Agricultural Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Senator Boozman, John [R-AR]
In Committee
Summary
The Agricultural Act of 2026 is a broad farm bill that would __reauthorize and fund core farm, conservation, nutrition, and rural development programs through FY2031__. It would update commodity supports and disaster aid, expand conservation and easement authorities, modernize SNAP and EBT systems, and boost rural broadband, research, and foreign‑investment reporting.
Show full summary
- Families and low‑income households: Would expand SNAP with permanent nationwide online purchasing, chip‑enabled EBT cards, and grant support to upgrade terminals ($15.0 million per year FY2027–FY2031). It also raises funding for nutrition incentives and a CSFP home‑delivery pilot ($10.0 million per year).
- Farmers and producers: Would change commodity and dairy programs, broaden disaster and specialty‑crop assistance, reauthorize the Conservation Reserve Program with enrollment caps, and create multiyear conservation funding (Category A starts at $2.5 billion in FY2027 and rises to $3.3 billion in FY2031). It also raises FSA direct loan limits (e.g., direct farm ownership to $850,000 and operating loans to $750,000 effective FY2027).
- Rural communities and infrastructure: Would finance broadband and precision‑agriculture connectivity (Community Connect $100.0 million per year; Last Acre $25.0 million per year), expand water and wastewater grants and cybersecurity support, and fund a feral swine control program ($150.0 million per year).
*If enacted, the bill would increase mandatory federal spending by authorizing multibillion‑dollar annual funding across conservation, nutrition, rural broadband, and other programs through FY2031.*
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
132 provisions identified: 83 benefits, 4 costs, 45 mixed.
Faster farm loan approvals and refinancing
If enacted, USDA would require a short application form for guaranteed real estate and operating loans up to $1,000,000 and set guarantee shares at 90% for loans up to $125,000, 75% for $125,001–$500,000, and 50% for $500,001–$1,000,000. If enacted, Preferred or Certified Lenders must be notified of approval or disapproval within 5 business days. If enacted, USDA would pilot preapproval for direct farm ownership loans and issue rules within one year to let some distressed guaranteed loans be refinanced into direct FSA loans when specific conditions are met.
Grants for small meat and poultry plants
If enacted, USDA would create a competitive grant program to help new, mobile, expanded, and modernized meat and poultry processors. If enacted, grants would be limited to $500,000 per award and terms would not exceed 3 years. If enacted, the federal share would be 90% for grants of $100,000 or less and 75% for grants over $100,000. If enacted, the program would be authorized $25 million each year for FY2027–FY2031 and would prioritize small and very small establishments.
Higher FSA farm loan limits
If enacted, the bill would raise FSA loan limits beginning in fiscal year 2027. Direct Farm Ownership loans could go up to $850,000 and guaranteed Farm Ownership loans to $3,500,000. Direct Operating loans could go up to $750,000 and guaranteed Operating loans to $3,000,000.
Lower-cost loans and lender rules for farms
If enacted, the bill would let the Secretary accept more types of collateral for zero‑interest loans and require acceptance not to change subsidy rates. It would cap interest on direct farm ownership and operating loans at 5% per year. The bill would extend microloan and cooperative lending pilots through 2031, keep intermediary relending authority, exempt very small communities from some refinancing reviews, and let farm storage loans cover propane and fertilizer storage.
Bigger conservation funding and new easement rules
If enacted, the bill would set multi-year conservation funding for FY2027–FY2031, including Category A rising from $2.5 billion in FY2027 to $3.255 billion in FY2031, Category B funding around $1.275–$1.325 billion per year, and forest easement grants staged across those years. It would raise federal cost-share rules for agricultural easements, create certification rules for easement-holding entities, allow easement restoration contracts, require practice-standard reviews at least every 5 years, and allow certain interim regulations for 270 days. The bill would also let RCPP partners get advance payments under strict rules.
Regular farm cyber and food-security checks
If enacted, USDA and CISA would do a sector-wide cybersecurity risk assessment for agriculture and food not later than one year after enactment and every two years after. The assessments must review cyberattack threats, impacts on food safety and public health, gaps in prevention and response, and recommend federal actions. The Secretary must consult private sector groups and deliver the findings to Congress.
More money to promote farm exports
If enacted, the bill would direct Commodity Credit Corporation funds to increase agricultural trade promotion. It would provide $515 million from the CCC for FY2027 and $533 million for FY2028 and each fiscal year thereafter, to remain available until expended. The bill also requires a public, machine-readable report on domestic commodity competitiveness coordinated with trade agencies to identify commodities harmed by imports and recommend actions.
More healthy food financing money
If enacted, the bill would raise the Healthy Food Financing Initiative authorization from $125 million to $135 million. The higher annual authorization would support more projects that finance healthy food retail and access in underserved areas.
Tighter refinery and price rules
If enacted, the bill would stop small refineries from getting extensions of past exemptions for any calendar year after 2027 and bar petitions filed after July 1, 2028. The bill would also extend the suspension of permanent price support authority through 2031 by replacing references to 2023 with 2031. These changes tighten relief for refineries and maintain the existing suspension of certain commodity price supports.
SNAP and EBT modernization
If enacted, the bill would make SNAP online purchasing permanent and start a nationwide transition within 120 days, with regulations due in 2 years. It would require EBT cybersecurity rules within 2 years and regular reviews, and set chip-card issuance and magnetic-stripe phase‑out deadlines tied to those rules (2/4/5‑year windows). The bill would limit replacement-card charges in many cases, permanently ban participant fees, reimburse State EBT upgrade costs for five years, and require multilingual, highly available EBT user interfaces. At the same time, it would tighten which sellers can accept SNAP, limit house‑to‑house and online‑only vendors, allow States to hire processors (with limits), and create an 80/20 federal/state allotment split if a State's payment error rate is 10% or more starting FY2031.
Farm payments, acres, and AGI rules
If enacted, the bill would exempt certain Program payments from payment‑attribution and adjusted gross income limits so some producers could receive payments without those caps. At the same time it would set additional base acre allocation rules capped at 31,500,000 acres and limit CRP enrollment to 27,000,000 acres for FY2027–FY2031 (with other minimum and subtype caps). The bill would also extend payment‑limitation timing and update repayment definitions to 2031.
Pilot biorefinery grants and reviews
If enacted, USDA would award competitive grants to build or retrofit pilot biorefineries to turn biomass into biofuels and biobased products. If enacted, grants would be capped at $10,000,000 per award. If enacted, the Secretary must use written technical-review agreements that set goals, timelines, feasibility criteria and require applicants to fix deficiencies, with a 90-day cure period after a notice of deficiency.
Change vapor rules for mid‑level ethanol
If enacted, the bill would change the Reid Vapor Pressure limit language to cover fuel blends with 10–15% ethanol and apply that revised RVP rule during high ozone season for States that filed notifications between Jan 1, 2022 and enactment. The change alters fuel formulation rules that affect producers, distributors, and state compliance. This could influence fuel supply and prices in affected areas.
Online meat sales and biostimulant rules
If enacted, the bill would let retail stores and restaurants sell State‑inspected meat and poultry online and ship it interstate directly to households in normal retail amounts. The bill would also add clear definitions for plant biostimulants and let EPA treat low‑risk biostimulants differently for some rules.
Broadband to unserved farm land
This bill would create a competitive Last Acre Program to pay for broadband to unserved and underserved farm land. The Secretary would set up online registration and applications within one year after enactment. Federal funding could cover up to 80% of project costs and up to 90% if the covered producer is a limited‑resource farmer or rancher.
Priority funding for rural childcare and telemedicine
This bill would give priority for Community Facilities loans and grants to rural childcare centers and to telemedicine projects from 2027 through 2031. Childcare awards could use up to 25% of funds for staffing. The bill would also extend the distance learning and telemedicine program authorization into fiscal years 2027–2031 and require the Secretary to evaluate childcare projects within two years.
Stronger whistleblower protections for employees
If enacted, the bill would broaden anti‑retaliation protections for whistleblowers covered by the CFTC. It would bar many adverse employer actions, add a right to a jury trial, apply certain burdens of proof, and increase damages by inserting "2 times" before the damages amount.
More grants and training for agriculture students
This bill would fund and extend many agriculture education and training programs through 2031. It would create community college capacity grants ($20 million per year), authorize $60 million per year for food and ag education grants, set aside $15 million per year for the David A. Scott scholarship, authorize $3 million per year for veteran agriculture training, and $10 million per year for an international exchange program for FY2027–2031. It would also extend many research and training authorities to 2031 and broaden who can receive workforce and AFRI grants.
New conservation and firefighter workforce paths
This bill would create residential Civilian Conservation Centers to train underserved youth in forestry, rangeland, and firefighting. Participants could get paid work, signing bonuses, and a path to direct‑hire jobs (with direct‑hire authority beginning in fiscal year 2025 and hiring goals of 300 covered graduates per agency per year). The bill would also fund firefighter PPE strategy work and expand training capacity for agricultural detection dogs with $15 million per year for FY2027–2031.
Rural health loans and telehealth help
If enacted, the bill would create a Rural Hospital Revitalization Loan Program offering zero‑percent interest for the first five years and long amortization up to 40 years for eligible rural facilities. The Secretary would provide financial planning help and may waive certain rules for insolvent eligible facilities. The bill would also create a Rural Health Care Technical Assistance Program (up to $2 million per year, FY2027–FY2031), require waivers of non‑Federal match for telehealth/distance learning in hardship cases and for Tribes, and extend certain health care service authorities through 2031. It would establish a Commission on Rural Maternal Health to report by September 30, 2031.
Bioenergy programs extended through 2031
If enacted, the bill would extend several bioenergy program authorizations through FY2027–FY2031 or to 2031 as listed. This would keep program access and statutory authority for biofuel and related bioenergy producers and small bioenergy businesses during those years.
CRP and conservation payment changes
If enacted, CRP rules would change so rental rates are set per tract using the three main soils and payments could not be adjusted for inflation. The program would add cost-share for grazing and water infrastructure when grazing is in the plan and raise the rental payment cap to $125,000 per year. Working Lands for Wildlife practices and certain forest plantings would become eligible for Wildlife Habitat Incentive payments. The Secretary could enroll seasonally flooded working cropland with at least one best management practice and must consult State technical committees. Emergency watershed protection measures would be added to RCPP and "agricultural retailer" would be a defined RCPP participant.
Dairy program and fee relief
If enacted, dairy program authorizations would be extended through 2031 and a Dairy Forward Pricing subsection would be removed. The bill would eliminate the Dairy Margin Coverage participation fee and let the first 6,000,000 pounds in a dairy's production history be covered without paying a premium.
Disaster aid, crop insurance, and NAP changes
If enacted, the bill would let crop insurance cover a drop in market price if the producer did not cause it and expand veteran farmer eligibility to match beginning farmer rules. It would expand emergency livestock assistance to cover feed, water, transport, inspections, and winter stockpile grazing losses. It would also make producers who rely on community ditches eligible for NAP relief.
Easier emergency haying and drought response
If enacted, the bill would require the FSA Administrator and Forest Service Chief to sign an MOU within 60 days to align drought severity determinations and communications. The bill would also allow emergency haying or grazing on up to 50% of a CRP contract's acres when a county is D2 or worse on the U.S. Drought Monitor, or when county forage loss is at least 40%, or when the Secretary and State technical committee agree. Those emergency exceptions could occur outside the primary nesting season and would not be subject to NEPA.
Easier REAP loans and rebates
If enacted, the bill would make precision-technology purchases eligible for conservation loans and loan guarantees. It would change REAP to require technical help for applicants and add an energy-efficiency rebate pilot using up to 2% of REAP funds in 2027 and 2028. The Secretary must notify Congress 30 days before the pilot starts and report publicly by June 30, 2027. The bill would also require a simpler application path for small REAP projects costing under $50,000.
Easier vendor signup and payment tech
If enacted, USDA would create a single application or shared system so farmers who sell directly can become vendors for SNAP, Senior FMNP, WIC market programs, and the nutrition incentive program. If enacted, USDA would also set a single, standard way for those vendors to accept benefits (for example one device or a mobile app). USDA must report progress to Congress within one year.
Farmer stress help and mediation funds
If enacted, the bill would increase Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance funding to $15 million per year for FY2027–FY2031 and allow crisis hotlines and clinic referral relationships. It would also raise the State mediation matching grant cap to $700,000, let States carry over up to 25% of unspent assistance, and authorize $10 million per year for FY2027–FY2031.
Fertilizer retailers: blending is not manufacturing
If enacted, the bill would say that agricultural retailers who custom-blend fertilizers are not treated as chemical manufacturers, as long as four conditions are met. The blend must not cause a chemical reaction, create new hazard classifications, use component safety data sheets, and be delivered directly to a farm. This reduces compliance risk and regulatory burden for retailers who custom-blend.
Grants for specialty crop mechanization
If enacted, USDA would create a competitive research and extension program to support mechanization and automation for specialty crops. If enacted, $30 million would be allocated to this program each year for FY2027 through FY2031. If enacted, priority would go to projects that train or retrain farmworkers and that communicate results.
Higher small business loan and grant limits
This bill would let small businesses and farmers borrow more. It would raise the microloan cap from $50,000 to $100,000 and raise a rural microenterprise loan threshold from $50,000 to $75,000 while allowing 100% loan coverage and up to 50% of demolition and construction costs. The bill also raises the timber sale dollar threshold to $55,000 and increases the Dairy Business Innovation authorization to $36 million.
Longer forest contracts and restoration help
If enacted, stewardship contracts could run up to 20 years instead of 10. For multiyear contracts the agency would owe a cancellation payment equal to the lesser of 10% of the contract or unrecovered amortized costs. The bill would also expand Emergency Forest Restoration to help private owners, permittees, and drought‑impacted grazing with new water measures and faster processing during disasters.
More conservation payments and help
If enacted, the Secretary would let a producer who gets conservation payments also take a loan or loan guarantee to cover the same practice costs and must inform producers in writing about this option. If enacted, USDA could pay planning and installation costs for wildlife corridors on eligible CRP land that meets ecological criteria. If enacted, State technical committees could request waivers of irrigation-history rules for some payments if the waiver will not harm aquifers or streams and contracts require efficient irrigation and water management. If enacted, the Secretary could let local sponsors hire State-approved third-party planners, set fair payment rates for certified third-party technical assistance (excluding those payments from program cost-share), define precision-agriculture technologies for EQIP help, and fund farmer-to-farmer networks prioritizing underserved farmers.
More credit for fishing and aquaculture
If enacted, Farm Credit banks and associations could lend to businesses that provide services to aquatic producers. The bill would also treat commercial fishing operators like farmers for direct and guaranteed farm loans, limited to vessel acquisition, operation, and maintenance costs, with outreach required within one year.
More help and rules for organic farms
If enacted, USDA would report within 180 days on barriers that certified organic farms and farms transitioning to organic face and publish annual updates for three years. If enacted, the Secretary could allow a limited number of virtual inspections after a study and public comment, while requiring on-site inspections for foreign sites. If enacted, the bill would authorize the National Organic Program at $26 million for FY2027, rising to $34 million by FY2031 to fund technical assistance and outreach.
More help for local and specialty farms
If enacted, USDA could waive matching funds for Specialty Crop Research Initiative grants. The bill would let USDA set up on-demand direct payments to specialty crop producers when extra funds are made available and an adverse event is declared; payments would use prior-year specialty crop sales times a Secretary-set factor. The bill would define "food hub" and require a simplified application for grants under $100,000, with 10–50% of certain funds reserved for simplified grants. Aquaculture assistance would be authorized at $15 million per year for FY2027–FY2031. For a maple-syrup program, the Secretary must get industry input before the first RFA and cannot require cost-share for awards.
More rural support for veterinarians
If enacted, the bill would expand Veterinary Services Grants to help start, keep, or attract veterinary practices in rural areas. Grants could pay relocation, start‑up equipment, and housing or living stipends for veterinary students and trainees. The USDA would establish a streamlined application process within one year.
New 'limited resource' farmer test
If enacted, the bill would define a 'limited resource' farmer for the Last Acre Program as a producer with gross farm sales at or below $100,000 (2002 dollars, adjusted using the NASS Prices Paid by Farmer index) in each of the previous two years, and with household income at or below the national poverty guideline for a family of four or less than 50% of county median in each of those years. If enacted, the Secretary may require documentation to verify status.
New crop insurance studies and pilots
If enacted, the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation would study and develop new insurance approaches for mushrooms, wine grapes (smoke loss), double-cropping oilseeds, frost/freeze index coverage, and organic-producer participation. If enacted, the Corporation would review quality-loss adjustment procedures starting 2027 and every five years. If enacted, USDA would run a pilot from 2027 for at least four crop years in specified Texas counties that suspends late-planting insurance guarantee reductions and must report by 90 days after crop year 2031. If enacted, the Corporation must report within 90 days on possible Standard Reinsurance Agreement changes and study lamb producer risk protections with a report within one year.
New funds for swine control and health
If enacted, the bill would fund a Feral Swine Eradication and Control Program with $150 million from FY2027 through FY2031, allocating 40% to NRCS and 60% to APHIS, with federal shares for activities capped at 75% and administrative costs capped at 10%. If enacted, prior Commodity Credit Corporation funds would be available to continue related assistance into FY2027. If enacted, USDA would also establish a voluntary U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan and authorize $4.5 million per year for FY2027–FY2031 to support biosecurity and preparedness.
New Office and Grants for Small Farms
If enacted, the bill would create an Office of Small Farms to help small farms with outreach, technical help, and grants. Small farms would be defined (under 180 acres unless the Secretary adjusts that) with gross cash farm income under $350,000. The office would provide grants up to $25,000 and authorize $15 million per year for administration and $10 million per year for grants and technical assistance for FY2027–FY2031. The bill would also fund urban agriculture grants, a veterans "Armed to Farm" training initiative ($3.5M and $1.5M per year), publish pumping‑system efficiency tools within 180 days, and allow USDA loan servicing to continue during appropriations lapses.
Organic inspections and HACCP help
If enacted, certifying agents would still inspect U.S. organic farms on-site at least once every three years, but the Secretary could allow limited annual virtual inspections under rules and a prescribed protocol. Foreign sites would still require on-site inspections. The bill would require the Secretary to publish science, model HACCP plans, and guidance for small and very small meat and poultry processors within 18 months to 2 years. The published examples would be nonbinding and the Secretary would not publish confidential business information.
Retail EBT and market terminal grants
If enacted, the bill would create a grant program (subject to advance appropriations) to help SNAP retailers in limited-grocery areas buy chip-capable payment terminals. Up to $15 million is authorized each year for FY2027–FY2031 and the program would end on September 30, 2031. The bill would also require USDA to make wireless or mobile processing equipment appropriate for farmers markets and other direct-to-consumer vendors.
Rural wood, energy and business grants
If enacted, the bill would expand and extend rural business and wood‑product grant programs through 2031. It would raise per‑project caps (up to $5,000,000), authorize $50 million per year for Community Wood Facilities, change REAP thresholds and reserve rules, and allow multiyear Rural Business Development Grants.
State block grants for disaster losses
If enacted and additional funds are made available after enactment, the Secretary could provide assistance for eligible disaster crop losses as block grants to States. If enacted, 'covered losses' would include losses of revenue, quality, or production of crops, trees, timber, poultry, or livestock due to a Secretary-determined natural disaster when no other Federal law provides assistance.
Study on dry edible bean support
If enacted, the Secretary must contract within 60 days to study whether classifying dry edible beans as a covered and loan commodity would provide an effective safety net. If enacted, the study must cover loan rates, reference prices, base acres, payment acres and yields, and other program details and be submitted to Congressional agriculture committees within 120 days. If enacted, the bill authorizes appropriations as necessary to establish a mitigation program to reduce stocks-to-use ratios of dry edible beans.
Better farm data and research
If enacted, the bill would broaden Conservation Innovation Grants to fund development and testing of new conservation technologies and require evaluation reports. It would expand the Forest Inventory and Analysis program to measure forest and soil carbon, use new remote sensing and machine learning, and publish biennial national statistics. The bill would also protect business data collected under mandatory reporting from public disclosure except for limited internal or enforcement uses.
Bigger forest restoration projects
If enacted, the bill would extend and expand many forest-restoration and wildfire-recovery authorities through 2031. It would raise allowable project sizes (up to 10,000 acres in some programs), add post-wildfire recovery and soil and water improvements to program purposes, allow more partners under Good Neighbor Authority, and let the Forest Service update boundaries and acquire willing-seller land (example: Talladega). The bill also raises specific acreage thresholds and continues several program authorizations and surveys.
Changes to food aid and emergency planning
If enacted, USDA would prepare and carry out a transfer plan to take on Food for Peace functions, with a plan due within 180 days and a detailed report due within one year. The bill would also set a $15 million per-year minimum for the International Food Relief Partnership for FY2027–FY2031 and require cross-sector food emergency simulation exercises every two years with reports to Congress.
Grants and help for rural community projects
If enacted, the bill would add new grant funding and technical assistance for States, Tribes, and rural communities. The Commodity Credit Corporation would fund a State Conservation Assistance program at $50 million per year for FY2027–FY2031, with grants capped at $10 million per recipient per year. Solid waste grants would explicitly include Indian Tribes and authorize $20 million per year for FY2027–FY2031. The bill would also set aside funds for national on-site technical assistance and add $10 million per year for multi-State rural technical assistance grants; non‑Federal shares could be provided as in-kind contributions when the Secretary finds demonstrated need.
Higher-speed rural broadband access
If enacted, the bill would raise the bar for rural broadband projects and simplify applications. ReConnect projects would need to offer at least 25 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up (up from lower speeds) and applicants could use alternative security like letters of credit instead of an exclusive lien in many cases. Community Connect grants would aim for 100 Mbps down and 20 Mbps up and would target areas with under 25/3 Mbps; the Secretary must review those thresholds at least every two years. The Secretary must also publish transparent maps, a challenge process, and tell the FCC when awards are made.
Lower-cost water help for rural homes
This bill would create a Healthy H2O grant program to help rural households buy and install certified water filters and pay for lab water tests. You would qualify only if you live in an eligible rural area and your combined household or business income is at or below 80% of your State's nonmetro median. The bill would also let USDA give big help to rural water projects: grants up to 75% of project cost and low‑interest or 0% loans for up to 100% of cost. It would fund nonprofit emergency technical assistance for rural water and wastewater systems at $20 million per year for fiscal years 2027–2031.
Local food and commodity programs
If enacted, the bill would create and fund programs to buy and distribute local fresh foods and support commodity programs through FY2027–FY2031. It would authorize $200 million per year for a local food cooperative program (with $200 million CCC availability for FY2027–FY2028) and require at least 51% of purchases be from small, medium, beginning, or veteran producers. The bill would extend CSFP and other commodity authorities through 2031, add a CSFP home‑delivery pilot with $10 million per year (State grants capped at the lesser of $4,000,000 or $60 per caseload), allow TEFAP agencies to use up to 20% of allocations for DoD Fresh purchases (at the State's request), and require Tribal consultation and emergency supply‑chain rules for FDPIR/CSFP.
More USDA research and biotech support
If enacted, the bill would create and fund new USDA research and coordination efforts. It would set up a National Biochar Research Network and an Office of Biotechnology Policy. The Commodity Credit Corporation would transfer $200 million to the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research within 30 days. The bill would also authorize modest annual funding for the National Poultry Improvement Plan and require a study on livestock and meat marketing.
More reports on crop and livestock risks
If enacted, USDA would step up studies, audits, and reports to support crop and livestock competitiveness and readiness. The bill would require annual AFIDA compliance audits covering at least 10% of reports and outreach and training. The Secretary would publish an annual specialty-crop export competitiveness report in machine-readable form. USDA must report within 180 days on foreign animal disease readiness and must study plant biostimulants with a public report within four years. The Secretary would also publish analyses and recommendations to improve grain grading technology.
National ag research and security program
If enacted, the bill would create an Agricultural Security and Durability Initiative to fund research, testing, demonstrations, and tech transition in biosecurity, supply chains, automation, AI, and related areas. The Secretary must send an implementation plan to Congress within 180 days and a quadrennial strategy within two years. Activities would be subject to available appropriations and could support commercialization and testbeds.
Trade and seafood processing support
If enacted, the bill would let USDA pre-negotiate export arrangements for animal-disease outbreaks to protect markets. It would create an interagency working group to monitor seasonal fruit and vegetable trade and require a study on increasing domestic seafood processing with a report to Congress within 180 days. The Office of Seafood at USDA would also be established to coordinate seafood policy.
Antitrust protection for fertilizer reporting
If enacted, the bill would make clear that fertilizer reporting rules do not change or weaken U.S. antitrust laws. The statute would explicitly say antitrust laws (including parts of the Clayton Act and applicable FTC authority) continue to apply alongside reporting. The change is intended to protect competition while keeping reporting in place.
More flexibility for rural electric financing
If enacted, the bill would extend and broaden rural electric financing authorities. It would extend bond guarantee authority and 911 access references under the Rural Electrification Act through 2031, change the middle-mile funding window to 2027–2031, and explicitly allow grants as well as loans under the Act. These changes would let rural electric programs use grant tools and keep guarantee powers active.
New tools for rural broadband and power
If enacted, the bill would let Rural Utilities Service electric borrowers put money into cushion of credit accounts to secure loans and pay for power, storage, and construction. The bill would define qualifying Last Acre broadband as at least 100 Mbps downstream and 20 Mbps upstream for assisted projects. It would also create a categorical NEPA exclusion for certain utility rights-of-way vegetation management and maintenance, while banning new permanent roads and requiring decommissioning of temporary roads within three years.
Loan guarantees for biofuel projects
If enacted, the bill would require USDA, subject to available funds, to make year-round loan guarantees available for qualifying biorefinery projects, including sustainable aviation fuel and related facilities. The Secretary could waive feasibility-study requirements for proven technologies. Guarantees would aim to lower borrowing costs for qualifying projects when funding is available.
More ag research and disease funding
If enacted, the bill would raise or add several research authorizations. It would increase the National Clean Plant Network funding to $10 million and authorize $8 million a year for the Office of Pest Management Policy for FY2027–FY2031. It would add $20 million per year for wheat/triticale/barley disease research and raise Agricultural and Food Policy Research Centers to $15 million per year for FY2027–FY2031. The bill also raises certain animal disease program funding and the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database authorization.
New relending and community facility loans
If enacted, USDA would create a Community Facilities Relending Program to loan nonprofit intermediaries funds to capitalize revolving loan funds for rural community projects. If enacted, those loans would carry interest no higher than 2.5%, be amortized over 40 years, allow at least a 3-year moratorium, and be limited to $5,000,000 per intermediary per year. If enacted, Farm Credit System institutions could also finance essential community facilities in rural and Tribal areas, but such lending could not exceed 15% of an institution's total assets and must be offered in writing to at least one non-Farm-Credit lender first. The Secretary must set aside at least $50,000,000 per year for the relending program.
New income cutoff for water grants
If enacted, Healthy H2O grants could not go to an end user whose household or business income in the last 12 months is greater than 80% of the State's nonmetropolitan median (from the most recent decennial census). The rule uses the most recent 12 months of income data to check eligibility. Households above that 80% threshold would be excluded from grant help.
More water help for small rural towns
If enacted, the bill would expand water and wastewater help for rural households and small communities. Households with income under 80% of the area's nonmetro median could get subgrants; those with income up to 100% could get loans, and individual loans could rise to $25,000 (up from $15,000). The Secretary would give top priority to loans and grants serving low-income rural places under 10,000 people. At the same time, large watershed and storage projects would face new committee approval rules if federal construction costs exceed $50 million or structures exceed stated acre-feet limits.
95% Buy American for School Food
If enacted, the bill would require school food authorities to buy at least 95% domestic commodities and products by category starting the first school year after enactment. The Secretary would publish a list of domestically unavailable items within 6 months and update it every 2 years; items on that list would not count toward the 95% requirement. The bill would also let schools serve whole milk at breakfast under the same rules as lunch and add a statutory definition for "commodity only school."
New chip rules for SNAP EBT systems
This bill would require that EBT cards issued in a specified 5‑year window be chip‑enabled and would require retail locations seeking SNAP authorization to have chip‑enabled terminals within 180 days after certain cybersecurity rules are final. The rules aim to improve payment security for SNAP and WIC users but would also create upgrade costs for State agencies and retailers. The Secretary could grant waivers or extensions under certain conditions.
New forest easement program and payments
If enacted, the bill would create a new Forest Conservation Easement Program to buy permanent or maximum‑duration easements. The government would generally pay about 60% of easement fair market value and up to 80% in special cases. For permanent forest reserve easements the payment equals the pre‑enrollment FMV minus the encumbered FMV; 30‑year enrollments would get 50%–75% of that compensation. The bill would allow small technical easement fixes, set a $500,000 cap per easement, allow up to 100% implementation cost help for permanent easements, and bar easement purchases on certain federal, state, or already‑protected lands.
More food origin and safety labels
This bill would bring back mandatory country‑of‑origin labeling for beef within set agency timelines. It would also expand seafood origin labeling (for cooked salmon and certain crab and canned salmon) and require combined front‑of‑package origin and 'wild' or 'farm‑raised' designations after one year. The bill would require annual testing of imported organic feedstuffs and expand dairy product reporting and study organic oversight reforms. These changes give consumers more information but add testing, labeling, and reporting costs for producers and processors.
Rural property and wetland loan rules
If enacted, the bill would lengthen the sale window for some real property dispositions from 15 days to 60 days. It would change wording about a 45% down‑payment cap so that the 45% rule applies subject to section 305(a). The bill would allow a specific property conveyance to Perry County without the usual CERCLA covenant or warranty. It would also bar rural development loans or grants to drain, fill, or otherwise manipulate wetlands, with limited exceptions for prior conversions and projects with required permits.
Changes to conservation partnerships and certification
If enacted, the bill would cap federal reimbursement for partner technical assistance at 30 percent of a project's cost and set indirect cost limits (15% negotiated, 10% default). It would create fast approval routes and a registry for third‑party certifiers, allow partner contributions to count as match for non‑USDA programs, and change scoring to award maximum points for contribution criteria.
Conservation program caps and help
If enacted, the bill would add several new payment limits and program rules for conservation help from FY2027–FY2031. It would cap county cropland enrollments at 25% and limit total water conservation payments to one entity at $2,000,000 for contracts entered in 2027–2031. It would cap organic‑production practice payments at $140,000 per entity for 2027–2031, but require up to 100% stewardship payment support for Wetland Reserve Easements as the Secretary decides. The bill would also stop requiring extra soil testing or whole‑farm plans beyond practice standards and extend some grazing program references through 2031.
Crop insurance and specialty rules
If enacted, the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation would have to issue written interpretations within 90 days and those interpretations would be final and public, with limited judicial review. The Corporation must review insurable revenue limits within one year and annually after. Reporting rules would change: the substantial-interest disclosure threshold rises to 10% and late reporting during the crop year is allowed in many cases. The bill would create a Specialty Crop Advisory Committee and require USDA to use a single specialty-crop definition across programs. Beginning with the 2026 crop year, farms that choose SIP coverage for upland cotton would be ineligible for seed cotton PLC/ARC payments. The bill would also exclude project-impacted yields from APH calculations and broaden livestock-disaster payment definitions to include unweaned livestock and relaxed documentation rules. It would limit one earlier crop-insurance rule to 2019–2025.
New loan rules, fees, and limits
If enacted, the Secretary would be required to write rules to ensure timely release of borrower funds. Farm loan inflation adjustments would switch to a land‑value index. Borrowers who received prior loan forgiveness would be barred from new or guaranteed loans for seven years. The bill would allow guarantee fees up to 3% of the guaranteed principal and a periodic retention fee up to 0.75% of outstanding principal, with public notice 30 days before fee changes. Enrolled agents could certify AGI for program eligibility. For fiscal years 2027–2031, at least 10% of B&I guaranteed loan funds each year must be set aside for childcare and healthcare borrowers.
Small packer exemption and sale disclosures
If enacted, the Secretary would update rules within one year to exempt certain small packers if their slaughter capacity is below set daily or yearly thresholds. The bill would also require market agencies that own, finance, or run a packer to list the packer's name and the nature of the relationship on the account of sale.
Up-front payments for trees and works
If enacted, orchardists and nursery growers could choose an initial payment equal to the Secretary's estimate of fair market replacement costs. You would normally need to replace or rehab trees within two years, and overpayments must be repaid. Separately, the bill would let a producer elect an advance payment for RCPP work to buy materials or hire contractors, but unspent advance money after 90 days could be treated as a contract violation and must be returned.
Changes to U.S. food aid programs
If enacted, the bill would remove the statutory minimum assistance levels in the Food for Peace program. It would also limit use of Food for Peace funds so no more than 50% in any year could go to things other than buying U.S.-grown commodities and paying ocean shipping. The Commodity Credit Corporation would be allowed to pay handling and incidental costs for Food for Peace commodities. The bill would change McGovern-Dole administrative cost rules to require at least 8% and allow up to 15% for admin, and it would expand eligible income categories to include lower-middle income recipients.
Faster reviews for some forest projects
If enacted, the bill would let agencies skip full NEPA review for certain hazard-tree removal near roads and recreation sites, for some communications permits on National Forest land, and for eligible emergency restoration actions during disasters. Projects would have size or location limits and some protections remain (for example, exclusions for wilderness areas). These changes speed some projects but reduce environmental review in specific cases.
Foreign investment and ag security
If enacted, the bill would expand the USDA Office of Homeland Security to use intelligence and lab research to spot foreign threats to the food and agriculture sector and refer risky transactions to national-security review. It would also amend the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act definitions and structure. The Secretary would be allowed to prohibit conservation payments that would directly benefit entities tied to specified foreign countries of concern.
Forest restoration and land changes
If enacted, the bill would expand collaborative forest restoration projects (more projects, longer durations, higher funding per project) and add pathogens, monitoring, and federal staffing priorities. It would add Tribal eligibility for forest protection work, require public project lists for road and trail remediation, and allow utilities to cut hazardous vegetation near power lines on National Forest land with proceeds to the Forest Service. The bill would also repeal the Healthy Forests Reserve Program going forward while protecting existing contracts and payments.
Limits on some USDA vertebrate research abroad
If enacted, the bill would bar REE-funded research, education, or extension work involving vertebrate animals from being done in or with partners in China, Russia, or other named countries of concern. The Secretary could grant case-by-case waivers for national security or public-health reasons but must notify the House and Senate Agriculture Committees 30 days before a waiver. The change would restrict some international collaborations while allowing limited exceptions.
Tighter foreign land reporting and penalties
If enacted, the bill would modernize AFIDA filings: require electronic submission, publish machine-readable datasets, and update data soon after 30 days. It would also let the Secretary assess civil penalties for AFIDA violations up to 25% of fair market value and place liens until payment. The Secretary must report annually on foreign-held agricultural land and study threat-assessment and possible review processes.
Pesticide data and species protections
If enacted, the bill would require the crop and pesticide use survey be sent to the EPA and made public, and it would allow the Secretary to obtain commercial pesticide-use data for the survey. The bill would also change EPA registration-review rules so some interim decisions noticed before Oct 1, 2031 must include measures to reduce harm to listed species and designated critical habitat, taking USDA input into account. These changes expand data collection and may impose mitigation measures on some pesticide uses.
Rules for rural broadband and grants
If enacted, the bill would let the Secretary treat a service area as served if another provider has a government obligation to build broadband there, but the Secretary could still approve a different applicant if the new project would not duplicate service and would deliver faster speeds. The bill would also extend the National Rural Development Partnership timelines and push a NOAA weather radio transmitter grant authorization date to 2031. These rules affect grant eligibility and project planning for rural broadband and related rural programs.
New Dietary Guidelines rules
If enacted, the bill would change how the Dietary Guidelines are made. The next update would begin with the 2030 report and then occur at least every 10 years. Each update would use notice-and-comment rulemaking and be limited to topics supported by "significant scientific agreement." An independent advisory board of 4–8 members would submit a list of scientific questions within one year and then end. The bill also lists topics the reports must not include.
Faster grain inspections for exporters
If enacted, the Secretary could choose flexible inspection procedures for grain loaded or unloaded at export ports to meet program objectives and speed handling. USDA would also do outreach in FY2027–FY2031 to States with meat or poultry inspection programs that lack a selected establishment, and report results each year by September 30. The changes aim to speed exports but alter inspection practices and oversight.
National rules for bio and feed products
This bill would require USDA to set national labeling rules for bio‑attributed, biobased, and plant‑based products within one year. It would also reclassify certain 'zootechnical' feed substances as regulated food additives with petition and labeling rules and create an EPA exemption process for some plant‑incorporated protectants. The package aims to protect consumers and create uniform labels but changes compliance and petition rules for manufacturers and developers.
Rural broadband and utility program rules
If enacted, the bill would bar the Agriculture Secretary from regulating broadband rates under the title. It would also deem current and former Rural Electrification Act borrowers eligible for USDA electric loans and grants, subject to RUS priorities. The bill would prevent the Secretary from reprioritizing Community Facilities and Distance Learning/Telemedicine programs for FY2027–FY2031, keeping current priorities in place.
Banking limits and CFTC funding changes
If enacted, the bill would limit Farm Credit single-borrower concentrations and change CFTC fund rules. A loan would not be a 'qualified loan' if total loans to one borrower or related group exceed 10% of a Corporation's Tier 1 capital, and the Farm Credit Administration may set a lower limit. The bill would also raise a CFTC deposit threshold to $300 million and create a separate account for education and whistleblower administrative costs that receives new deposits first until it holds $10 million.
Crop insurance, grain, and CCC reporting
If enacted, reimbursement rates paid to crop insurance providers would be frozen at 2026 levels for 2027 and later reinsurance years. The bill would also set strict 90‑day timing rules for crop insurance appeal steps and relieve providers of some debts if the Corporation misses deadlines. It would extend certain Grain Standards Act deadlines to 2033 and require the Commodity Credit Corporation to publish Commodity Estimate Books twice a year in a searchable online format.
New farm credit and coop lending
If enacted, banks for cooperatives would be allowed to lend for rural waste processing and electricity projects and to provide technical assistance to borrowers. The bill would also change a Farm Credit export finance cap to 15 percent of a bank's total assets, tightening export finance exposure relative to the former capital‑based measure.
New fertilizer and input price data
If enacted, USDA would publish regular reports and weekly market information on fertilizer and crop inputs. A fertilizer industry report would be due within one year, and a Market News program would collect weekly retail prices and publish a public dashboard at least weekly with national and regional estimates. Covered manufacturers and wholesalers would have weekly reporting duties, while cooperatives and retailers would be exempt from mandatory reporting but could report confidentially. The Secretary would also produce routine crop input market reports and consider a regional fertilizer price map.
New small-refinery RFS reduction rules
If enacted, starting in 2028 the bill would cut each qualifying small refinery's Renewable Fuel Standard obligation by a volume tied to its 2023–2025 or current-year production. The reduction applies only to refineries that petitioned by June 1, 2026 and met statutory conditions. Any exempted volume must be reconciled and other parties may face reallocated obligations.
New rules for forest easement eligibility
If enacted, the bill would set who can join a new Forest Conservation Easement Program. Eligible entities could include State or local agencies, Indian Tribes, and qualifying conservation nonprofits. Eligible land would include private or tribal forest land or land being restored to forest that meets protection or species recovery goals. The change would take effect upon enactment.
Faster, safer EBT service for SNAP families
If enacted, USDA would be required to improve EBT security and customer service for SNAP households. The Secretary would report within one year on EBT card cloning risks in Puerto Rico, with sensitive details kept in a nonpublic annex. USDA would write rules within one year so State agencies must mail or deliver a replacement EBT card within 5 business days after a household requests it. After final cybersecurity rules (required within 2 years), States would have to offer opt-in electronic EBT transaction notices and searchable 12-month transaction history showing amount, merchant, and city and State.
Grants for tractor rollover protection
If enacted, USDA would make grants to cover up to 70% of the documented cost to buy, ship, and install approved rollover protection structures (ROPS) on eligible tractors, or $500, whichever is less. If enacted, the bill would authorize $725,000 per year for FY2027–FY2031: $500,000 for grants, $125,000 for promotion/website upgrades, and $100,000 for a hotline. The Secretary would competitively select a nongovernmental program administrator to run the program.
Rural energy loans and consumer grants
If enacted, the bill would add Indian Tribes as eligible entities for the Rural Energy Savings Program and allow more on‑ or off‑grid renewable measures and energy storage. It would authorize grants to eligible entities equal to up to 5% of a loan, and up to 10% for qualified consumers in persistent poverty counties.
Clearer SNAP retailer sanction timing
If enacted, the bill would clarify that a SNAP retailer fails the relevant standard only after failing on two consecutive occasions within a three‑year period. This changes the timing threshold for administrative sanctions against retailers.
Extend conservation authorities to 2031
If enacted, the bill would extend several conservation program date references through fiscal year 2031. It would replace '2023' with '2031' in allocation language, extend certain Secretary duties to fiscal years 2027–2031, and expand the Farmable Wetland Program coverage through 2031. These changes preserve program authorities and continuity through 2031.
New cooperative development definition
If enacted, the bill would add a statutory definition of 'cooperative development' to include outreach, education, training, and technical help for cooperatives. If enacted, an interagency working group must report to the House and Senate Agriculture Committees within 180 days and then annually on cooperative research and activities.
Rules for Last Acre broadband program
If enacted, the bill would create a Last Acre Program with a voluntary online registry for providers and a process for competing bids to serve eligible land. The Secretary must post eligible land at least every 30 days, email registered providers within 24 hours, and let providers challenge postings within 45 business days. The program could fund cybersecurity needs but not pay to serve already serviceable homes or commercial service outside eligible land.
White oak reforestation help
If enacted, NRCS would establish a White Oak Initiative to re-establish and better manage white oak forests. If enacted, the initiative would provide technical assistance to private landowners and producers to support replanting and improved forest management.
New wilderness areas and trail plans
If enacted, the bill would create or expand several wilderness and scenic areas and special management areas. Examples include Camp Hutchins Wilderness (~750 acres), multiple additions in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, and the Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area (~92,562 acres). The Secretary must file official maps, set management plans (some within 2–3 years), and prepare trail plans for scenic-area lands not in wilderness. Some roads would be closed to vehicles and no new roads could be built in the scenic area.
Tribal and white oak restoration funds
If enacted, the bill would authorize $15 million per year for FY2027–FY2031 for Tribal Forest Protection activities. The USDA would set up a White Oak and Upland Oak Habitat Regeneration Program within 180 days and could offer cooperative agreements to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to manage grants. The Foundation could accept private gifts for white oak work and would report accepted funds to Congress each year.
USDA and program rule timing updates
If enacted, the bill would let some program administrative funds be used for equipment and technology and extend related authorizations to 2033. It would make certain transferred whistleblower funds available until expended, extend expiration dates in grain standards law to 2033, remove a narrow wording constraint on pilot projects, add Title I to USDA rule coverage, and allow modern notice delivery methods that provide proof of delivery.
Ban unauthorized commercial 4‑H use
If enacted, the bill would make it illegal for anyone other than authorized 4‑H entities to use the 4‑H name or emblem in commerce in a way that confuses membership or affiliation. The Attorney General or contract counsel could sue in federal court to stop prohibited uses. The change aims to protect the 4‑H brand and reduce consumer confusion.
More vet inspections and pesticide transparency
If enacted, the Secretary could allow qualified veterinarians employed by or contracted with USDA to perform certain import inspections where APHIS officers are not available. The bill would also require USDA participation in a pesticide (FIFRA) interagency working group, annual stakeholder consultation, and publication of agency inputs in the docket before policy use. These steps aim to expand inspection capacity and increase transparency in pesticide policy.
Funding for watershed protection
If enacted, the bill would authorize $30 million per year for FY2027–FY2031 for Watershed Condition Framework work and $30 million per year for Water Source Protection over the same years. Projects must protect watershed health and follow applicable forest plans. The Water Source Protection program would require a non-federal share of at least 20% (the Secretary may waive this) and set aside at least 10% for partner technical assistance. Spending depends on future appropriations.
More rural water technical help
If enacted, the bill would let rural water and wastewater programs use up to 10 percent of funds for technical assistance. The allowed range would change from 3%–5% to 3%–10%, giving more funds for planning and local help.
Food for Peace fertilizer support
If enacted, the bill would let nonemergency Food for Peace programs include support for access to fertilizer and food‑resilience activities to prevent food insecurity. This change applies to international, nonemergency Food for Peace activities and expands permitted programming.
Treat 2025 dietary guidelines as current
If enacted, the bill would require agencies to treat the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans as the current edition until the first post-enactment report is published. The Secretary would also have to solicit advisory committee nominations before current terms end, announce new appointees within 180 days after the nomination period, and allow current members to stay until successors are appointed.
Local land conveyances and exchanges
If enacted, the bill would authorize three site-specific land actions: convey federal mineral interests in Chickasaw State Forest to Tennessee, convey a 0.81-acre Forest Service parcel to Perry County (if requested within 180 days), and complete a Lake Winnibigoshish land exchange with specified appraisal and environmental steps. The county or state generally must pay conveyance costs or meet conditions.
Restore 4‑H emblem and fee authority
If enacted, the bill would let the Secretary set rules to authorize use of the 4‑H emblem or name and charge fees for that use. Fees collected would go into a special account to fund 4‑H activities and could be spent without a new appropriation. The change restores an administrative funding tool for the 4‑H Program.
New rural development innovation center
If enacted, the bill would create a Rural Development Innovation Center inside USDA Rural Development. The Center would review processes, pilot technology, run stakeholder outreach, and give guidance and training to USDA staff and rural applicants. The bill would authorize $5,000,000 for each fiscal year starting in FY2027 to carry out the Center's work.
Study and funds for organic certification
If enacted, the Government Accountability Office would study how the Cost-Share Program affects organic certification costs and report within 18 months. The bill also authorizes up to $8 million per year for FY2027–FY2031 to carry out the section. The work aims to inform policy to help organic producers manage certification costs.
Task force on rural outdoor recreation
If enacted, the Secretary would set up an interagency task force within 90 days to study Federal programs that support rural hospitality, tourism, agritourism, and outdoor recreation. The task force must report findings and recommended changes to the Agriculture Committees within 360 days. The goal is better coordination and more effective rural recreation investments.
Higher RBIC ownership limit
If enacted, the bill would raise a statutory ownership percentage limit in the referenced program from 50 percent to 75 percent. This relaxes an ownership rule for Rural Business Investment Company structures.
Cold-chain and port export help
If enacted, USDA would contract with trade organizations to provide assessments, training, and technical help to improve cold-chain capacity and port infrastructure for U.S. agricultural exports. If enacted, the bill authorizes $1,000,000 per year for FY2027–FY2031 and allows up to $1,500,000 to be available in a fiscal year from program funds, with unobligated amounts carried forward.
New import rules for live dogs
If enacted, the bill would require electronic pre-arrival health and vaccine paperwork before most dogs are imported. Dogs intended for transfer would need to be at least 6 months old and have an import permit. The Secretary would keep a central database, can deny entry for noncompliance, and may charge fees or require importers to pay quarantine or removal costs.
Rescind $15M biorefinery funds
If enacted, the bill would rescind $15 million of unobligated balances for the biorefinery assistance program. That money would no longer be available for future biorefinery assistance grants.
New whistleblower education requirements
This bill would require a final rule within 360 days that makes registered entities give each employee notice, post whistleblower information on their website homepage, and provide mandatory whistleblower training. The bill also expands who counts as a whistleblower under the law. Employers would have new compliance tasks while employees get broader protections and education.
End and transition feral swine help
If enacted, the bill would end the feral swine eradication pilot program on the date of enactment. Financial assistance already awarded would remain valid and the Secretary could extend assistance that expires on or before December 31, 2026 for one year under existing terms. After that, renewals would be limited to the new program rules and funding limits.
Limits on prairie dog habitat control
If enacted, the bill would require prairie dog habitat on the Dakota Prairie Grasslands and the Oglala National Grassland to be limited to no more than 1.5% of Federal land in any single grazing allotment. It would also require control activity to occur within a one‑mile buffer between Federal land and adjacent State or private land. These rules change how grazing allotments and control actions are managed locally.
Marketing orders: mandarins and dates
If enacted, the bill would add mandarin oranges to the list of commodities covered by marketing orders. It would also change the treatment of dates to explicitly include dates used for processing. These edits change which growers and handlers must follow marketing rules.
Foreign‑land reporting and food aid rules
If enacted, the bill would tighten reporting for foreign persons who buy, transfer, or lease U.S. agricultural land by requiring a report within 90 days of the event or within 90 days if land ceases to be agricultural. It would also direct Food for Peace to focus on hunger and acute needs and require the Secretary to coordinate with State and international agencies when choosing recipients. For the Food for Progress program, purchases in a fiscal year would have to include more than one commodity and more than one recipient country.
Local forest land transfers and conditions
If enacted, the bill would let the Forest Service sell specified National Forest surface estates for cash equal to fair market value. The sale money would be deposited into the Sisk Act acquisition fund for future National Forest land purchases. Conveyances would include reserved mineral rights, road easements, and a right of re-entry, and buyers must accept dam upkeep and liability responsibilities where required. The Secretary would release a small Tennessee reversionary interest without an appraisal, but the State would pay U.S. administrative costs.
New limits on some easements and grants
If enacted, the bill would cap some conservation funding uses and change eligible uses. No more than 10% of yearly program funds could pay for 30-year easements. No single Regional Conservation Partnership Program project could get more than $15,000,000 in federal funds. The bill would allow RCPP alternative arrangements to pay for agricultural equipment and processing that scale conservation benefits. It would also change accounting so interest from invested penalties is credited to a named trust.
New watershed planning and detailees
If enacted, the bill would bar funding for design or construction of improvement projects without an approved watershed plan, unless the Secretary waives the rule or finds exigent circumstances. The bill would also let the Agriculture Secretary detail employees to and accept detailees from the intelligence community and other Federal agencies to support USDA Homeland Security work, and accept detailees without reimbursement.
Priority for domestic food production
If enacted, the bill would make preserving and strengthening domestic production of agricultural commodities a statutory priority for Federal policy that affects the listed programs. The change would guide the President and agencies to favor domestic production when administering those programs, but it would not itself appropriate funds or create a new payment program.
Repeal two 2018 agriculture rules
If enacted, the bill would make two specified paragraphs of a 2018 Agriculture law without force or effect starting on the date of enactment. The text does not specify new funding or transition rules for those paragraphs.
Animal import and shelter rules
If enacted, the bill would say interstate movement rules cover shipments that start in U.S. territories. It would keep current dog-import rules in place until final regulations under a new law are issued. The bill would repeal section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act and it would extend authorization for the "Protecting Animals with Shelter" program through 2027–2031. Importers, shelters, and pet owners would be affected.
New fertilizer reporting and thresholds
If enacted, the bill would define a "covered fertilizer manufacturer" as a non‑cooperative establishment that sold at least 25,000 short tons of fertilizer in the preceding calendar year and whose primary activity is specified fertilizer manufacturing or mining. The Secretary would also review fertilizer mandatory reporting requirements at least once every two years to ensure the reported information stays current.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Boozman, John [R-AR]
AR • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov