,i #aaeth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #cida ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,october #d1 #bjag,ms4 ,pingree 7for herself1 ,mr4 ,fortenberry1 and ,mr4 ,sean ,patrick ,maloney of ,new ,york7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,agriculture1 and in addition to the ,committee on ,education and the ,workforce1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,a ,,bill ,to improve food safety1 to encourage greater production of agricultural commodities for use in the locality in which produced1 to reauthorize and expand ,department of ,agriculture support of these efforts1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,local ,food ,and ,regional ,market ,supply ,act or the ,local ,,farms ,act4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,sec4 #b4 ,agricultural market development program4 ,sec4 #c4 ,food safety outreach program4 ,sec4 #d4 ,food safety cost-share program4 ,sec4 #e4 ,national organic certification cost-share program4 ,sec4 #f4 ,livestock1 dairy1 and poultry supply chain infrastructure grants and loans4 ,sec4 #g4 ,geographic preference and identification for school food4 ,sec4 #h4 ,harvesting health program4 ,sec4 #i4 ,extension of1 expansion of1 and additional funding for1 seniors farmers' market nutrition program4 ,sec4 #aj4 ,food and agriculture service learning program4 #b4 ,agricultural market development program 7a7 ,purpose ,the purpose of this ,act is to combine the purposes and coordinate the functions of-- 7#a7 the ,farmers' ,market and ,local ,food ,promotion ,program established under section #f of the ,farmer-to-,consumer ,direct ,marketing ,act of #aigf 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #cjje72 and 7#b7 the value-added agricultural product market development grants under section #bca7;b7 of the ,agricultural ,risk ,protection ,act of #bjjj 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #afcb;a7b774 7b7 ,agricultural market development program ,subtitle ,a of the ,agricultural ,marketing ,act of #aidf 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #afba et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #c4 ,agricultural market development program 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,beginning farmer or rancher ,the term beginning farmer or rancher has the meaning given the term in section #cdc7;a7 of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #aiia7;a774 7#b7 ,direct producer-to-consumer marketing ,the term direct producer-to-consumer marketing has the meaning given the term direct marketing from farmers to consumers in section #c of the ,farmer-to-,consumer ,direct ,marketing ,act of #aigf 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #cjjb74 7#c7 ,eligible activity ,the term eligible activity means an activity described in subsection 7d77#b7 that is carried out using a grant provided under subsection 7d77#a74 7#d7 ,eligible entity ,the term eligible entity means-- 7,a7 an independent producer2 7,b7 an agricultural producer group1 network1 or association1 including a community supported agriculture network or association2 7,c7 a farmer or rancher cooperative1 other agricultural business entity1 or majority-controlled producer-based business venture2 7,d7 a food council2 7,e7 a ,state or local government2 7,f7 a ,tribal government or ,tribal government agency2 7,g7 a nonprofit corporation2 7,h7 an institution of higher education2 7,i7 a public benefit corporation2 7,j7 an economic development corporation2 7,k7 a regional farmers' market authority2 and 7,l7 another entity1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7#e7 ,eligible partner ,the term eligible partner means-- 7,a7 a ,state agency or regional authority2 7,b7 a philanthropic organization2 7,c7 a private corporation2 7,d7 a commercial1 ,federal1 or ,farm ,credit ,system lending institution2 7,e7 a community development financial institution2 and 7,f7 another entity1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7#f7 ,family farm ,the term family farm has the meaning given the term in section #bca7;a7 of the ,agricultural ,risk ,protection ,act of #bjjj 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #afcb;a7a774 7#g7 ,food council ,the term food council means a food policy council or food and farm system network that-- 7,a7 represents multiple organizations2 and 7,b7 addresses food and farm-related issues and needs within city1 county1 ,state1 ,tribal region1 multicounty region1 or other region designated by the food council or food system network4 7#h7 ,independent producer 7,a7 ,in general ,the term independent producer means an agricultural producer who owns and controls the agricultural product produced4 7,b7 ,inclusion ,the term independent producer includes a legal entity solely owned and controlled by agricultural producers if the entity owns a majority ownership interest in the agricultural operation of the entity and a significant share of the agricultural product produced4 7#i7 ,majority-controlled producer-based business venture 7,a7 ,in general ,the term majority-controlled producer-based business venture means a venture greater than #ej percent of the ownership and control of which is held by-- 7i7 #a or more independent producers2 or 7ii7 an entity or a group of entities described in subparagraph 7,b71 #ajj percent of the ownership and control of which is held by #a or more independent producers4 7,b7 ,entity described ,for purposes of subparagraph 7,a71 the term entity means-- 7i7 a partnership2 7ii7 a limited liability corporation2 7iii7 a limited liability partnership2 7iv7 a corporation2 and 7v7 a cooperative4 7#aj7 ,mid-tier value chain ,the term mid-tier value chain has the meaning given the term in section #bca7;a7 of the ,agricultural ,risk ,protection ,act of #bjjj 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #afcb;a7a774 7#aa7 ,partnership agreement ,the term partnership agreement means an agreement entered into under subsection 7c74 7#ab7 ,program ,the term ,program means the ,agricultural ,market ,development ,program established under subsection 7b74 7#ac7 ,regional food chain coordination ,the term regional food chain coordination means coordination and collaboration along the supply chain1 including activities that-- 7,a7 identify and organize local food producers and entrepreneurs into entities that are able to deliver local and regional food products into local markets2 7,b7 provide market matchmaker services by identifying and connecting key stakeholders through referral services and other forms of short-term engagement2 7,c7 convene stakeholders and facilitate relationship-building across the food value chain by-- 7i7 engaging key stakeholders2 7ii7 maintaining communication channels2 and 7iii7 fostering a trusting environment2 7,d7 work with supply chain members to build capacity through education and training programs for-- 7i7 business development practices2 7ii7 marketing and branding2 and 7iii7 other similar activities2 7,e7 identify and work to remove barriers to the movement of local and regional food products into the marketplace2 7,f7 increase awareness about procurement requirements 7such as bidding procedures and preferred-vender practices7 that may impede the ability of the food chain to access certain marketing channels2 7,g7 provide technical assistance to producers and enterprises in the preparation of grant and loan applications2 and 7,h7 coordinate with ,state and local government agencies to enhance supply chain coordination and build on existing efforts to develop regional food systems4 7#ad7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,agriculture4 7#ae7 ,socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher ,the term socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher has the meaning given the term in section #cee7;e7 of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjjc7;e774 7#af7 ,value-added agricultural product ,the term value-added agricultural product has the meaning given the term in section #bca7;a7 of the ,agricultural ,risk ,protection ,act of #bjjj 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #afcb;a7a774 7#ag7 ,veteran farmer or rancher ,the term veteran farmer or rancher has the meaning given the term in section #beja7;e7 of the ,food1 ,agriculture1 ,conservation1 and ,trade ,act of #aiij 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bbgi7;e774 7b7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary shall establish a program1 to be known as the ,agricultural ,market ,development ,program1 that-- 7#a7 streamlines existing programs and operations to more efficiently and effectively support the development1 coordination1 and expansion of-- 7,a7 direct producer-to-consumer marketing2 7,b7 local and regional food markets and enterprises2 and 7,c7 value-added agricultural products2 7#b7 connects and cultivates regional food economies through public-private partnerships2 7#c7 supports the development of business plans1 feasibility studies1 and strategies for local and regional marketing opportunities2 7#d7 strengthens capacity and regional food system development through community collaboration and expansion of mid-tier value chains2 7#e7 improves income and economic opportunities for producers and food businesses through job creation and improved regional food system infrastructure2 and 7#f7 simplifies the application processes and the reporting processes for the ,program4 7c7 ,regional partnerships 7#a7 ,partnership agreements 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary1 in accordance with the purposes of the ,program described in subsection 7b71 may enter into #a or more partnership agreements to plan and develop a regional food system by supporting eligible activities4 7,b7 ,parties to partnership agreements ,the ,secretary shall enter into a partnership agreement with-- 7i7 #a or more eligible partners2 and 7ii7 #a or more eligible entities4 7,c7 ,geographic diversity ,to the maximum extent practicable1 the ,secretary shall ensure geographic diversity in selecting partnership agreements4 7#b7 ,length of agreement 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,b71 a partnership agreement shall be for a period not longer than #e years4 7,b7 ,extension ,the ,secretary may make an extension of a partnership agreement for a period of less than a year1 if the ,secretary determines that the extension is necessary to properly complete #a or more eligible activities4 7#c7 ,terms of partnership 7,a7 ,in general ,under a partnership agreement1 the eligible partner and the eligible entity shall-- 7i7 determine the scope of the regional food system to be developed1 including goals1 outreach objectives1 and eligible activities to be carried out2 7ii7 determine the local1 regional1 ,state1 multi-,state1 or other geographic area covered2 7iii7 create and conduct a feasibility study1 implementation plan1 and assessment of eligible activities under the partnership agreement2 7iv7 conduct outreach and education to other eligible entities and eligible partners for potential participation in the partnership agreement and eligible activities2 7v7 at the request of a producer or eligible entity desiring to participate in eligible activities under the partnership agreement1 act on behalf of the producer or eligible entity in applying for a grant under subsection 7d72 7vi7 monitor1 evaluate1 and periodically report to the ,secretary on progress made toward achieving the objectives of eligible activities under the partnership agreement2 and 7vii7 at the conclusion of the partnership agreement1 submit to the ,secretary a report describing-- 7,i7 the results and effects of the partnership agreement2 and 7,,ii7 funds provided by an eligible partner under subparagraph 7,b74 7,b7 ,contribution ,an eligible partner shall provide funding for a significant portion 7as determined by the ,secretary7 of the total cost of eligible activities under the partnership agreement4 7#d7 ,applications 7,a7 ,in general ,one or more eligible partners and #a or more eligible entities desiring to enter into a partnership agreement may submit to the ,secretary an application at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary considers necessary to evaluate and select applications4 7,b7 ,competitive process ,the ,secretary-- 7i7 shall conduct a competitive process to select applications submitted under subparagraph 7,a72 7ii7 may assess and rank applications with similar purposes as a group2 and 7iii7 shall make public the criteria to be used in evaluating applications prior to accepting applications4 7,c7 ,content ,an application submitted to the ,secretary under subparagraph 7,a7 shall include a description of-- 7i7 the scope of the regional food system to be developed1 including goals1 outreach objectives1 and eligible activities to be carried out2 7ii7 the local1 regional1 ,state1 multi-,state1 or other geographic area covered2 7iii7 the projected financials and budget for eligible activities1 including estimated funded needed from the ,secretary through grants under subsection 7d72 7iv7 a list of each eligible partner and each eligible entity collaborating to achieve the objectives of the partnership agreement1 including the roles1 responsibilities1 capabilities1 and financial contribution of each eligible partner and each eligible entity2 and 7v7 a plan for each of the following3 7,i7 ,the feasibility study1 implementation plan1 and assessment described in paragraph 7#c77;,a77iii74 7,,ii7 ,the outreach and education described in paragraph 7#c77;,a77iv74 7,,iii7 ,the monitoring1 evaluating1 and reporting described in paragraph 7#c77;,a77vi74 7,d7 ,priority to certain applications ,the ,secretary may give priority to applications submitted under subparagraph 7,a7 that-- 7i7 7,i7 leverage significant non-,federal financial and technical resources2 and 7,,ii7 coordinate with other local1 ,state1 or national efforts2 7ii7 plan to create or retain quality jobs and provide workforce training and development in the regional food system developed under the partnership agreement2 7iii7 adapt to regional community needs and demonstrate the inclusion of cultural differences that support food equity2 7iv7 support community and regional economic development1 particularly-- 7,i7 in rural areas2 or 7,,ii7 development that strengthens rural and urban connections2 7v7 leverage partnerships with existing agencies and regional supply chains to better integrate local and regional foods into new and existing markets2 7vi7 demonstrate an ability to build infrastructure and capacity to sustain the long-term viability of eligible activities2 7vii7 use producer controlled businesses and cooperative ownership models2 7viii7 support the establishment of producer controlled businesses and cooperative ownership models that serve groups whose members have been subjected to racial1 ethnic1 or gender prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities2 7ix7 cover an area located in distressed low-income rural and urban communities1 including areas with persistent poverty2 7x7 demonstrate consistency with existing regional economic or community development plans for the area to be served by eligible activities2 and 7xi7 meet other factors that are important for achieving the purposes of the ,program described in subsection 7b71 as determined by the ,secretary4 7d7 ,development grants 7#a7 ,in general ,under the ,program1 the ,secretary may provide grants to eligible entities to carry out1 in accordance with purposes of the ,program described in subsection 7b71 activities described in paragraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,eligible activities ,an eligible entity may use a grant provided under paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 to support and promote-- 7i7 domestic direct producer-to-consumer marketing2 7ii7 farmers' markets2 7iii7 roadside stands2 7iv7 agritourism activities2 7v7 community-supported agriculture programs2 7vi7 online sales2 or 7vii7 domestic direct producer-to-retailer marketing2 7,b7 to support local and regional food business enterprises that engage as intermediaries in indirect producer-to-consumer marketing2 7,c7 to support the processing1 aggregation1 distribution1 and storage of local and regional food products that are marketed locally or regionally2 7,d7 to encourage the development of new food products and value-added agricultural products2 7,e7 to assist with business development and feasibility studies2 7,f7 to develop marketing strategies for producers of local food products and value-added agricultural products in new and existing markets2 7,g7 to facilitate regional food chain coordination and mid-tier value chain development2 7,h7 to promote new business opportunities and marketing strategies to reduce on-farm food waste2 or 7,i7 to respond to changing technology needs in direct producer-to-consumer marketing4 7#c7 ,criteria and guidelines for applications ,the ,secretary shall establish such criteria and guidelines for the submission of applications1 evaluation1 and funding of proposed projects under the ,program as the ,secretary determines are appropriate4 7#d7 ,priorities 7,a7 ,required priority ,the ,secretary shall give priority to applications submitted under paragraph 7#c7 that-- 7i7 are applied for by or serve-- 7,i7 beginning farmers or ranchers2 7,,ii7 socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers2 7,,iii7 operators of small or medium sized farms or ranches that are structured as family farms2 or 7,,iv7 veteran farmers or ranchers2 7ii7 benefit underserved communities1 including communities that are located in areas of concentrated poverty with limited access to fresh locally or regionally grown food4 7,b7 ,discretionary priority ,the ,secretary may give priority to applications submitted under paragraph 7#c7 that-- 7i7 are applied for by an eligible entity participating in a partnership agreement2 and 7ii7 intend to carry out eligible activities under the partnership agreement4 7#e7 ,term ,the term of a grant under this subsection shall be not longer than #c years1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7#f7 ,amount ,the amount of a grant under the ,program shall be not more than #ejj1jjj1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7#g7 ,limitation on use of funds ,an eligible entity may not use a grant under this subsection for the purchase or construction of a building or structure4 7e7 ,simplification of application and reporting processes 7#a7 ,applications ,the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 simplify the application process for a grant under subsection 7d72 and 7,b7 establish a simplified application form for eligible entities that request less than #ej1jjj under that subsection4 7#b7 ,reporting ,the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 streamline and simplify the reporting process for eligible entities2 and 7,b7 obtain from eligible entities and maintain such information as the ,secretary determines is necessary to administer and evaluate the ,program4 7f7 ,economy ,act agreements 7#a7 ,in general ,in carrying out the ,program1 the ,secretary1 acting through the ,administrator of the ,agricultural ,marketing ,service1 may enter into #a or more agreements pursuant to sections #aece and #aecf of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 with-- 7,a7 the head of a field-based agency of the ,department of ,agriculture1 as determined by the ,secretary1 to carry out such purposes and functions of the ,program as the ,secretary considers appropriate2 or 7,b7 a cooperative extension service to provide technical assistance and outreach under the program to eligible entities and eligible partners4 7#b7 ,indirect costs ,an agreement entered into under paragraph 7#a77;,b7 shall not be subject to any indirect costs1 unless the agreement expressly provides that it is subject to indirect costs4 7g7 ,interdepartmental coordination ,in carrying out the ,program1 to the maximum extent practicable1 the ,secretary shall ensure coordination among ,federal agencies4 7h7 ,evaluation 7#a7 ,in general ,using amounts made available under subsection 7i77#d71 the ,secretary shall conduct an evaluation of the ,program that-- 7,a7 measures the economic impact of the ,program on new and existing market outcomes2 7,b7 measures the effectiveness of the ,program in improving and expanding-- 7i7 the regional food economy through public and private partnerships2 7ii7 the production of value-added agricultural products2 7iii7 producer-to-consumer marketing1 including direct producer-to-consumer marketing2 7iv7 local and regional food systems1 including regional food chain coordination and business development2 7v7 new business opportunities and marketing strategies to reduce on-farm food waste2 7vi7 the use of new technologies in producer-to-consumer marketing1 including direct producer-to-consumer marketing2 and 7vii7 the workforce and capacity of regional food systems2 and 7,c7 provides a description of-- 7i7 each partnership agreement2 and 7ii7 each grant provided under subsection 7d74 7#b7 ,report ,not later than #c years after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,agriculture of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition1 and ,forestry of the ,senate a report describing the evaluation conducted under paragraph 7#a71 including a thorough analysis of the outcomes of the evaluation4 7i7 ,funding 7#a7 ,mandatory funding ,of the funds of the ,commodity ,credit ,corporation1 the ,secretary shall use to carry out this section #hj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjah through #bjbb1 to remain available until expended4 7#b7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section #bj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjah through #bjbb1 to remain available until expended4 7#c7 ,use of funds 7,a7 ,producers 7i7 ,in general ,subject to clause 7ii71 of the funds made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year1 #ce percent shall be used for grants under subsection 7d7 provided to eligible entities described in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,c7 of subsection 7a77#d74 7ii7 ,majority-controlled producer-based business ventures ,the total amount of grants under subsection 7d7 provided to majority-controlled producer-based business ventures for a fiscal year shall not exceed #aj percent of the amount reserved under clause 7i74 7,b7 ,regional partnerships ,of the funds made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year1 #aj percent shall be used to enter into partnership agreements4 7,c7 ,unobligated funds ,any funds reserved under subparagraph 7,a7 or 7,b7 that are not obligated for the uses described in that subparagraph1 as applicable1 by ,september #cj of the fiscal year for which the funds were made available-- 7i7 shall be available to carry out any function of the ,program2 and 7ii7 may carry over to the next fiscal year4 7#d7 ,administrative expenses ,not greater than #h percent of amounts made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year may be used for administrative expenses4 4 #c4 ,food safety outreach program 7a7 ,eligibility and project priorities ,section #dje of the ,agricultural ,research1 ,extension1 and ,education ,reform ,act of #aiih 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #gfbe7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking subsection 7c7 and inserting the following new subsection3 7c7 ,project priorities ,in awarding grants under this section1 the ,secretary shall give priority to the following types of projects3 7#a7 ,a project that targets small and medium-sized farms1 beginning farmers1 socially disadvantaged farmers1 small food processors1 or small fresh fruit and vegetable merchant wholesalers4 7#b7 ,a project carried out in partnership with or led by a nonprofit community-based or non-governmental organization1 an organization representing owners and operators of farms1 small food processors1 or small fruit and vegetable merchant wholesalers that work with or represent the target audience for the project4 2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7f77#a7-- 7,a7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,c71 7,d71 and 7,e7 as subparagraphs 7,d71 7,e71 and 7,f71 respectively2 and 7,b7 by striking subparagraph 7,b7 and inserting the following new subparagraphs3 7,b7 a ,federal1 ,state1 local1 or tribal agency2 7,c7 a nonprofit community-based or non-governmental organization or an organization representing owners and operators of farms1 small food processors1 or small fruit and vegetable merchant wholesalers that has a commitment to public health and expertise in administering programs that contribute to food safety2 4 7b7 ,coordination and cooperation ,section #dje7;d7 of the ,agricultural ,research1 ,extension1 and ,education ,reform ,act of #aiih 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #gfbe7;d77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking ,national ,integrated ,food ,safety ,initiative and inserting ,agricultural ,marketing ,service2 and 7#b7 by striking paragraph 7#b7 and inserting the following new paragraphs3 7#b7 ,consultation ,in carrying out the grant program under this section1 the ,secretary shall consult with the ,national ,institute of ,food and ,agriculture-- 7,a7 to take into consideration applied research1 education1 and extension results2 and 7,b7 to integrate program evaluations and results into the research1 education1 and extension agenda4 7#c7 ,food safety applied research agenda ,in determining the applied research agenda for food safety1 the ,secretary shall take into consideration the needs articulated by participants in projects funded by the program under this section4 4 7c7 ,grant features and requirements ,section #dje7;e7 of the ,agricultural ,research1 ,extension1 and ,education ,reform ,act of #aiih 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #gfbe7;e77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking paragraph 7#b7 and inserting the following new paragraph3 7#b7 ,encouraged features ,the ,secretary shall encourage projects carried out using grant funds under this section-- 7,a7 to include co-management of food safety1 conservation systems1 and ecological health2 and 7,b7 to be appropriate to the identified needs of the priority target audience4 2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#c77;,b71 by inserting before the period at the end the following3 1 except that a continuation grant may be approved for a project that meets one of the priorities specified in subsection 7c7 and demonstrates positive impacts to the target audience from the prior funding cycle2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#d7 ,limitation on indirect costs ,a recipient of a grant under this subsection may not use more than #bj percent on the funds provided by the grant for the indirect costs of carrying out the initiatives described in paragraph 7#a74 4 7d7 ,funding ,subsection 7j7 of section #dje of the ,agricultural ,research1 ,extension1 and ,education ,reform ,act of #aiih 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #gfbe7 is amended to read as follows3 7j7 ,funding 7#a7 ,mandatory funding ,of the funds of the ,commodity ,credit ,corporation1 the ,secretary shall use to carry out this section #bj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjah through #bjbb4 7#b7 ,limitation on administrative expenses ,not more than #e percent of the total amount made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year may be used for administrative expenses4 4 7e7 ,cross-,reference and technical correction ,section #dje7;a7 of the ,agricultural ,research1 ,extension1 and ,education ,reform ,act of #aiih 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #gfbe7;a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by inserting 7known as the ,food ,safety ,outreach ,program7 after competitive grant program2 and 7#b7 by striking section #ajaa7;d7 of the ,federal ,food1 ,drug1 and ,cosmetic ,act and inserting section #ajab7;d7 of the ,federal ,food1 ,drug1 and ,cosmetic ,act 7#ba ,u4,s4,c4 #cii;c7d774 #d4 ,food safety cost-share program 7a7 ,establishment required ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture1 acting through the ,administrator of the ,agricultural ,marketing ,service1 shall establish a national food safety cost-share program to reimburse producers and handlers of agricultural products for costs incurred in obtaining food safety certification and in making necessary changes and upgrades to practices and equipment to improve food safety4 7b7 ,eligibility 7#a7 ,in general ,any domestic producer or handler that obtains a food safety certification may request reimbursement under the national food safety cost-share program4 7#b7 ,limitation ,a producer or handler that has successfully passed a food safety audit each year of the preceding three years is not eligible for reimbursement4 7c7 ,amount of reimbursement 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretary may reimburse a producer or handler under the national food safety cost-share program for-- 7,a7 not more than #ge percent of the costs incurred by the producer or handler in obtaining food safety certification through an accredited food safety certifier2 and 7,b7 not more than #ej percent of the costs incurred by the producer or handler for changes to agricultural practices and equipment necessary to improve food safety4 7#b7 ,maximum amount ,the maximum amount of reimbursement provided to a producer or handler under the national food safety cost-share program shall be-- 7,a7 #a1ejj under paragraph 7#a77;,a72 and 7,b7 #e1jjj under paragraph 7#a77;,b74 7#c7 ,increased payments for certain producers ,notwithstanding paragraph 7#a71 but subject to paragraph 7#b71 in the case of a producer that is a limited resource1 socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher1 a veteran farmer or rancher 7as defined in section #beja7;e7 of the ,food1 ,agriculture1 ,conservation1 and ,trade ,act of #aiij 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bbgi7;e7771 or a beginning farmer or rancher1 the ,secretary may increase the amount that would otherwise be provided to the producer under this subsection-- 7,a7 up to #ij percent of the cost of certification2 and 7,b7 up to #ge percent of the cost of practices4 7d7 ,reporting requirements ,not later than ,march #a of each year1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,agriculture of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition1 and ,forestry of the ,senate a report that describes the requests by1 disbursements to1 and expenditures for each ,state under the national food safety cost-share program during the current and previous fiscal year1 including the number of producers and handlers served by the program in the previous fiscal year4 7e7 ,funding 7#a7 ,mandatory funding ,of the funds of the ,commodity ,credit ,corporation1 the ,secretary shall make available to carry out the national food safety cost-share program #aj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjah through #bjbb4 ,such amounts shall remain available until expended4 7#b7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the national food safety cost-share program #aj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjah through #bjbb4 #e4 ,national organic certification cost-share program 7a7 ,elimination of directed delegation ,section #ajfjf7;a7 of the ,farm ,security and ,rural ,investment ,act of #bjjb 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #febc7;a77 is amended by striking 7acting through the ,agricultural ,marketing ,service74 7b7 ,funding ,subsection 7d7 of section #ajfjf of the ,farm ,security and ,rural ,investment ,act of #bjjb 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #febc7 is amended to read as follows3 7d7 ,mandatory funding ,of the funds of the ,commodity ,credit ,corporation1 the ,secretary shall make available to carry out the national organic certification cost-share program #aa1ejj1jjj1 to remain available until expended1 for each of fiscal years #bjah through #bjbb4 4 #f4 ,livestock1 dairy1 and poultry supply chain infrastructure grants and loans ,subtitle ,d of title ,,iii of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #aiha et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #cgi;,i4 ,livestock1 dairy1 and poultry supply chain infrastructure 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary is authorized to provide grants or make or insure loans under any of the programs authorized by this ,act1 the ,agricultural ,marketing ,act of #aidf 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #afba et seq471 or the ,rural ,electrification ,act of #aicf 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #ija et seq471 as the ,secretary determines to be appropriate1 to assist farmers and rural businesses and cooperatives to maintain or increase the production1 aggregation1 processing1 distribution1 and marketing of value-added1 niche1 or regionally-marketed meat1 dairy1 and poultry products4 7b7 ,priority ,in implementing subsection 7a71 the ,secretary shall give priority to grants or loans that will help increase or enhance the availability and geographic distribution of ,state- and ,department of ,agriculture-inspected small processing facilities4 7c7 ,small processing facility defined ,in this section1 the term small processing facility means-- 7#a7 with respect to an establishment that is subject to the requirements of the ,federal ,meat ,inspection ,act 7#ba ,u4,s4,c4 #fja et seq471 a certain small establishment that is eligible to be selected under section #eja7;b7 of such ,act2 or 7#b7 a selected establishment 7as defined in section #ca7;a7 of the ,poultry ,products ,inspection ,act 7#ba ,u4,s4,c4 #dgb7;a7774 4 #g4 ,geographic preference and identification for school food ,section #i7;j7 of the ,richard ,b4 ,russell ,national ,school ,lunch ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ageh7;j77 is amended by striking paragraph 7#c7 and inserting the following new paragraph3 7#c7 allow institutions receiving funds under this ,act and the ,child ,nutrition ,act of #aiff 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #agga et seq471 including the ,department of ,defense ,fresh ,fruit and ,vegetable ,program-- 7,a7 to use a geographic preference for the procurement of unprocessed agricultural products1 both locally grown and locally raised2 or 7,b7 to use locally grown1 locally raised1 or locally caught as a product specification4 4 #h4 ,harvesting health program ,the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaa et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #cj4 ,harvesting health program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall1 in coordination with other ,federal agencies1 award grants to eligible entities to conduct pilot projects to demonstrate and evaluate the impact of produce prescription programs for low-income individuals and households4 7b7 ,purpose ,the purpose of the pilot projects required under this section is to demonstrate and evaluate the impact of produce prescription programs in areas with persistent poverty with respect to the following3 7#a7 ,the reduction of individual and household food insecurity4 7#b7 ,the support for local and regional agriculture and economic development4 7#c7 ,the increased domestic consumption of produce4 7#d7 ,the reduction in health care use and associated costs4 7c7 ,eligible entity ,in this section1 the term eligible entity means-- 7#a7 an emergency feeding organization 7as defined in section #bja;,a of the ,emergency ,food ,assistance ,act of #aihc 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #geja771 in partnership with-- 7,a7 a hospital2 7,b7 a ,federally-qualified health center 7as such term is defined in section #aije7l77#b77;,b7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acif;d7l77#b77;,b7772 7,c7 a hospital or clinic operated by the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs2 7,d7 a provider group2 7#b7 a farmer's market1 community supported agriculture entity1 cooperative1 local public benefit corporation1 non-profit organization1 retail food store authorized under the supplemental nutrition assistance program2 7#c7 a local or ,state government agency1 in partnership with any of the entities described in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,d7 of paragraph 7#a72 and 7#d7 any of the entities described in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,d7 of paragraph 7#a71 in partnership with an-- 7,a7 emergency feeding organization2 7,b7 entity described in paragraph 7#b72 or 7,c7 a local or ,state government agency4 7d7 ,demonstration project ,to be eligible to receive a grant under this section1 an eligible entity shall submit an application1 at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may require1 including-- 7#a7 a description of methods for how the produce prescription program would be targeted to low-income individuals and households with existing diet-related health issues2 7#b7 a description and plan for the screening and recruitment of low-income individuals and households with existing diet-related health issues2 7#c7 a description of plans for the evaluation of program participants and partners focused on purposes described under subsection 7b72 7#d7 a description of plans for the inclusion of nutrition education opportunities for program participants2 7#e7 a description of the program partnerships and the role of each partner in implementing and evaluating an effective program2 7#f7 documentation of the necessary partnership agreements with the relevant ,state ,medicaid agency or other appropriate entity for the purpose of evaluating the programs effectiveness in reducing health care use and associated costs2 and 7#g7 data as requested by the ,secretary for purposes of analyzing the impact of the project4 7e7 ,evaluation ,in carrying out this section1 the ,secretary may enter into memorandums of understanding with ,federal and ,states agencies and private partners to ensure the effective implementation and evaluation of the program4 7f7 ,produce prescription program defined ,in this section1 the term produce prescription program means a program-- 7#a7 under which fresh fruits and vegetables are prescribed to individuals or households who are at-risk due to health status or income2 and 7#b7 that may provide-- 7,a7 financial incentives for individuals described in paragraph 7#a7 to purchase fruits and vegetables2 7,b7 education resources on nutrition to such individuals2 and 7,c7 accessible locations for participants to procure fresh fruits and vegetables4 7g7 ,funding 7#a7 ,mandatory funding ,of the funds of the ,commodity ,credit ,corporation1 the ,secretary shall use to carry out this section #aj1jjj1jjj1 to remain available until expended1 for each of fiscal years #bjah through #bjbb4 7#b7 ,discretionary funding ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection #aj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjah through #bjbb4 4 #i4 ,extension of1 expansion of1 and additional funding for1 seniors farmers' market nutrition program 7a7 ,extension of program ,section #ddjb7;a7 of the ,farm ,security and ,rural ,investment ,act of #bjjb 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #cjjg7;a77 is amended to read as follows3 7a7 ,funding 7#a7 ,mandatory funding ,of the funds of the ,commodity ,credit ,corporation1 the ,secretary shall make available to carry out and expand a seniors and veterans farmers' market nutrition program at least #ej1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjah through #bjbb4 7#b7 ,discretionary funding ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section #ej1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjah through #bjbb4 7#c7 ,use of funds ,of the funds made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year-- 7,a7 #gj percent of the funds shall be used for the benefit of program recipients who are low-income seniors2 and 7,b7 #cj percent of the funds shall be used for the benefit of program recipients who are low-income veterans4 4 7b7 ,purposes ,section #ddjb7;b77#a7 of the ,farm ,security and ,rural ,investment ,act of #bjjb 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #cjjg7;b77#a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by inserting 1 minimally processed after unprepared2 and 7#b7 by inserting and low-income veterans after low-income seniors4 7c7 ,administrative costs2 unexpended funds ,section #ddjb of the ,farm ,security and ,rural ,investment ,act of #bjjb 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #cjjg7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7g7 ,unexpended funds ,to the extent the funds made available under subsection 7a7 for a fiscal year are not expended in that fiscal year1 the ,secretary shall use such funds in a subsequent fiscal year for the same purpose4 7h7 ,priorities ,in providing funds made available under this section1 the ,secretary shall give priority to farmers' markets that have an operational seniors and veterans farmers' market program and to seniors and veterans farmers' market programs in historically underserved communities4 7i7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,low-income ,the term low-income shall have the meaning determined by the ,secretary and shall be applied equally with respect to seniors and veterans4 7#b7 ,minimally processed ,the term minimally processed means1 with respect to a product1 processing that does not fundamentally alter such product4 7#c7 ,veteran ,the term veteran means an individual who has served in the ,armed ,forces 7as defined in section #aja7aj7 of title #ch ,united ,states ,code74 4 7d7 ,expansion ,to include veterans ,section #ddjb of the ,farm ,security and ,rural ,investment ,act of #bjjb 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #cjjg7 is amended by inserting and veterans after seniors each place it appears in the section heading and in subsections 7b71 7c71 7d71 and 7f74 #aj4 ,food and agriculture service learning program ,section #dac of the ,agricultural ,research1 ,extension1 and ,education ,reform ,act of #aiih 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #gfcc7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b77#d71 by inserting 1 to promote agricultural education1 and raise awareness about the consequences of wasted food and encourage the implementation of food recovery initiatives to reduce the quantity of wasted food before the semicolon2 7#b7 in subsection 7c7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#b7-- 7i7 in subparagraph 7,c71 by striking and where food comes from2 and and inserting where food comes from1 the consequences of food waste1 and food recovery initiatives22 7ii7 in subparagraph 7,d71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7iii7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,e7 have the capacity to execute regional or national projects that include #b or more ,states4 2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#c7 ,reservation ,the majority of the funds made available to carry out this subsection shall be reserved for projects that-- 7,a7 are larger in scale as compared to other proposed projects2 7,b7 are national or regional in scope2 and 7,c7 include #b or more ,states4 2 and 7#c7 in subsection 7e77#a71 by striking #be1jjj1jjj1 to remain available until expended and inserting #e1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjah through #bjbb4