 acres.

(2) Grasslands–

=(A) Limitation– =

For purposes of applying the limitations in paragraph (1), no more than 2,000,000 acres of the land described in subsection (b)(3)may be enrolled in the program at any one time during the 2014 through 2018 fiscal years.

=(B) Priority– =

In enrolling acres under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may give priority to land with expiring conservation reserve program contracts.

=(C) Method of enrollment– =

In enrolling acres under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall make the program available to owners or operators of eligible land on a continuous enrollment basis with one or more ranking periods..

(e) Duration of contract–

Section 1231(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3831 16 U.S.C. 3831(e) ] )is amended by striking paragraphs (2)and (3)and inserting the following new paragraph:

(2) Special rule for certain land–

In the case of land devoted to hardwood trees, shelterbelts, windbreaks, or wildlife corridors under a contract entered into under this subchapter, the owner or operator of the land may, within the limitations prescribed under paragraph (1), specify the duration of the contract..

(f) Conservation priority areas–

Section 1231(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3831 16 U.S.C. 3831(f) ] )is amended—

(1) in paragraph (1), by striking “watershed areas of the Chesapeake Bay Region, the Great Lakes Region, the Long Island Sound Region, and other” ;

(2) in paragraph (2), by striking “watersheds.—Watersheds” and inserting “areas.—Areas” ; and

(3) in paragraph (3), by striking “a watershed’s designation—” and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting “an area’s designation if the Secretary finds that the area no longer contains actual and significant adverse water quality or habitat impacts related to agricultural production activities.” .

Sec. 2002. Farmable wetland program

(a) Extension–

Section 1231B(a)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3831b 16 U.S.C. 3831b(a)(1) ] )is amended—

(1) by striking “2012” and inserting “2018” ; and

(2) by striking “a program” and inserting “a farmable wetland program” .

(b) Eligible acreage–

Section 1231B(b)(1)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3831b 16 U.S.C. 3831b(b)(1)(B) ] )is amended by striking “flow from a row crop agriculture drainage system” and inserting “surface and subsurface flow from row crop agricultural production” .

(c) Acreage limitation–

Section 1231B(c)(1)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3831b 16 U.S.C. 3831b(c)(1)(B) ] )is amended by striking “1,000,000” and inserting “750,000” .

(d) Clerical amendment–

The heading of section 1231B of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3831b 16 U.S.C. 3831b ] )is amended to read as follows: “Farmable wetland program” .

Sec. 2003. Duties of owners and operators

(a) Limitation on harvesting, grazing, or commercial use of forage–

Section 1232(a)(8) of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3832 16 U.S.C. 3832(a)(8) ] )is amended by striking “except that” and all that follows through the semicolon at the end of the paragraph and inserting “except as provided in subsection (b)or (c) of section 1233;” .

(b) Conservation plan requirements–

Subsection (b)of section 1232 of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3832 16 U.S.C. 3832 ] )is amended to read as follows:

(b) Conservation plans–

The plan referred to in subsection (a)(1)shall set forth—

(1) the conservation measures and practices to be carried out by the owner or operator during the term of the contract; and

(2) the commercial use, if any, to be permitted on the land during the term..

(c) Rental payment reduction–

Section 1232 of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3832 16 U.S.C. 3832 ] )is amended by striking subsection (d).

Sec. 2004. Duties of the Secretary

Section 1233 of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3833 16 U.S.C. 3833 ] )is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 1233. Duties of the Secretary

(a) Cost-share and rental payments–

In return for a contract entered into by an owner or operator under the conservation reserve program, the Secretary shall—

(1) share the cost of carrying out the conservation measures and practices set forth in the contract for which the Secretary determines that cost sharing is appropriate and in the public interest; and

(2) for a period of years not in excess of the term of the contract, pay an annual rental payment in an amount necessary to compensate for—

(A) the conversion of highly erodible cropland or other eligible lands normally devoted to the production of an agricultural commodity on a farm or ranch to a less intensive use;

(B) the retirement of any base history that the owner or operator agrees to retire permanently; and

(C) the development and management of grasslands for multiple natural resource conservation benefits, including to soil, water, air, and wildlife.

(b) Specified activities permitted–

The Secretary shall permit certain activities or commercial uses of land that is subject to a contract under the conservation reserve program in a manner that is consistent with a plan approved by the Secretary , as follows:

(1) Harvesting, grazing, or other commercial use of the forage in response to a drought or other emergency created by a natural disaster, without any reduction in the rental rate.

(2) Consistent with the conservation of soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat (including habitat during nesting seasons for birds in the area), and in exchange for a reduction of not less than 25 percent in the annual rental rate for the acres covered by the authorized activity—

(A) managed harvesting and other commercial use (including the managed harvesting of biomass), except that in permitting managed harvesting, the Secretary , in coordination with the State technical committee—

(i) shall develop appropriate vegetation management requirements; and

(ii) shall identify periods during which managed harvesting may be conducted, such that the frequency is not more than once every three years;

(B) routine grazing or prescribed grazing for the control of invasive species, except that in permitting such routine grazing or prescribed grazing, the Secretary , in coordination with the State technical committee—

(i) shall develop appropriate vegetation management requirements and stocking rates for the land that are suitable for continued routine grazing; and

(ii) shall identify the periods during which routine grazing may be conducted, such that the frequency is not more than once every two years, taking into consideration regional differences such as—

(I) climate, soil type, and natural resources;

(II) the number of years that should be required between routine grazing activities; and

(III) how often during a year in which routine grazing is permitted that routine grazing should be allowed to occur; and

(C) the installation of wind turbines and associated access, except that in permitting the installation of wind turbines, the Secretary shall determine the number and location of wind turbines that may be installed, taking into account—

(i) the location, size, and other physical characteristics of the land;

(ii) the extent to which the land contains wildlife and wildlife habitat; and

(iii) the purposes of the conservation reserve program under this subchapter.

(3) The intermittent and seasonal use of vegetative buffer practices incidental to agricultural production on lands adjacent to the buffer such that the permitted use does not destroy the permanent vegetative cover.

(c) Authorized activities on grasslands–

For eligible land described in section 1231(b)(3), the Secretary shall permit the following activities:

(1) Common grazing practices, including maintenance and necessary cultural practices, on the land in a manner that is consistent with maintaining the viability of grassland, forb, and shrub species appropriate to that locality.

(2) Haying, mowing, or harvesting for seed production, subject to appropriate restrictions during the nesting season for critical bird species in the area.

(3) Fire presuppression, fire-related rehabilitation, and construction of fire breaks.

(4) Grazing-related activities, such as fencing and livestock watering.

(d) Resource conserving use–

(1) In general–

Beginning on the date that is 1 year before the date of termination of a contract under the program, the Secretary shall allow an owner or operator to make conservation and land improvements that facilitate maintaining protection of enrolled land after expiration of the contract.

(2) Conservation plan–

The Secretary shall require an owner or operator carrying out the activities described in paragraph (1)to develop and implement a conservation plan.

(3) Re-enrollment prohibited–

Land improved under paragraph (1)may not be re-enrolled in the conservation reserve program for 5 years after the date of termination of the contract..

Sec. 2005. Payments

(a) Trees, windbreaks, shelterbelts, and wildlife corridors–

Section 1234(b)(3)(A) of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3834 16 U.S.C. 3834(b)(3)(A) ] )is amended—

(1) in clause (i), by inserting “and” after the semicolon;

(2) by striking clause (ii); and

(3) by redesignating clause (iii)as clause (ii).

(b) Annual rental payments–

Section 1234(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3834 16 U.S.C. 3834(c) ] )is amended—

(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting “or other eligible lands” after “highly erodible cropland” both places it appears; and

(2) by striking paragraph (2)and inserting the following new paragraph:

(2) Methods of Determination–

=(A) In general– =

The amounts payable to owners or operators in the form of rental payments under contracts entered into under this subchapter may be determined through—

(i) the submission of bids for such contracts by owners and operators in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe; or

(ii) such other means as the Secretary determines are appropriate.

=(B) Grasslands– =

In the case of eligible land described in section 1231(b)(3), the Secretary shall make annual payments in an amount that is not more than 75 percent of the grazing value of the land covered by the contract..

(c) Payment schedule–

Subsection (d)of section 1234 of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3834 16 U.S.C. 3834 ] )is amended to read as follows:

(d) Payment schedule–

(1) In general–

Except as otherwise provided in this section, payments under this subchapter shall be made in cash in such amount and on such time schedule as is agreed on and specified in the contract.

(2) Advance payment–

Payments under this subchapter may be made in advance of determination of performance..

(d) Payment limitation–

Section 1234(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3834 16 U.S.C. 3834(f) ] )is amended—

(1) in paragraph (1), by striking “, including rental payments made in the form of in-kind commodities,” ;

(2) by striking paragraph (3); and

(3) by redesignating paragraph (4)as paragraph (2).

Sec. 2006. Contract requirements

(a) Early termination by owner or operator–

Section 1235(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3835 16 U.S.C. 3835(e) ] )is amended—

(1) in paragraph (1)(A)—

(A) by striking “The Secretary ” and inserting “During fiscal year 2014, the Secretary ” ; and

(B) by striking “before January 1, 1995,” ;

(2) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraph (C)and inserting the following:

(C) Land devoted to hardwood trees.

(D) Wildlife habitat, duck nesting habitat, pollinator habitat, upland bird habitat buffer, wildlife food plots, State acres for wildlife enhancement, shallow water areas for wildlife, and rare and declining habitat.

(E) Farmable wetland and restored wetland.

(F) Land that contains diversions, erosion control structures, flood control structures, contour grass strips, living snow fences, salinity reducing vegetation, cross wind trap strips, and sediment retention structures.

(G) Land located within a federally-designated wellhead protection area.

(H) Land that is covered by an easement under the conservation reserve program.

(I) Land located within an average width, according to the applicable Natural Resources Conservation Service field office technical guide, of a perennial stream or permanent water body.; and

(3) in paragraph (3), by striking “60 days after the date on which the owner or operator submits the notice required under paragraph (1)(C)” and inserting “upon approval by the Secretary ” .

(b) Transition option for certain farmers or ranchers–

Section 1235(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3835 16 U.S.C. 3835(f) ] )is amended—

(1) in paragraph (1)—

(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking “Duties” and all that follows through “a beginning farmer” and inserting “Transition to covered farmer or rancher.—In the case of a contract modification approved in order to facilitate the transfer of land subject to a contract from a retired farmer or rancher to a beginning farmer” ;

(B) in subparagraph (A)(i), by inserting “, including preparing to plant an agricultural crop” after “improvements” ;

(C) in subparagraph (D), by striking “the farmer or rancher” and inserting “the covered farmer or rancher” ; and

(D) in subparagraph (E), by striking “ section 1001A(b)(3)(B)” and inserting “ section 1001” ; and

(2) in paragraph (2), by striking “requirement of section 1231(h)(4)(B)” and inserting “option pursuant to section 1234(c)(2)(A)(ii)” .

(c) Final year contract–

Section 1235 of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3835 16 U.S.C. 3835 ] )is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections:

(g) Final year of contract–

The Secretary shall not consider an owner or operator to be in violation of a term or condition of the conservation reserve contract if—

(1) during the year prior to expiration of the contract, the land is enrolled in the conservation stewardship program; and

(2) the activity required under the conservation stewardship program pursuant to such enrollment is consistent with this subchapter.

(h) Land enrolled in agricultural conservation easement program–

The Secretary may terminate or modify a contract entered into under this subchapter if eligible land that is subject to such contract is transferred into the agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H..

Sec. 2007. Conversion of land subject to contract to other conserving uses

Section 1235A of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3835a 16 U.S.C. 3835a ] )is repealed.

Sec. 2008. Effective date

(a) In general–

The amendments made by this subtitle shall take effect on October 1, 2013, except the amendment made by section 2001(d), which shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.

(b) Effect on existing contracts–

(1) In general–

Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this subtitle shall not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3831 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ] )before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in connection with the contract.

(2) Updating of existing contracts–

The Secretary shall permit an owner or operator of land subject to a contract entered into under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3831 16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq. ] )before October 1, 2013, to update the contract to reflect the activities and uses of land under contract permitted under the terms and conditions of section 1233(b) of that Act(as amended by section 2004), as determined appropriate by the Secretary .

Sec. 2101. Conservation stewardship program

(a) Revision of current program–

Subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985( [http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/3838d 16 U.S.C. 3838d et seq. ] )is amended to read as follows:

B Conservation stewardship program–

Sec. 1238D. Definitions

In this subchapter:

(1) Agricultural operation–

The term agricultural operation means all eligible land, whether or not contiguous, that is—

(A) under the effective control of a producer at the time the producer enters into a contract under the program; and

(B) operated with equipment, labor, management, and production or cultivation practices that are substantially separate from other agricultural operations, as determined by the Secretary .

(2) Conservation activities–

(A) In general–

The term conservation activities means conservation systems, practices, or management measures.

(B) Inclusions–

The term conservation activities includes—

(i) structural meas