§8783 Availability of quality incentive payments for covered oilseed producers

Summary

Provides money, when funds are available, to pay bonuses to farmers who grow oilseed varieties that improve human health. The Secretary must pay only for varieties that the Secretary finds both healthier for people (for example, by cutting or removing the need to partially hydrogenate the oil for food use or by using new technology traits) and that face at least one barrier to being sold widely. When money is available for a crop year, the Secretary will ask for proposals. Proposals can cover more than one year and must explain the health benefit, the market barriers, the varieties, the base price and premiums, the incentive amount (no more than one‑third of any year’s premium), the payment period (no more than 4 years), and the target production and acres. The Secretary will approve proposals in a timely way, pay producers after proof that the premium was paid, run additional proposal rounds if money remains, prorate approvals if funds are smaller than requested, and protect confidential business information. A proponent who gets approval must guarantee the oilseed is used for the approved human‑food purpose. If it is not, the proponent must repay penalties: for an accidental failure, twice the government payment to the producer; otherwise up to twice the full value of the oilseeds. The Secretary can require documents to enforce these rules and can fine others who misuse restricted oilseeds, up to twice their value. Money was authorized as needed for fiscal years 2009 through 2012.