H.R. 7567

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7567 Engrossed in House (EH)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7567

_______________________________________________________________________

AN ACT

To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other 
programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2031, and 
for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Farm, Food, and 
National Security Act of 2026''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
TITLE I--COMMODITIES

Sec. 1001. Suspension of permanent price support authority.
Sec. 1002. Tree assistance program.
Sec. 1003. Specialty crop emergency assistance framework.
Sec. 1004. Assistance in the form of block grants.
Sec. 1005. Dairy-related extensions.
Sec. 1006. Mandatory reporting of dairy product processing costs.
Sec. 1007. Dairy reports.
Sec. 1008. Processing of certain loans.
Sec. 1009. Storage facility loans.
Sec. 1010. Strengthening domestic food production supply chains.
Sec. 1011. Regulations.
Sec. 1012. Restoration of tobacco as agricultural commodity in 
Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act.
Sec. 1013. Study on storage facility loans for on-farm fertilizer 
storage.
Sec. 1014. Electronic forms for covered disaster assistance programs.
Sec. 1015. Dairy business innovation initiatives.
Sec. 1016. Revision of evidence standards for livestock indemnity 
payments for losses by Mexican wolves.
TITLE II--CONSERVATION

Subtitle A--Definitions

Sec. 2001. Definitions.
Sec. 2002. Mitigation banking.
Subtitle B--Conservation Reserve Program

Sec. 2101. Conservation reserve.
Sec. 2102. Farmable wetland program.
Subtitle C--Environmental Quality Incentives Program

Sec. 2201. Definitions.
Sec. 2202. Establishment and administration.
Sec. 2203. Limitation on payments.
Sec. 2204. Conservation innovation grants and payments.
Sec. 2205. Conservation activities defined.
Subtitle D--Conservation Stewardship Program

Sec. 2301. Conservation stewardship program.
Sec. 2302. Duties of the Secretary.
Sec. 2303. State assistance for soil health.
Subtitle E--Other Conservation Programs

Sec. 2401. Conservation of private grazing land.
Sec. 2402. Feral swine eradication and control program.
Sec. 2403. Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act.
Sec. 2404. Emergency conservation program.
Sec. 2405. Emergency watershed program.
Sec. 2406. National agriculture flood vulnerability study.
Sec. 2407. Study on environmental benefits of winter wheat as a cover 
crop.
Subtitle F--Funding and Administration

Sec. 2501. Commodity Credit Corporation.
Sec. 2502. Delivery of technical assistance.
Sec. 2503. Administrative requirements for conservation programs.
Subtitle G--Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

Sec. 2601. Definitions.
Sec. 2602. Agricultural land easements.
Sec. 2603. Wetland reserve easements.
Sec. 2604. Administration.
Subtitle H--Forest Conservation Easement Program

Sec. 2701. Forest conservation easement program.
Sec. 2702. Healthy Forests Reserve Program.
Subtitle I--Regional Conservation Partnership Program

Sec. 2801. Establishment and purposes.
Sec. 2802. Definitions.
Sec. 2803. Regional conservation partnerships.
Sec. 2804. Assistance to producers.
Sec. 2805. Funding.
Sec. 2806. Administration.
Sec. 2807. Critical conservation areas.
TITLE III--TRADE

Subtitle A--Food for Peace Act

Sec. 3101. Transfer of authorities to the Secretary of Agriculture.
Sec. 3102. Food aid quality assurance.
Sec. 3103. Repeal of minimum levels of assistance.
Sec. 3104. Food aid consultative group.
Sec. 3105. Issuance of regulations; oversight, monitoring, and 
evaluation.
Sec. 3106. International food relief partnership.
Sec. 3107. Use of commodity credit corporation.
Sec. 3108. Pre-positioning of agricultural commodities and annual 
report regarding food aid programs and 
activities.
Sec. 3109. Deadline for agreements to finance sales or to provide other 
assistance.
Sec. 3110. Minimum level of nonemergency food assistance.
Sec. 3111. Termination date for micronutrient fortification programs.
Sec. 3112. John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter farmer-to-farmer program.
Sec. 3113. Food for Peace Act administration.
Subtitle B--Agricultural Trade Act of 1978

Sec. 3201. Agricultural trade promotion and facilitation.
Sec. 3202. Preserving foreign markets for goods using common names.
Sec. 3203. Interagency seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetable 
working group.
Subtitle C--Other Agricultural Trade Laws

Sec. 3301. Growing American food exports.
Sec. 3302. Food for Progress Act of 1985.
Sec. 3303. Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act.
Sec. 3304. Promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets.
Sec. 3305. International agricultural education fellowship program.
Sec. 3306. International agriculture cultural immersion and exchange 
program.
Sec. 3307. International food security technical assistance.
Sec. 3308. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child 
Nutrition Program.
Sec. 3309. Global crop diversity trust.
Sec. 3310. Local and regional food aid procurement projects.
Sec. 3311. Agricultural trade enforcement task force.
Sec. 3312. Report on international shrimp trade.
Subtitle D--Other Trade Matters

Sec. 3401. Report on modifications to USMCA.
Sec. 3402. Sense of Congress and report on Argentine beef imports.
TITLE IV--NUTRITION

Subtitle A--Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Sec. 4101. Declaration of policy.
Sec. 4102. Prohibited fees.
Sec. 4103. SNAP staffing flexibility.
Sec. 4104. Updates to administrative processes for SNAP retailers.
Sec. 4105. Report on all identified payment errors.
Sec. 4106. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 4107. Retail food store and recipient trafficking.
Sec. 4108. EBT card security regulations.
Sec. 4109. Report on SNAP administrative expenses.
Sec. 4110. Animal protein an eligible incentive food.
Sec. 4111. Permanent authority for supplemental nutrition assistance 
program online purchasing.
Sec. 4112. Emergency food assistance programs.
Sec. 4113. Food distribution program on Indian reservations.
Sec. 4114. SNAP eligible hot rotisserie chicken.
Sec. 4115. Foods eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
Subtitle B--Commodity Distribution Programs

Sec. 4201. Commodity distribution program.
Sec. 4202. Commodity supplemental food program.
Sec. 4203. Distribution of surplus commodities to special nutrition 
projects.
Sec. 4204. Commodity supplemental food program demonstration project 
for Tribal organizations.
Subtitle C--Miscellaneous

Sec. 4301. Purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables for distribution to 
schools and service institutions.
Sec. 4302. Buy American requirements for certain school meals.
Sec. 4303. Reauthorization of the Gus Schumacher nutrition incentive 
program.
Sec. 4304. Food loss and waste reduction liaison annual report.
Sec. 4305. Dairy nutrition incentives projects.
Sec. 4306. Local farmers feeding our communities program.
Sec. 4307. Healthy food financing initiative.
Sec. 4308. Dietary guidelines.
Sec. 4309. Fresh fruits and vegetables categorization.
Sec. 4310. Promoting Access to Local Agriculture.
TITLE V--CREDIT

Subtitle A--Farm Ownership Loans

Sec. 5101. Persons eligible for real estate loans.
Sec. 5102. Experience requirements.
Sec. 5103. Refinancing of indebtedness into direct loans.
Sec. 5104. Conservation loan and loan guarantee program.
Sec. 5105. Limitations on amount of farm ownership loans.
Sec. 5106. Inflation percentage.
Sec. 5107. Authority of Farm Credit System institutions to provide 
financial support for essential rural 
community facilities projects.
Sec. 5108. Down payment loan program.
Sec. 5109. Heirs property.
Sec. 5110. Prompt approval of loans and loan guarantees.
Sec. 5111. Expedited approval pilot program.
Subtitle B--Operating Loans

Sec. 5201. Persons eligible for operating loans.
Sec. 5202. Limitations on amount of operating loans.
Sec. 5203. Limitation on microloan amounts.
Sec. 5204. Cooperative lending pilot projects.
Subtitle C--Emergency Loans

Sec. 5301. Persons eligible for emergency loans.
Subtitle D--Administrative Provisions

Sec. 5401. Beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts 
pilot program.
Sec. 5402. Loan authorization levels.
Sec. 5403. Loan fund set-asides.
Sec. 5404. Use of additional funds for direct operating microloans 
under certain conditions.
Subtitle E--Miscellaneous

Sec. 5501. Extension of credit to businesses providing services to 
producers or harvesters of aquatic 
products.
Sec. 5502. Export finance authority.
Sec. 5503. Support for rural water and waste systems.
Sec. 5504. Farm credit system regulation.
Sec. 5505. Loan guarantees.
Sec. 5506. Standards for qualified loans.
Sec. 5507. State agricultural mediation programs.
Sec. 5508. Technical corrections.
Sec. 5509. Report on improving creditworthiness of direct and 
guaranteed loan borrowers.
Sec. 5510. Farm Credit Administration option to examine low-risk Farm 
Credit System institutions on a 24-month 
cycle.
TITLE VI--RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Subtitle A--Improving Health Outcomes in Rural America

Sec. 6101. Prioritizations for distance learning and telemedicine and 
community facilities program.
Sec. 6102. Distance learning and telemedicine loans and grants.
Subtitle B--Connecting Rural Americans to High Speed Broadband

Sec. 6201. Rural broadband program loans and grants.
Sec. 6202. Expansion of middle mile infrastructure into rural areas.
Sec. 6203. Innovative broadband advancement program.
Sec. 6204. Community connect grants.
Sec. 6205. Rate regulation.
Sec. 6206. Public notice, assessments, technical assistance, and 
reporting requirements.
Sec. 6207. Limitation on overbuilding.
Subtitle C--Miscellaneous

Sec. 6301. Rural energy savings program.
Sec. 6302. Promoting precision agriculture.
Sec. 6303. Food supply chain guaranteed loans.
Sec. 6304. New, mobile, and expanded meat processing and rendering 
grants.
Sec. 6305. Expanding Childcare in Rural America Initiative.
Sec. 6306. Technical assistance for geographically underserved and 
distressed areas.
Sec. 6307. Establishment of the Rural Development Innovation Center.
Sec. 6308. Rural Health Liaison report.
Subtitle D--Additional Amendments to the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act

Sec. 6401. Water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility grants.
Sec. 6402. Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program.
Sec. 6403. Zero and low interest loans for distressed water systems.
Sec. 6404. Tribal college and university essential community 
facilities.
Sec. 6405. Emergency and imminent community water assistance grant 
program.
Sec. 6406. Water systems for rural and native villages in Alaska.
Sec. 6407. Rural decentralized water systems.
Sec. 6408. Assistance to rural entities.
Sec. 6409. Solid waste management grants.
Sec. 6410. Rural business development grants.
Sec. 6411. Rural cooperative development grants.
Sec. 6412. Lender fees in guaranteed loan programs.
Sec. 6413. Locally or regionally produced agricultural food products.
Sec. 6414. Appropriate technology transfer for rural areas program.
Sec. 6415. Rural economic area partnership zones.
Sec. 6416. Intermediary relending program.
Sec. 6417. Rural health care facility assistance.
Sec. 6418. Prohibition on use of loan or grant for certain purposes.
Sec. 6419. Rural Business-Cooperative Service programs technical 
assistance and training.
Sec. 6420. National Rural Development Partnership.
Sec. 6421. Grants for NOAA weather radio transmitters.
Sec. 6422. Rural microentrepreneur assistance program.
Sec. 6423. Health care services.
Sec. 6424. Strategic economic and community development.
Sec. 6425. Rural innovation stronger economy grant program.
Sec. 6426. Limitation on rural business investment companies controlled 
by Farm Credit System institutions.
Sec. 6427. Rural business investment program.
Sec. 6428. Technical corrections.
Sec. 6429. Rural water and wastewater technical assistance and training 
programs.
Subtitle E--Additional Amendments to the Rural Electrification Act of 
1936

Sec. 6501. Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for utility 
infrastructure purposes.
Sec. 6502. Extension of the rural economic development loan and grant 
program.
Sec. 6503. Expansion of 911 access.
TITLE VII--RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND RELATED MATTERS

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

Sec. 7101. National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and 
Economics Advisory Board.
Sec. 7102. Specialty crop committee.
Sec. 7103. Veterinary medicine loan repayment.
Sec. 7104. Veterinary services grant program.
Sec. 7105. Grants and fellowships for food and agriculture sciences 
education.
Sec. 7106. Agricultural and food policy research centers.
Sec. 7107. Education grants to Alaska Native serving institutions and 
Native Hawaiian serving institutions.
Sec. 7108. Nutrition education program.
Sec. 7109. Continuing animal health and disease research programs.
Sec. 7110. Extension and agricultural research at 1890 land-grant 
colleges, including Tuskegee University.
Sec. 7111. Scholarships for students at 1890 Institutions.
Sec. 7112. Grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities 
at 1890 land-grant colleges, including 
Tuskegee University.
Sec. 7113. Grants to upgrade agriculture and food sciences facilities 
and equipment and support tropical and 
subtropical agricultural research at 
insular area land-grant colleges and 
universities.
Sec. 7114. Matching funds requirement for research and extension 
activities at eligible institutions.
Sec. 7115. New beginning for Tribal students.
Sec. 7116. Education grants programs for Hispanic-serving institutions.
Sec. 7117. Binational agricultural research and development.
Sec. 7118. Grants and partnerships for international agricultural 
research, extension, and education.
Sec. 7119. Research equipment grants.
Sec. 7120. University research.
Sec. 7121. Extension service.
Sec. 7122. Supplemental and alternative crops.
Sec. 7123. Grants for community college agriculture and natural 
resources programs.
Sec. 7124. Capacity building grants for NLGCA institutions.
Sec. 7125. Agriculture advanced research and development authority.
Sec. 7126. Aquaculture assistance programs.
Sec. 7127. Special authorization for biosecurity planning and response.
Sec. 7128. Agriculture and food protection grant program.
Sec. 7129. Distance education grants for insular areas.
Sec. 7130. Resident instruction grants for insular areas.
Sec. 7131. Repeals.
Subtitle B--Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990

Sec. 7201. Sustainable agriculture research and education.
Sec. 7202. National Genetics Resources Program.
Sec. 7203. Agricultural genome to phenome initiative.
Sec. 7204. High-priority research and extension initiatives.
Sec. 7205. Organic agriculture research and extension initiative.
Sec. 7206. Farm business management.
Sec. 7207. Urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production 
research, education, and extension 
initiative.
Sec. 7208. Centers of excellence.
Sec. 7209. Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities.
Sec. 7210. Farming opportunities training and outreach.
Sec. 7211. National Rural Information Center Clearinghouse.
Sec. 7212. Repeal.
Sec. 7213. Researching the transition to organic.
Subtitle C--Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act 
of 1998

Sec. 7301. National food safety training, education, extension, 
outreach, and technical assistance program.
Sec. 7302. Integrated research, education, and extension competitive 
grants program.
Sec. 7303. Support for research regarding diseases of wheat, triticale, 
and barley caused by fusarium graminearum 
or by tilletia indica.
Sec. 7304. Grants for youth organizations.
Sec. 7305. Specialty crop research initiative.
Sec. 7306. Agriculture grants for veteran education and training 
services.
Sec. 7307. Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database program.
Sec. 7308. Office of Pest Management Policy.
Sec. 7309. Forestry products advanced utilization research.
Sec. 7310. Repeals.
Subtitle D--Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008

Sec. 7401. Grazinglands research laboratory.
Sec. 7402. Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network.
Sec. 7403. Sun grant program.
Sec. 7404. Repeals.
Subtitle E--Amendments to Other Laws

Sec. 7501. Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994.
Sec. 7502. Research Facilities Act.
Sec. 7503. Agriculture and Food Research Initiative.
Sec. 7504. Extension design and demonstration initiative.
Sec. 7505. Biomass research and development.
Sec. 7506. Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978.
Sec. 7507. National Aquaculture Act of 1980.
Sec. 7508. Reports on disbursement of funds for agricultural research 
and extension at 1862 and 1890 land-grant 
colleges, including Tuskegee University.
Sec. 7509. Repeal.
Sec. 7510. Amendment to Smith-Lever Act.
Subtitle F--Other Matters

Sec. 7601. Foundation for food and agriculture research.
Sec. 7602. Agriculture innovation center demonstration program.
Sec. 7603. Livestock insects laboratory.
Sec. 7604. U.S. Abit Massey National Poultry Research Center.
Sec. 7605. Hatch Act of 1887.
Sec. 7606. Commission on national agricultural statistics service 
modernization.
Sec. 7607. Restoration of 4-H name and emblem authority.
Sec. 7608. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and 
Economics.
Sec. 7609. Agricultural Innovation Corps.
Sec. 7610. Study on technical assistance with respect to transfer of 
agricultural land and assets.
Sec. 7611. Sense of Congress relating to the importance of community 
colleges to the United Sates agriculture 
industry.
Sec. 7612. Limitation on certain research involving dogs and cats.
Sec. 7613. Report on national grape production.
Sec. 7614. Limitation on certain research in countries of concern.
TITLE VIII--FORESTRY

Subtitle A--Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978

Sec. 8101. Support for State assessments and strategies for forest 
resources.
Sec. 8102. Forest legacy program technical correction.
Sec. 8103. State and private forest landscape-scale restoration 
program.
Sec. 8104. Rural fire prevention and control.
Subtitle B--Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003

Sec. 8201. Promoting cross-boundary wildfire mitigation.
Sec. 8202. Authorization of appropriations for hazardous fuel reduction 
on Federal land.
Sec. 8203. Water source protection program.
Sec. 8204. Watershed condition framework technical corrections.
Sec. 8205. Authorization of appropriations to combat insect 
infestations and related diseases.
Sec. 8206. Insect and disease infestation.
Sec. 8207. Stewardship end result contracting projects.
Subtitle C--Other Forestry Programs

Sec. 8301. National and regional agroforestry centers.
Sec. 8302. National Forest Foundation Act.
Sec. 8303. Conveyances and leases of forest service administrative 
sites.
Sec. 8304. Forest inventory and analysis.
Sec. 8305. Reforestation, nursery, and seed orchard support.
Subtitle D--Forest Management

Part I--National Forest System Management

Sec. 8401. Categorical exclusion for high priority hazard trees.
Sec. 8402. Collaborative restoration projects.
Sec. 8403. Wildfire resilience project size.
Sec. 8404. Fuel breaks in forests and other wildland vegetation.
Sec. 8405. Greater sage-grouse and mule deer habitat.
Sec. 8406. Categorical exclusion for electric utility lines rights-of-
way.
Sec. 8407. Forest management activities on National Forest System 
lands.
Sec. 8408. Suppression of wildfires.
Sec. 8409. Kaibab National Forest restoration.
Part II--Forest Management Activities

Sec. 8411. No additional consultation required.
Sec. 8412. Good neighbor authority.
Sec. 8413. Collaborative forest landscape restoration program.
Sec. 8414. Public-private wildfire technology deployment and testbed 
partnership.
Sec. 8415. Forest service participation in experienced services 
program.
Sec. 8416. Timber sales on National Forest System land.
Sec. 8417. Permits and agreements with electrical utilities.
Sec. 8418. Utilizing grazing for wildfire risk reduction.
Sec. 8419. Joint chiefs landscape restoration partnership program.
Sec. 8420. Tribal forest management program technical correction.
Sec. 8421. Timber production expansion guaranteed loan program.
Part III--Timber Innovation

Sec. 8431. Community wood facilities program.
Sec. 8432. Wood innovation grant program.
Sec. 8433. Forest and wood products data tracker.
Sec. 8434. Biochar application demonstration project.
Subtitle E--Other Matters

Sec. 8501. Rural revitalization technologies.
Sec. 8502. Resource advisory committees.
Sec. 8503. Accurate hazardous fuels reduction reports.
Sec. 8504. Special use authorization rental fee waiver.
Sec. 8505. Charges and fees for harvest of forest botanical products.
Sec. 8506. Forest service legacy road and trail remediation program 
transparency.
Sec. 8507. Direct hire authority.
Sec. 8508. Improving the emergency forest restoration program.
Sec. 8509. Exemption for previously analyzed areas of National Forest 
System Lands.
Sec. 8510. Release of reversionary interest in Black River State 
Forest.
Sec. 8511. Doug LaMalfa Secure Rural Schools Act.
Sec. 8512. Minor range improvements under Forest Service grazing 
permits.
Sec. 8513. Eligibility of national grasslands for grazing leases and 
permits.
Subtitle F--White Oak Resilience

Sec. 8601. Short title.
Sec. 8602. White oak restoration initiative coalition.
Sec. 8603. Forest service pilot program.
Sec. 8604. White oak regeneration and upland oak habitat.
Sec. 8605. Tree nursery shortages.
Sec. 8606. Shrubland wildfire mitigation study.
Subtitle G--Save Our Sequoias

Sec. 8701. Short title; definitions.
Sec. 8702. Shared stewardship agreement for giant sequoias.
Sec. 8703. Giant sequoia lands coalition.
Sec. 8704. Giant sequoia health and resiliency assessment.
Sec. 8705. Giant sequoia emergency response.
Sec. 8706. Giant sequoia reforestation and rehabilitation strategy.
Sec. 8707. Giant sequoia strike teams.
Sec. 8708. Giant sequoia collaborative restoration grants.
Sec. 8709. Giant sequoia insect monitoring and technology.
Sec. 8710. Stewardship contracting for giant sequoias.
Sec. 8711. Giant sequoia emergency protection program and fund.
TITLE IX--ENERGY

Sec. 9001. Definition of advanced biofuel.
Sec. 9002. Biobased markets program.
Sec. 9003. Biorefinery assistance.
Sec. 9004. Bioproduct labeling terminology.
Sec. 9005. Bioenergy program for advanced biofuels.
Sec. 9006. Biodiesel Fuel Education Program.
Sec. 9007. Rural Energy for America Program.
Sec. 9008. Feedstock flexibility.
Sec. 9009. Biomass Crop Assistance Program.
Sec. 9010. Carbon utilization and biogas education program.
Sec. 9011. Study on effects of solar panel installations on covered 
farmland.
Sec. 9012. Limitation on USDA funding for ground-mounted solar energy 
systems.
Sec. 9013. Sustainable aviation fuels strategy.
Sec. 9014. Leveraging efficiency awareness for pumping systems.
Sec. 9015. Adding waste energy recovery to the Rural Energy for America 
Program.
Sec. 9016. Study on utilization of second-use batteries for 
agricultural purposes.
Sec. 9017. Tree planting grant program.
TITLE X--HORTICULTURE, MARKETING, AND REGULATORY REFORM

Subtitle A--Horticulture

Sec. 10001. Specialty crop block grants.
Sec. 10002. Specialty crops market news allocation.
Sec. 10003. Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production.
Sec. 10004. National Plant Diagnostics Network.
Sec. 10005. Hemp production.
Sec. 10006. Pilot program for the intra-organizational movement of 
genetically engineered microorganisms by 
certain authorized parties.
Subtitle B--Marketing

Sec. 10101. Marketing orders.
Sec. 10102. Local agriculture market program.
Sec. 10103. Acer access and development program.
Sec. 10104. Organic production and market data initiative.
Sec. 10105. Organic certification.
Sec. 10106. Report on procurement.
Sec. 10107. Definitions of risk to organic integrity and oversight 
protocols.
Sec. 10108. Modernization of inspection requirements.
Sec. 10109. Study and reform of National Organic Program oversight 
protocols.
Subtitle C--Regulatory Reform

Part I--Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act

Sec. 10201. Exclusion of certain substances.
Sec. 10202. Coordination.
Sec. 10203. Interagency working group.
Sec. 10204. Registration review.
Part II--Other Regulatory Reform Provisions

Sec. 10211. Multiple crop and pesticide use survey.
Sec. 10212. Safe harbor for certain discharges of wildland fire 
chemicals.
Sec. 10213. Office of Biotechnology Policy.
TITLE XI--CROP INSURANCE

Sec. 11001. Specialty Crop Advisory Committee.
Sec. 11002. Identification of holders of substantial interests.
Sec. 11003. Actuarial soundness of certain new products.
Sec. 11004. Coverage of revenue losses.
Sec. 11005. Limitation on farm program participation.
Sec. 11006. Limitation on interest accrual.
Sec. 11007. Crop insurance support for beginning and veteran farmers 
and ranchers.
Sec. 11008. Marketability.
Sec. 11009. Reimbursement rates for administrative and operating costs.
Sec. 11010. Quality loss adjustment coverage.
Sec. 11011. Pilot program to review effectiveness of coverage penalty.
Sec. 11012. Whole farm improvements.
Sec. 11013. Program compliance and integrity.
Sec. 11014. Research and development priorities.
Sec. 11015. Report on Standard Reinsurance Agreement.
Sec. 11016. Hurricane insurance protection-wind index report.
Sec. 11017. Risk management study for lamb.
Sec. 11018. Study on livestock risk protection policy with respect to 
producers of feeder cattle affected by 
adverse weather events.
TITLE XII--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Subtitle A--Livestock and Other Animals

Part I--Animal Health and Production

Sec. 12001. Animal disease prevention and management.
Sec. 12002. Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program review and report.
Sec. 12003. Additional training facilities for National Detector Dog 
Training Center.
Sec. 12004. Regionalization, zoning, and compartmentalization 
agreements.
Sec. 12005. Importation of live dogs.
Sec. 12006. Ensuring the free movement of livestock-derived products in 
interstate commerce.
Sec. 12007. Report on support for livestock and poultry producers 
during a foreign animal disease outbreak.
Sec. 12008. Protection of greyhounds.
Sec. 12009. Animal fighting.
Sec. 12010. Placement of animals used in Federal research.
Part II--Meat and Poultry Processing and Inspection

Sec. 12111. Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States (A-
PLUS).
Sec. 12112. Hazard analysis and critical control point guidance and 
resources for small and very small poultry 
and meat establishments.
Sec. 12113. Outreach on cooperative interstate shipment.
Sec. 12114. Pilot program to support custom slaughter establishments.
Subtitle B--Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994

Sec. 12201. Office of Homeland Security.
Sec. 12202. Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement.
Sec. 12203. Burden of proof for national appeals division hearings.
Sec. 12204. Termination of authority.
Sec. 12205. Functions of the Office of Tribal Relations.
Subtitle C--National Security

Sec. 12301. Agricultural foreign investment disclosure improvements.
Sec. 12302. Report on agricultural land purchasing activities in the 
United States by countries designated as 
state sponsors of terrorism and certain 
other countries.
Sec. 12303. Investigative actions.
Sec. 12304. Digitization and consolidation of foreign land ownership 
data collection and publication.
Sec. 12305. CFIUS consideration of certain agricultural land 
transactions.
Sec. 12306. Prohibition on purchase of agricultural land by foreign 
adversaries and state sponsors of 
terrorism.
Subtitle D--Other Miscellaneous Provisions

Sec. 12401. Commission on Farm Transitions--Needs for 2050.
Sec. 12402. Report on personnel.
Sec. 12403. Improvements to United States Drought Monitor.
Sec. 12404. Reports on land access and farmland ownership data 
collection.
Sec. 12405. Increasing transparency regarding detention of imported 
plants.
Sec. 12406. Enhancement of pet protections.
Sec. 12407. Protecting animals with shelter.
Sec. 12408. Report on available assistance to agricultural producers in 
the State of Texas that have suffered 
economic losses due to the failure of 
Mexico to deliver water.
Sec. 12409. Qualified renewable biomass.
Sec. 12410. Whole milk under the school breakfast program.
Sec. 12411. Spotted lanternfly awareness campaign.
Sec. 12412. Rio Grande Valley agricultural water interagency working 
group.
Sec. 12413. Cost-share grants for rollover protection structures.
Sec. 12414. Report on barriers to accessing Federal programs.
Sec. 12415. Transparency of records of commodity boards.
Sec. 12416. Honey Standards and Definitions.
Sec. 12417. Report on assistance available to agricultural producers in 
Arizona for certain losses.
Sec. 12418. Precision agriculture satellite connectivity.
Sec. 12419. Establishment of Office of Seafood in the Department of 
Agriculture.
Sec. 12420. Department of Agriculture loans and grants for commercial 
fishing and fish processing businesses.
Sec. 12421. Honey testing standards.
Sec. 12422. Exemption of farm equipment from Clean Air Act emission 
standards.
Subtitle E--United States Grain Standards Reauthorization

Sec. 12501. Declaration of policy.
Sec. 12502. Official inspection authority and funding.
Sec. 12503. Weighing authority.
Sec. 12504. Testing of equipment.
Sec. 12505. Limitation on administrative and supervisory costs.
Sec. 12506. General authorities.
Sec. 12507. Registration requirements.
Sec. 12508. Reporting requirements.
Sec. 12509. Funding.
Sec. 12510. Advisory committee.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:
(1) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the 
Department of Agriculture.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
of Agriculture.

TITLE I--COMMODITIES

SEC. 1001. SUSPENSION OF PERMANENT PRICE SUPPORT AUTHORITY.

Section 1602 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9092) is 
amended by striking ``2023'' each place it appears and inserting 
``2031''.

SEC. 1002. TREE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

(a) Definitions.--Section 1501(e)(1) of the Agricultural Act of 
2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(e)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``or biennial'' after 
``annual''; and
(2) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``or pest'' after 
``insect''.
(b) Economic Viability.--Section 1501(e)(2)(A) of the Agricultural 
Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(e)(2)(A)) is amended--
(1) by striking clauses (i) and (ii); and
(2) by striking ``to provide assistance--'' and inserting 
``to provide assistance under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of 
paragraph (3) to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers 
that planted trees for commercial purposes but lost the trees 
or the trees no longer produce an economically viable crop as a 
result of a natural disaster, as determined by the 
Secretary.''.
(c) Assistance.--Section 1501(e)(3) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 
(7 U.S.C. 9081(e)(3)) is amended in the matter before subparagraph (A) 
by striking ``and (5)'' and inserting ``, (5), (6), and (7)''.
(d) Requirements With Respect to Assistance.--Section 1501(e) of 
the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(e)) is amended by adding at 
the end the following:
``(6) Timing requirements.--An eligible orchardist or 
nursery tree grower shall agree, as a condition on receipt of 
assistance under this subsection, to carry out any replacement 
and rehabilitation activities for which such assistance is 
provided not later than--
``(A) 2 years after the application for such 
assistance is approved; or
``(B) if the period specified in subparagraph (A) 
is not adequate for tree survival, at such time as is 
necessary to ensure tree survival.
``(7) Alternatives used in replanting.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible orchardist or 
nursery tree grower receiving assistance under this 
subsection with respect to tree loss may use such 
assistance to replant using--
``(i) an alternative variety from the 
variety used prior to the loss;
``(ii) an alternative stand density from 
the stand density used prior to the loss; and
``(iii) an alternative location than was 
used prior to the loss.
``(B) Cost share limitations with respect to 
alternatives.--The assistance provided by the Secretary 
to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers--
``(i) for losses described in subparagraph 
(A)(i), shall be an amount that is not greater 
than the amount the eligible orchardist or 
nursery tree grower would receive if the 
eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower 
planted the variety lost;
``(ii) for losses described in subparagraph 
(A)(ii) shall be an amount that is not greater 
than the amount the eligible orchardist or 
nursery tree grower would receive if the 
eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower 
planted the stand density lost; and
``(iii) for losses described in 
subparagraph (A)(iii), shall be an amount that 
is not greater than the amount the eligible 
orchardist or nursery tree grower would receive 
if the eligible orchardist or nursery tree 
grower planted the location in which the loss 
occurred.''.
(e) Deadline for Notice Regarding Application Status.--Section 
1501(e) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9801(e)) is further 
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(8) Deadline for notice regarding application status.--
Not later than 120 days after receiving an application for 
assistance under this subsection, the Secretary shall--
``(A) approve or deny such application; and
``(B) notify the applicant of such approval or 
denial.''.
(f) Initial Payments Under Tree Assistance Program.--Section 
1501(e) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(e)) is amended 
by adding at the end the following:
``(9) Initial payments.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible orchardist or 
nursery tree grower may opt to receive an initial 
assistance payment with respect to losses described in 
paragraph (2) before incurring the costs described in 
paragraph (3) relating to such losses.
``(B) Amount.--An initial assistance payment under 
subparagraph (A) shall be in an amount that is equal to 
the fair market value of the estimated costs described 
in paragraph (3) that the eligible orchardist or 
nursery tree grower is likely to incur with respect to 
losses described in paragraph (2), as determined by the 
Secretary.
``(C) Subsequent payment.--
``(i) In general.--In the case of an 
eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower that 
opts to receive an initial payment under 
subparagraph (A) with respect to losses 
described in paragraph (2), the Secretary 
shall, as soon as practicable after providing 
such initial payment, provide a subsequent 
payment to the eligible orchardist or nursery 
tree grower in an amount equal to--
``(I) the payment amount the 
eligible orchardist or nursery tree 
grower would have received with respect 
to such losses under paragraph (3) or 
pursuant to paragraph (5); minus
``(II) the initial payment amount 
provided to such eligible orchardist or 
nursery tree grower under subparagraph 
(B) with respect to such losses.
``(ii) Overpayment.--If an initial payment 
under subparagraph (B) with respect to losses 
described in paragraph (2) is greater than the 
amount an eligible orchardist or nursery tree 
grower would have received under paragraph (3) 
or pursuant to paragraph (5) for such losses, 
such eligible orchardist or nursery tree grower 
shall repay the Secretary the excess amount.
``(D) Sunset.--The authority to make payments under 
this paragraph shall terminate on September 30, 
2035.''.

SEC. 1003. SPECIALTY CROP EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FRAMEWORK.

(a) In General.--The Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act 
of 1996 is amended by inserting after section 196 (7 U.S.C. 7333) the 
following:

``SEC. 196A. SPECIALTY CROP EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FRAMEWORK.

``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a framework to 
provide direct assistance to producers of specialty crops the 
production of which was impacted by an adverse event (including an 
economic crisis or market disruption), as determined by the Secretary, 
in accordance with this section.
``(b) Payment Calculation.--In determining a payment calculation 
for purposes of direct assistance to a producer of specialty crops 
under subsection (a), the Secretary shall calculate payments based on--
``(1) the producer's sales of specialty crops for a 
calendar year that precedes the year in which the adverse event 
described in such subsection occurred or the average of such 
sales over a set of consecutive calendar years that precedes 
the year in which such adverse event occurred, as determined by 
the Secretary; multiplied by
``(2) a payment factor the Secretary determines, subject to 
the availability of funds, to address losses of such specialty 
crops from such adverse event.
``(c) Special Rules.--Subject to subsection (d), in providing 
direct assistance pursuant to this section, the Secretary shall 
consider--
``(1) the higher value of specialty crops;
``(2) the greater input costs required to grow specialty 
crops; and
``(3) diverse types of legal entities and structures used 
by specialty crop producers.
``(d) Limitations.--
``(1) Total amount.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in 
subparagraph (B), the total amount of payments 
received, directly or indirectly, by a person or legal 
entity (except a qualified pass-through entity) (as 
such terms are defined in section 1001(a) of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308(a))) for any crop 
year under this section may not exceed the amount 
specified in subsection (b) of section 1001 of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308), as adjusted 
pursuant to subsection (i) of such section 1001.
``(B) Exception.--In the case of a person or legal 
entity with an average gross income (as calculated 
under section 1001D(b)(4)(B) of the Food Security Act 
of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3a(b)(4)(B))) for which greater 
than or equal to 75 percent of the average derives from 
farming, ranching, or silviculture activities--
``(i) subparagraph (A) shall not apply; and
``(ii) the total maximum amount of payments 
received, directly or indirectly, by such 
person or legal entity for any crop year under 
this section shall be set by the Secretary, 
except such amount may not be less than 
$900,000.
``(2) Notification of interests; eligibility; denials.--
Sections 1001A(a), 1001B, and 1001C of the Food Security Act of 
1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-1(a); 1308-2; 1308-3) shall apply to a 
producer of a specialty crop under this section in the same 
manner as such sections apply to a person or legal entity with 
respect to a covered commodity, except to the extent such 
sections relate to the application of subsections (b) through 
(d) of section 1001A.''.
(b) Payment Limitation Conforming Amendment.--Section 1001D(b) of 
the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3a(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)(E), by inserting ``or 196A'' after 
``section 196''; and
(2) in paragraph (4)(A)(i)(II), by inserting ``or 196A'' 
after ``section 196''.

SEC. 1004. ASSISTANCE IN THE FORM OF BLOCK GRANTS.

(a) In General.--Subtitle E of title I of the Agricultural Act of 
2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the 
following:

``SEC. 1502. ASSISTANCE IN THE FORM OF BLOCK GRANTS.

``(a) In General.--In the case additional funds made available 
after the date of the enactment of this section for covered losses, the 
Secretary may make assistance for such losses available in the form of 
block grants.
``(b) Covered Losses.--In this section, the term `covered losses' 
means losses--
``(1) of revenue, quality, or production of crops, trees, 
bushes, vines, poultry or livestock as a consequence of a 
natural disaster (as determined by the Secretary); and
``(2) for which assistance is not available pursuant to any 
other Federal law.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents for the Agricultural 
Act of 2014 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 
1501 the following:

``1502. Assistance in the form of block grants.''.

SEC. 1005. DAIRY-RELATED EXTENSIONS.

(a) Forward Pricing.--Section 1502 of the Food, Conservation, and 
Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8772) is amended by striking subsection 
(e).
(b) Indemnity Program.--Section 3 of Public Law 90-484 (7 U.S.C. 
4553) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
(c) Promotion and Research.--Section 113(e)(2) of the Dairy 
Production Stabilization Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 4504(e)(2)) is amended 
by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 1006. MANDATORY REPORTING OF DAIRY PRODUCT PROCESSING COSTS.

Section 273 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 
1637b) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking 
``and'' at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the 
period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) for each manufacturer required to report 
under subparagraph (A) for any product, require that 
manufacturer to report production cost and product 
yield information, as determined by the Secretary, for 
all products processed in the same facility or 
facilities.'';
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ``products 
and'' after ``those'';
(2) in subsection (c)(3)(B), by inserting ``, subject to 
subsection (b)(1),'' after ``of information'';
(3) in subsection (d)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking 
``Electronic Reporting'' and inserting ``Reporting'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the heading, by striking 
``Electronic reporting'' and inserting 
``Reporting''; and
(ii) by striking ``this section'' and 
inserting ``subparagraphs (A) and (B) of 
subsection (b)(1)'';
(C) in paragraph (2), by striking ``this section'' 
and inserting ``subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection 
(b)(1)''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Dairy product processing costs.--Not later than 2 
years after the date of enactment of this paragraph, and every 
2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall publish a report 
containing the information obtained under subparagraph (C) of 
subsection (b)(1), subject to the conditions described in 
subsection (b)(2).'';
(4) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and
(5) by adding after subsection (d) the following:
``(e) Regulation.--Any actions taken by the Secretary under this 
section shall not be subject to review under Executive Order 12866 (58 
Fed. Reg. 51735) or any successor order.''.

SEC. 1007. DAIRY REPORTS.

Paragraph (4) of section 301 of the Dairy Production Stabilization 
Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 4514) is amended by striking ``Not later'' and 
all that follows through ``an annual report'' and inserting ``With 
respect to each calendar year beginning after the date of the enactment 
of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, a report (which 
shall be submitted not later than 18 months after the last day of such 
calendar year)''.

SEC. 1008. PROCESSING OF CERTAIN LOANS.

(a) Marketing Assistance Loans.--Section 1204 of the Agricultural 
Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9034) is amended by adding at the end the 
following:
``(j) Effect of Lapse in Appropriations.--The servicing of a 
marketing assistance loan under section 1201 by an officer or employee 
of the Department shall be deemed, for purposes of section 1342 of 
title 31, services for emergencies involving the safety of human life 
or the protection of property.''.
(b) Loans Under Sugar Program.--Section 156(d) of the Federal 
Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7272(d)) is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Effect of lapse in appropriations.--The servicing of 
a loan under this section by an officer or employee of the 
Department shall be deemed, for purposes of section 1342 of 
title 31, services for emergencies involving the safety of 
human life or the protection of property.''.

SEC. 1009. STORAGE FACILITY LOANS.

Section 1614(a) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 
(7 U.S.C. 8789(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``funds for producers'' and inserting the 
following: ``funds for--
``(1) producers''; and
(2) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) producers to construct or upgrade storage facilities 
for propane that is primarily used for agricultural production 
(as such term is defined in section 4279.2 of title 7, Code of 
Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of the enactment 
of this paragraph)).''.

SEC. 1010. STRENGTHENING DOMESTIC FOOD PRODUCTION SUPPLY CHAINS.

(a) In General.--Subtitle C of title I of the Agricultural Act of 
2014 (Public Law 113-79) is amended by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 1302. STRENGTHENING DOMESTIC FOOD PRODUCTION SUPPLY CHAINS.

``(a) In General.--With respect to any Federal policy that would 
impact the administration of the programs described in this subtitle or 
any rule, policy, or guidance issued pursuant to such programs, the 
preservation and strengthening of the domestic production described in 
subsection (b) shall be a priority objective of the President.
``(b) Domestic Production Described.--The domestic production 
described in this subsection is the production of an agricultural 
commodity--
``(1) described in this subtitle; and
``(2) from which a food ingredient that serves an important 
function throughout the domestic food production supply chain 
is derived.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents for the Agricultural 
Act of 2014 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 
1301 the following:

``1302. Strengthening domestic food production supply chains.''.

SEC. 1011. REGULATIONS.

(a) Administration.--Section 1601(c) of the Agricultural Act of 
2014 (7 U.S.C. 9091(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``this title, sections 
11003 and 11017, title I of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 
2018 and the amendments made by that title, and section 10109 
of that Act'' and inserting ``a covered provision of law''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Covered provision of law defined.--In this 
subsection, the term `covered provision of law' means--
``(A) this title and sections 11003 and 11017;
``(B) title I of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 
2018 and the amendments made by that title, and section 
10109 of that Act; and
``(C) title I of the Farm Food and National 
Security Act of 2026 and the amendments made by that 
title.''.
(b) Loan Implementation.--Section 1614(d) of the Agricultural Act 
of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9097(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``subtitle B'' the first 
place it appears and all that follows through the period at the 
end and inserting ``a covered provision of law.'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``of subtitles B or C''; and
(B) by striking ``under subtitles B or C'' and 
inserting ``under the repayment provisions''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Covered provision of law.--The term `covered 
provision of law' means--
``(i) subtitle B or C or the amendments 
made by subtitle B or C;
``(ii) the amendments made by subtitle B or 
C of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, 
except with respect to the assistance provided 
under sections 1207(c) and 1208; and
``(iii) section 156 of the Federal 
Agricultural Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 
(7 U.S.C. 7272).
``(B) Repayment provisions.--The term `repayment 
provisions' means the repayment requirements under--
``(i) subtitle B or C; or
``(ii) section 156 of the Federal 
Agricultural Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 
(7 U.S.C. 7272).''.

SEC. 1012. RESTORATION OF TOBACCO AS AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY IN 
COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION CHARTER ACT.

Section 5 of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act (15 
U.S.C. 714c) is amended by striking ``(other than tobacco)'' each place 
such term appears.

SEC. 1013. STUDY ON STORAGE FACILITY LOANS FOR ON-FARM FERTILIZER 
STORAGE.

(a) In General.--The Secretary shall conduct a study on the 
feasibility to provide storage facility loans to producers to construct 
or maintain facilities for on-farm fertilizer storage.
(b) Contents.--In conducting the study under this section, the 
Secretary shall include data, as of the date of enactment of this 
section, on--
(1) the market for on-farm fertilizer storage facilities, 
including--
(A) the number of farms in the United States 
equipped with on-farm fertilizer storage facilities; 
and
(B) the overall availability of, and producer 
demand for, on-farm fertilizer storage facilities;
(2) producer access to financing for the construction or 
maintenance of on-farm fertilizer storage facilities; and
(3) storage facility loan rates and terms provided by 
commercial lending institutions in comparison to storage 
facility loan rates and terms provided by the Secretary.
(c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this section, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on 
Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report on the 
findings of the study under this section.

SEC. 1014. ELECTRONIC FORMS FOR COVERED DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.

(a) In General.--As soon as practicable after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall, in addition to paper forms, 
make available on the website of the Department of Agriculture 
electronic forms that enable producers to enroll in a covered disaster 
assistance program online.
(b) Covered Disaster Assistance Program Defined.--In this section, 
the term ``covered disaster assistance program'' means--
(1) each program under section 1501 of the Agricultural Act 
of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081); and
(2) the emergency conservation program under title IV of 
the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2201 et seq.).

SEC. 1015. DAIRY BUSINESS INNOVATION INITIATIVES.

Section 12513 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C. 
1632d) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b), by striking ``3'' and inserting 
``4''; and
(2) in subsection (g)(1)(A), by striking ``3'' and 
inserting ``4''.

SEC. 1016. REVISION OF EVIDENCE STANDARDS FOR LIVESTOCK INDEMNITY 
PAYMENTS FOR LOSSES BY MEXICAN WOLVES.

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this 
Act, the Secretary shall accept proof of death that does not rely 
predominately on subcutaneous hemorrhaging when determining livestock 
depredation losses by Mexican wolves under paragraph (1)(A) of section 
1501(b) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(b)).

TITLE II--CONSERVATION

Subtitle A--Definitions

SEC. 2001. DEFINITIONS.

Section 1201(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3801(a)) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
``subtitles A through I:'' and inserting ``subtitles A through 
J:'';
(2) in paragraph (14), by striking ``term `Indian tribe' 
has the meaning given the term'' and inserting ``terms `Indian 
tribe' and `Indian Tribe' have the meaning given those terms'';
(3) by redesignating paragraphs (20) through (27) as 
paragraphs (22) through (29), respectively;
(4) by inserting after paragraph (19) the following:
``(20) Precision agriculture.--The term `precision 
agriculture' means managing, tracking, or reducing crop or 
livestock production inputs, including seed, feed, fertilizer, 
chemicals, water, and time, at a heightened level of spatial 
and temporal granularity and biological targeting to improve 
efficiencies, reduce waste, and maintain environmental quality.
``(21) Precision agriculture technology.--The term 
`precision agriculture technology' means any technology 
(including targeted inputs and the equipment that is necessary 
for the deployment of such technology) that directly 
contributes to a reduction in, or improved efficiency of, 
inputs used in crop or livestock production, including--
``(A) Global Positioning System-based or geospatial 
mapping technology;
``(B) satellite or aerial imagery technology;
``(C) yield monitors;
``(D) soil mapping technology;
``(E) sensors for gathering data on crop, soil, or 
livestock conditions;
``(F) Internet of Things and telematics 
technologies;
``(G) data management software and advanced 
analytics;
``(H) network connectivity products and solutions;
``(I) Global Positioning System guidance or auto-
steer systems;
``(J) variable rate technology for applying inputs, 
such as section control;
``(K) immersive technologies; and
``(L) any other technology, as determined by the 
Secretary, that directly contributes to a reduction in, 
or improved efficiency of, the use of crop or livestock 
production inputs, which may include seed, feed, 
fertilizer, soil amendments, chemicals, water, and 
time.''; and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(30) Wildlife habitat connectivity.--The term `wildlife 
habitat connectivity' means the degree to which landscape or 
habitat elements facilitate native species movement among 
seasonal habitats.''.

SEC. 2002. MITIGATION BANKING.

Section 1222(k)(1)(B) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3822(k)(1)(B)) is amended to read as follows:
``(B) Authorization of appropriations.--There is 
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry 
out this paragraph $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
2027 through 2031.''.

Subtitle B--Conservation Reserve Program

SEC. 2101. CONSERVATION RESERVE.

(a) In General.--Section 1231(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 
(16 U.S.C. 3831(a)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
``2031''.
(b) Eligible Land.--Section 1231(b) of the Food Security Act of 
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``the date of 
enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018'' and 
inserting ``the date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and 
National Security Act of 2026''; and
(2) in paragraph (7)(A), by striking ``September 30, 2017, 
or September 30, 2018'' and inserting ``September 30, 2025, or 
September 30, 2026''.
(c) Enrollment.--
(1) Maximum acreage enrolled.--Section 1231(d)(1)(E) of the 
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(d)(1)(E)) is amended 
by striking ``fiscal year 2023'' and inserting ``each of fiscal 
years 2023 through 2031''.
(2) Grasslands.--Section 1231(d)(2)(A)(ii)(III) of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(d)(2)(A)(ii)(III)) is 
amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
(3) State enrollment rates.--Section 1231(d)(4) of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(d)(4)) is amended by 
striking ``2019 through 2023'' and inserting ``2026 through 
2031'' each place it appears.
(4) Continuous enrollment procedure.--Section 1231(d)(6)(B) 
of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(d)(6)(B)) is 
amended to read as follows:
``(B) Limitation.--For purposes of applying the 
limitations in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, to 
the maximum extent practicable, enroll and maintain not 
fewer than 8,600,000 acres of land under subparagraph 
(A) by September 30, 2031.''.
(5) State acres for wildlife enhancement continuous 
enrollment.--Section 1231(d)(6)(A)(i) of the Food Security Act 
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(d)(6)(A)(i)) is amended--
(A) in subclause (II), by striking ``and'' at the 
end; and
(B) by inserting after subclause (III) the 
following:
``(IV) land that will be enrolled 
under the State acres for wildlife 
enhancement initiative established by 
the Secretary; and''.

SEC. 2102. FARMABLE WETLAND PROGRAM.

Section 1231B(a)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3831b(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

Subtitle C--Environmental Quality Incentives Program

SEC. 2201. DEFINITIONS.

Section 1240A(6) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3839aa-1(6)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by inserting ``, including 
composting practices'' before the semicolon at the end; and
(2) in subparagraph (B)(v), by inserting ``(including the 
adoption of precision agriculture practices and the acquisition 
of precision agriculture technology)'' after ``planning''.

SEC. 2202. ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION.

(a) Payments.--
(1) Special rule involving payments for foregone income.--
Section 1240B(d)(3)(F) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
U.S.C. 3839aa-2(d)(3)(F)) is amended by inserting ``and 
wildlife habitat connectivity'' before ``; or''.
(2) Other payments.--Section 1240B(d)(6) of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(d)(6)) is amended--
(A) by striking ``A producer shall'' and inserting 
the following:
``(A) Payments under this subtitle.--Except as 
provided in paragraph (9), a producer shall''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Conservation loan and loan guarantee program 
payments.--
``(i) In general.--A producer receiving 
payments for practices on eligible land under 
the program may also receive a loan or loan 
guarantee under section 304 of the Consolidated 
Farm and Rural Development Act to cover costs 
for the same practices on the same land.
``(ii) Notice to producer.--The Secretary 
shall inform a producer participating in the 
program in writing that they may apply to 
receive a loan or loan guarantee under section 
304 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act as it relates to costs of 
implementing practices under this program.''.
(3) Increased payments for high-priority practices.--
Section 1240B(d)(7) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3839aa-2(d)(7)) is amended--
(A) in the paragraph heading, by inserting ``state-
determined'' before ``high-priority''; and
(B) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in clause (iii), by striking ``or'' at 
the end;
(ii) in clause (iv), by striking the period 
at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(v) addresses the conservation and 
restoration of wildlife habitat, including 
wildlife habitat connectivity and wildlife 
migration corridors; or
``(vi) increases carbon sequestration or 
reduces greenhouse gas emissions, including 
emissions of methane and nitrous oxide.''.
(4) Increased payments for precision agriculture.--Section 
1240B(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-
2(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(8) Increased payments for precision agriculture 
practices.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2), the Secretary may 
increase the amount that would otherwise be provided for a 
practice under this subsection to not more than 90 percent of 
the costs associated with adopting precision agriculture 
practices and acquiring precision agriculture technology for 
the purpose of implementing conservation practices.''.
(5) Cost-share payments for grassland.--Section 1240B(d) of 
the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(d)) is 
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``(9) Cost-share payments for grassland enrolled in the 
conservation reserve program.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may provide 
payments under the program for costs associated with 
planning, design, materials, equipment, installation, 
labor, management, maintenance, or training, for the 
purpose of a wildlife corridor, with respect to 
eligible land that is--
``(i) enrolled in the conservation reserve 
program under section 1231(d)(2)(A); and
``(ii) of ecological significance, as 
described in section 1231(d)(2)(B)(iii).
``(B) Limitation.--A producer shall not be eligible 
for payments under subparagraph (A) for a practice if 
the producer receives payments or other benefits for 
the same practice on the same land under this title.''.
(b) Allocation of Funding.--Section 1240B(f)(1) of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(f)(1)) is amended by striking 
``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
(c) Water Conservation or Irrigation Efficiency Practice.--Section 
1240B(h)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(h)(1)) 
is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; or'' and inserting 
a semicolon;
(2) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period and 
inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) the adoption of precision agriculture 
practices or the acquisition of precision agriculture 
technology to achieve water conservation and energy 
efficiency.''.
(d) Payments for Conservation Practice Related to Organic 
Production.--Section 1240B(i)(3)(A)(ii) of the Food Security Act of 
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(i)(3)(A)(ii)) is amended by striking ``2019 
through 2023, $140,000'' and inserting ``2027 through 2031, $200,000''.
(e) Conservation Incentive Contracts.--Section 1240B(j)(2)(A)(i) of 
the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(j)(2)(A)(i)) is 
amended by inserting ``(which may include the adoption of precision 
agriculture practices and the acquisition of precision agriculture 
technology)'' after ``incentive practices''.
(f) Southern Border Initiative.--Section 1240B of the Food Security 
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2) is amended by adding at the end the 
following:
``(k) Southern Border Initiative.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide payments 
under the program to producers to implement conservation 
practices on covered lands of such producers that address and 
repair covered damage that may contribute to a natural resource 
concern or problem.
``(2) Contract term.--In the case of a contract under the 
program entered into for the implementation of practices 
described in paragraph (1), such contract shall have a term of 
1 year.
``(3) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Covered damage.--The term `covered damage' 
means damage to agricultural land or farming 
infrastructure.
``(B) Covered land.--The term `covered land' means 
eligible land in a county at or near the southern 
border of the United States, as determined by the 
Secretary.''.

SEC. 2203. LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS.

Section 1240G of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-7) 
is amended by striking ``2019 through 2023'' and inserting ``2027 
through 2031''.

SEC. 2204. CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS AND PAYMENTS.

(a) Competitive Grants for Innovative Conservation Approaches.--
Section 1240H(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-
8(a)) is amended--
(1) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
``(1) Grants.--Out of the funds made available to carry out 
this subchapter, the Secretary may award competitive grants 
that are intended to stimulate development and evaluation of 
new and innovative approaches to leveraging the Federal 
investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in 
conjunction with agricultural production or forest resource 
management, through the program, including grants for the 
development and evaluation of new and innovative technologies 
that may be incorporated into conservation practice 
standards.''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)(H), by inserting before the period 
``(including precision agriculture practices and precision 
agriculture technologies)''.
(b) On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials.--Section 
1240H(c)(1)(B)(i) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-
8(c)(1)(B)(i)) is amended--
(1) in subclause (VI), by striking ``and'' at the end; and
(2) by inserting after subclause (VII) the following:
``(VIII) perennial production 
systems, including agroforestry and 
perennial forages and grain crops; 
and''.
(c) Reporting and Database.--Section 1240H(d)(2)(A) of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-8(d)(2)(A)) is amended--
(1) in clause (i)--
(A) by inserting ``, including both management and 
structural conservation practices,'' after 
``conservation practices''; and
(B) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii);
(3) by inserting after clause (i) the following:
``(ii) data that may be used to evaluate 
new and emerging technologies and 
recommendations for State and regional 
applications of such new and emerging 
technologies; and''; and
(4) in clause (iii), as so redesignated, by inserting ``for 
consideration under the streamlined process developed under 
section 1242(h)(3)'' before the period at the end.

SEC. 2205. CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES DEFINED.

Section 1240I(2)(B)(i) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3839aa-21(2)(B)(i)) is amended by inserting ``, composting practices'' 
after ``agriculture drainage management systems''.

Subtitle D--Conservation Stewardship Program

SEC. 2301. CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM.

Section 1240J(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3839aa-22(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph 
(A), by inserting ``and except as provided in paragraph (3),'' 
after ``paragraph (2),''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Cost-share payments for grassland enrolled in the 
conservation reserve program.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may provide 
payments under the program for costs associated with 
planning, design, materials, equipment, installation, 
labor, management, maintenance, or training, for the 
purpose of a wildlife corridor, with respect to 
eligible land that is--
``(i) enrolled in the conservation reserve 
program under section 1231(d)(2)(A); and
``(ii) of ecological significance, as 
described in section 1231(d)(2)(B)(iii).
``(B) Limitation.--A producer shall not be eligible 
for payments under subparagraph (A) for a conservation 
activity if the producer receives payments or other 
benefits for the same conservation activity on the same 
land under this title.
``(C) Emergency grazing and haying access 
preserved.--No priority resource concern, practice, or 
incentive pertaining to restoration and enhancement of 
wildlife habitat connectivity and wildlife migration 
corridors on the acres described above will prevent or 
alter emergency grazing and haying access for grassland 
acres enrolled in the conservation reserve program.''.

SEC. 2302. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.

(a) Conservation Stewardship Payments.--Section 1240L(c) of the 
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-24(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting before the period 
``(including increased costs associated with planning and 
adopting precision agriculture conservation activities and 
acquiring precision agriculture technology)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Minimum payment.--The amount of an annual payment 
under the program shall be not less than $4,000.''.
(b) Supplemental Payments for Resource-Conserving Crop Rotations 
and Advanced Grazing Management.--Section 1240L(d) of the Food Security 
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-24(d)) is amended--
(1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``and Advanced 
Grazing Management'' and inserting ``, Advanced Grazing 
Management, and Precision Agriculture'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``; or'' and 
inserting a semicolon;
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at 
the end and inserting ``; or''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) precision agriculture conservation 
activities.''; and
(3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``or advanced grazing 
management'' and inserting ``, advanced grazing management, or 
precision agriculture conservation activities''.
(c) Payment Limitations.--Section 1240L(f) of the Food Security Act 
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-24(f)) is amended by striking ``2019 through 
2023'' and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

SEC. 2303. STATE ASSISTANCE FOR SOIL HEALTH.

Subchapter B of chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-21 et seq.) is amended by adding 
at the end the following:

``SEC. 1240L-2. STATE ASSISTANCE FOR SOIL HEALTH.

``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Eligible indian tribe.--The term `eligible Indian 
Tribe' means an Indian Tribe that is--
``(A) implementing a soil health program for the 
area over which the Indian Tribe has jurisdiction; and
``(B) meeting or exceeding performance measures 
established by the Indian Tribe for the soil health 
program.
``(2) Eligible state.--The term `eligible State' means a 
State that is--
``(A) implementing a soil health program for the 
State; and
``(B) meeting or exceeding performance measures 
established by the State for the soil health program.
``(3) Soil health program.--The term `soil health program' 
means a program to improve soil health on agricultural land 
that--
``(A) is broadly consistent with the soil health 
principles of the Natural Resources Conservation 
Service, as determined by the Secretary; and
``(B) may include--
``(i) technical assistance;
``(ii) financial assistance;
``(iii) on-farm research and demonstration;
``(iv) education, outreach, and training;
``(v) monitoring and evaluation; or
``(vi) such other components as the 
Secretary determines appropriate.
``(b) Availability and Purpose of Grants.--For fiscal years 2027 
through 2031, the Secretary shall make grants to eligible States and 
eligible Indian Tribes for the purpose of improving soil health on 
agricultural lands through the implementation of State and Tribal soil 
health programs.
``(c) Applications.--
``(1) In general.--To receive a grant under this section, 
an eligible State or eligible Indian Tribe shall submit to the 
Secretary an application at such time, in such a manner, and 
containing such information as the Secretary shall require, 
which shall include--
``(A) a description of performance measures to be 
used to evaluate the State or Tribal soil health 
program and the results of any activities carried out 
using grant funds received under this section; and
``(B) an assurance that grant funds received under 
this section will supplement the expenditure of State 
or Tribal funds in support of soil health, rather than 
replace such funds.
``(2) Tribal option.--An Indian Tribe shall have the 
option, at the sole discretion of the Indian Tribe, to be 
incorporated into the application of an eligible State.
``(d) Grants.--
``(1) Amount.--The amount of a grant to an eligible State 
or eligible Indian Tribe under this section for a fiscal year 
may not exceed the lower of--
``(A) $5,000,000; or
``(B) as applicable--
``(i) 50 percent of the cost of 
implementing the State soil health program in 
the fiscal year; or
``(ii) 75 percent of the cost of 
implementing the Tribal soil health program in 
the fiscal year.
``(2) Term.--A grant under this section shall be for 1 
year, and may be renewed annually.
``(e) Audits and Reviews.--An eligible State or eligible Indian 
Tribe receiving a grant under this section shall submit to the 
Secretary--
``(1) for each year for which the State or Indian Tribe 
receives such a grant, the results of an audit of the 
expenditures of the grant funds; and
``(2) at such intervals as the Secretary shall establish, a 
review and evaluation of the State or Tribal soil health 
program.
``(f) Effect of Noncompliance.--If the Secretary, after reasonable 
notice to an eligible State or eligible Indian Tribe receiving a grant 
under this section, finds that the State or Indian Tribe has failed to 
comply with the terms of the grant, the Secretary may disqualify, for 1 
or more years, the State or Indian Tribe from receipt of future grants 
under this section.
``(g) Funding.--Of the funds made available to carry out this 
subchapter, $100,000,000 shall be available in each of fiscal years 
2027 through 2031 to carry out this section.
``(h) Administration.--
``(1) Department.--The Secretary may not use more than 3 
percent of the funds made available to carry out this section 
for a fiscal year for administrative expenses.
``(2) States or indian tribes.--An eligible State or 
eligible Indian Tribe receiving a grant under this section may 
not use more than 7 percent of the granted funds for a fiscal 
year for administrative expenses.''.

Subtitle E--Other Conservation Programs

SEC. 2401. CONSERVATION OF PRIVATE GRAZING LAND.

Section 1240M(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3839bb) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 2402. FERAL SWINE ERADICATION AND CONTROL PROGRAM.

(a) Feral Swine Eradication and Control Program.--Chapter 5 of 
subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3839bb et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 1240M the 
following:

``SEC. 1240N. FERAL SWINE ERADICATION AND CONTROL PROGRAM.

``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a feral swine 
eradication and control program (in this section referred to as the 
`program') to respond to the threat feral swine pose to agriculture, 
native ecosystems, and human and animal health.
``(b) Duties of the Secretary.--In carrying out the program, the 
Secretary shall--
``(1) study and assess the nature and extent of damage to 
the threatened areas caused by feral swine;
``(2) develop methods to eradicate or control feral swine 
in the threatened areas;
``(3) develop methods to restore damage caused by feral 
swine; and
``(4) provide financial assistance to agricultural 
producers in threatened areas.
``(c) Assistance.--The Secretary may provide financial assistance 
to agricultural producers under the program to implement methods to--
``(1) eradicate or control feral swine in the threatened 
areas; and
``(2) restore damage caused by feral swine.
``(d) Coordination.--The Secretary shall ensure that the Natural 
Resources Conservation Service and the Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service coordinate for purposes of this section through 
State technical committees established under section 1261(a).
``(e) Cost Sharing.--
``(1) Federal share.--The Federal share of the costs of 
activities under the program may not exceed 75 percent of the 
total costs of such activities.
``(2) In-kind contributions.--The non-Federal share of the 
costs of activities under the program may be provided in the 
form of in-kind contributions of materials or services.
``(f) Threatened Area Defined.--In this section, the term 
`threatened area' means an area of a State in which feral swine have 
been identified as a threat to agriculture, native ecosystems, or human 
and animal health, as determined by the Secretary.
``(g) Funding.--
``(1) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity 
Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this 
section $75,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2019 through 
2023, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2024, and $150,000,000 for 
the period of fiscal years 2025 through 2031.
``(2) Distribution of funds.--Of the funds made available 
under paragraph (1)--
``(A) 40 percent shall be allocated to the Natural 
Resources Conservation Service to carry out the 
program, including the provision of financial 
assistance to producers for on-farm trapping and 
technology related to capturing and confining feral 
swine; and
``(B) 60 percent shall be allocated to the Animal 
and Plant Health Inspection Service to carry out the 
program, including the use of established, and testing 
of innovative, population reduction methods.
``(3) Limitation on administrative expenses.--Not more than 
10 percent of funds made available under this section may be 
used for administrative expenses of the program.
``(h) Coordination and Cooperation With a Land-grant College or 
University.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall direct the Natural 
Resources Conservation Service and the Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service to enter into a contract with 1 or more 
land-grant colleges or universities to assist with the program 
in achieving its goals.
``(2) Eligible land-grant colleges and universities.--A 
land-grant college or university is eligible to enter into a 
contract under paragraph (1) if such college or university--
``(A) has developed and implemented a system of 
evaluating damages from feral swine and effectiveness 
of control efforts in response to the Agriculture 
Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-334);
``(B) shows evidence of a strong working 
relationship with Wildlife Services in the Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service; and
``(C) has maintained a State-funded, non-Federal 
Wildlife Services program that has an active 
cooperative agreement with Wildlife Services in the 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service within the 
structure of the Land Grant University System.
``(3) Role of the land-grant college or university.--A 
land-grant college or university that enters into a contract 
under paragraph (1) shall, as a condition on entering into such 
a contract, assist the program by acting as a strategic, 
neutral entity that is able to advance the program beyond the 
expertise of the Department to achieve the stated goals of the 
program by--
``(A) identifying and carrying out research on 
novel methods of feral swine control and land 
remediation;
``(B) assisting in establishing strategic areas for 
feral swine control based on data collected in response 
to the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018;
``(C) coordinating and collaborating between field 
staff, programmatic staff, and research staff within 
the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; and
``(D) establishing and consulting with the 
Department on research goals and priorities in the 
program.
``(4) Funding.--Funding made available under (g)(2) shall 
be available to fund activities under this subsection, as 
determined by the Secretary.
``(5) Land-grant college or university defined.--In this 
subsection, the term `land-grant college or university' has the 
meaning given the term `land-grant colleges and universities' 
in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, 
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103).''.
(b) Repeal.--Section 2408 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 
2018 (7 U.S.C. 8351 note) is repealed.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of 
the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 is amended by striking the item 
relating to section 2408.

SEC. 2403. WATERSHED PROTECTION AND FLOOD PREVENTION ACT.

(a) Assistance to Local Organizations.--
(1) In general.--Section 3(a) of the Watershed Protection 
and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1003(a)) is amended by 
redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (7) and inserting 
after paragraph (5) the following:
``(6) to provide technical and financial assistance for 
remedial actions in accordance with subsection (c); and''.
(2) Assistance for remedial actions; streamlining.--Section 
3 of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 
U.S.C. 1003) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Assistance for Remedial Actions.--
``(1) In general.--In carrying out subsection (a)(6), the 
Secretary may provide technical and financial assistance to 
local organizations for remedial actions for a completed work 
of improvement installed under this Act with respect to which--
``(A) deterioration of a structural component of 
the work of improvement is occurring at an abnormal 
rate, including situations in which such deterioration 
is due to a design deficiency or to site conditions 
that were unknown at the time of installation of the 
work of improvement;
``(B) the planned service life of the work of 
improvement exceeds the service life of a structural 
component of such work of improvement; or
``(C) structural damage to such work of 
improvement, or to a structural component of such work 
of improvement, was caused by a storm event that 
exceeded the maximum storm event for which the work of 
improvement was designed.
``(2) Cost share.--Financial assistance provided under this 
subsection shall be provided in accordance with the cost-share 
rate established in the agreement with the local organization 
for the work of improvement.
``(d) Streamlining.--The Secretary shall, on an ongoing basis--
``(1) engage with relevant Federal agencies to reduce or 
eliminate regulatory, policy, or procedural barriers to timely 
provision of assistance under this Act;
``(2) provide for streamlined procedures relating to 
coordination with other Federal or State agencies for required 
reviews and permitting of projects pursuant to this Act, and 
ensure such procedures are commensurate with the size and scale 
of the projects;
``(3) conduct an assessment of internal Department of 
Agriculture planning, technical support, and approvals to 
determine best practices to be used for the purpose of 
maximizing the decisionmaking authority of State 
conservationists with respect to approvals required for 
projects under this Act; and
``(4) prioritize the use of agreements and contracting 
authorities under this Act to provide funding to local 
organizations for the planning, design, and construction of 
works of improvement.''.
(b) Data.--Section 13 of the Watershed Protection and Flood 
Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1010) is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 13. DATA.

``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall collect and maintain, and 
make publicly available--
``(1) data, on a national and State-by-State basis, 
concerning--
``(A) expenditures for the individual flood control 
and conservation measures for which assistance is 
provided under this Act; and
``(B) the expected flood control or environmental 
(including soil erosion) benefits that will result from 
the implementation of such measures; and
``(2) data, with respect to each project for which 
assistance is provided under this Act, concerning--
``(A) total allocated and expended funds for 
planning, design, construction, remedial actions, and 
rehabilitation; and
``(B) contracts and agreements entered into by the 
Secretary with a local organization to provide 
services, including--
``(i) the services provided through such 
contracts and agreements;
``(ii) the total funds allocated to such 
contracts and agreements; and
``(iii) any modifications or adjustments 
made to such contracts and agreements.
``(b) Prohibition.--The Secretary may not make publicly available 
under this section an agreement entered into with an individual 
landowner, operator, or occupier under this Act, or any disaggregated 
information that identifies such individual landowner, operator, or 
occupier.''.
(c) Rehabilitation of Structural Measures Near, at, or Past Their 
Evaluated Life Expectancy.--
(1) Cost share assistance for rehabilitation.--Section 
14(b) of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 
U.S.C. 1012(b)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``65 percent'' 
and inserting ``90 percent''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Relation to requirements of authorized projects.--A 
rehabilitation project for which assistance is provided under 
this section shall not be subject to--
``(A) the requirement under section 2 that a 
project contain benefits directly related to 
agriculture, including rural communities, that account 
for at least 20 percent of the total benefits of the 
project; or
``(B) section 4(5).''.
(2) Funding.--Section 14(h)(2)(E) of the Watershed 
Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1012(h)(2)(E)) 
is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 2404. EMERGENCY CONSERVATION PROGRAM.

Section 401 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2201) 
is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by inserting ``and 
Other Emergency Conservation Measures'' after 
``Fencing'';
(B) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
``(1) In general.--With respect to a payment to an 
agricultural producer under subsection (a) for the repair or 
replacement of fencing, or for other emergency measures to 
rehabilitate farmland or to repair or replace a farmland or 
conservation structure, the Secretary shall give the 
agricultural producer the option of receiving--
``(A) before carrying out such replacement or 
rehabilitation, not more than 75 percent of the payment 
for such replacement or rehabilitation, which shall be 
based on the fair market value of the replacement or 
rehabilitation, as determined by the Secretary; and
``(B) before carrying out such repair, not more 
than 50 percent of the payment for such repair, which 
shall be based on the fair market value of the repair, 
as determined by the Secretary.''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) New or emerging technologies.--Repair or replacement 
of fencing under this section may include updating of fencing 
to new or emerging technology if such updating does not 
increase the cost of the repair or replacement.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Wildfires.--A wildfire that causes damage with respect to 
which a payment may be made under subsection (a) includes any wildfire 
that is not caused naturally, including a wildfire that is caused by 
the Federal Government, if the damage is caused by the spread of the 
fire due to natural causes.''.

SEC. 2405. EMERGENCY WATERSHED PROGRAM.

(a) Floodplain Easements.--Section 403(b) of the Agricultural 
Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2203(b)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs 
(5) and (6), respectively;
(2) by inserting before paragraph (5), as so redesignated, 
the following:
``(1) Easement restoration.--The Secretary is authorized to 
restore appropriate vegetative cover, hydrological functions, 
and other functions and values of the land subject to a 
floodplain easement acquired under subsection (a).
``(2) Easement maintenance.--The Secretary is authorized to 
monitor, maintain, and enhance appropriate vegetative cover, 
hydrological restoration measures, and other restoration 
measures on land subject to a floodplain easement acquired 
under subsection (a).
``(3) Contracts and agreements.--In carrying out paragraphs 
(1) and (2), the Secretary may--
``(A) enter into contracts with landowners; and
``(B) enter into agreements with States, 
nongovernmental organizations, and Indian Tribes.
``(4) Compatible use authority.--The Secretary may 
authorize a landowner to carry out activities on land subject 
to a floodplain easement acquired under subsection (a) that 
are--
``(A) compatible uses necessary to carry out 
paragraph (1) or (2); or
``(B) compatible economic uses (including such 
activities as hunting and fishing, managed timber 
harvest, water management, or periodic haying or 
grazing) if such uses are consistent with the long-term 
protection of the floodplain functions and values for 
which the easement was acquired.''; and
(3) in paragraph (6), as so redesignated, by striking 
``paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``paragraph (5)'' each place it 
appears.
(b) Level of Restoration.--Section 403 of the Agricultural Credit 
Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2203) is amended by adding at the end the 
following:
``(c) Level of Restoration.--In carrying out this section, the 
Secretary may undertake measures that increase the level of protection 
above that which would be necessary to address the immediate impairment 
of the watershed if the Secretary determines that such restoration is 
in the best interest of the long-term health of the watershed and the 
long-term protection of the watershed from repetitive impairments.''.
(c) Preagreement Costs.--Section 403 of the Agricultural Credit Act 
of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2203) is further amended by adding at the end the 
following:
``(d) Preagreement Costs.--
``(1) Definition of sponsor.--In this subsection, the term 
`sponsor' means--
``(A) a State or local government; and
``(B) an Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of 
the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance 
Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)).
``(2) Preagreement project costs.--Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary 
shall--
``(A) identify a list of emergency watershed 
protection measures the cost of which may be incurred 
by a sponsor prior to entering into an agreement with 
the Secretary under this section; and
``(B) develop a procedure, including appropriate 
deadlines, to be implemented at the State level, 
through which a sponsor may request, for a specified 
natural disaster, additional emergency watershed 
protection measure the cost of which may be incurred by 
a sponsor prior to entering into an agreement with the 
Secretary under this section.
``(3) Agreement contribution.--If the Secretary and a 
sponsor enter into an agreement under this section, the 
Secretary shall consider any applicable preagreement costs 
incurred by the sponsor for undertaking emergency watershed 
protection measures identified under paragraph (2) as meeting 
part of the contribution of the sponsor toward the cost of the 
project.
``(4) Asuumption of risk.--A sponsor that undertakes 
emergency watershed protection measures prior to entering into 
an agreement with the Secretary under this section shall assume 
the risk of incurring any cost of undertaking those measures.
``(5) Effect.--Nothing in this subsection requires the 
Secretary to enter into an agreement with a sponsor.''.

SEC. 2406. NATIONAL AGRICULTURE FLOOD VULNERABILITY STUDY.

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
Forestry of the Senate a national agriculture flood vulnerability 
report containing the results of a Conservation Effects Assessment 
Project assessment of flood risk on agricultural lands, including--
(1) an analysis of economic losses of crops and livestock 
resulting from flooding under different recurrence scenarios;
(2) an analysis of the downstream effects of mitigation 
activities carried out as part of a watershed management 
approach;
(3) an analysis of available Federal and State data 
relating to flood risk, as applicable to agricultural land, 
including data relating to riverine flooding, coastal flooding, 
storm surge, extreme precipitation, and flash flooding; and
(4) a description of ongoing producer-level conservation 
practices and broader government initiatives to manage the 
effects of flooding and flood risk within and across 
watersheds, and recommendations for additional practices and 
initiatives to further address such effects and risk.

SEC. 2407. STUDY ON ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF WINTER WHEAT AS A COVER 
CROP.

The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Natural Resources 
Conservation Service, shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of 
the House of Representatives the results of a study on the 
environmental benefits of using winter wheat as a cover crop, including 
use as a cover crop that is removed during harvest.

Subtitle F--Funding and Administration

SEC. 2501. COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION.

(a) Annual Funding.--Section 1241(a) of the Food Security Act of 
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``2019 through 
2023'' and inserting ``2027 through 2031''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``2019 through 
2023'' and inserting ``2027 through 2031'';
(2) in paragraph (3)(A), by striking clauses (i) through 
(vi) and inserting the following:
``(i) $2,530,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
``(ii) $2,730,000,000 for fiscal year 2028;
``(iii) $3,130,000,000 for fiscal year 
2029;
``(iv) $3,175,000,000 for fiscal year 2030; 
and
``(v) $3,255,000,000 for fiscal year 2031; 
and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) The forest conservation easement program under 
subtitle I, using, to the maximum extent practicable--
``(A) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
``(B) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2028;
``(C) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2029;
``(D) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2030; and
``(E) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2031.
``(6) The regional conservation partnership program under 
subtitle J, to the maximum extent practicable--
``(A) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
``(B) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2028;
``(C) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2029;
``(D) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2030; and
``(E) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2031.''.
(b) Regional Equity.--Section 1241(e)(1) of the Food Security Act 
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(e)(1)) is amended by striking ``subtitle I'' 
and inserting ``subtitle J''.
(c) Acceptance and Use of Contributions for Public-Private 
Partnerships.--Section 1241(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
U.S.C. 3841(f)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (6)(A)(ii), by inserting ``of'' before 
``any terms''; and
(2) in paragraph (9)--
(A) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as 
follows:
``(A) subtitle D (except for subchapter B of 
chapter 1 of such subtitle), subtitle H, subtitle I, or 
subtitle J;'';
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the semicolon 
and inserting ``; or'';
(C) by striking subparagraph (C); and
(D) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as 
subparagraph (C).
(d) Report on Program Enrollments and Assistance.--Section 1241(i) 
of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(i)) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
``2019 through 2023'' and inserting ``2027 through 2031''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)(E), by striking ``section 
1265B(b)(2)(B)(ii)'' and inserting ``section 
1265B(b)(2)(A)(iii)''.
(e) Conservation Standards and Requirements.--Section 1241(j) of 
the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(j)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new 
paragraph:
``(2) Composting as conservation practice and activity.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall by 
regulation provide that composting is a conservation 
practice and a conservation activity for the purposes 
of this title.
``(B) Composting defined.--
``(i) In general.--For the purposes of this 
paragraph, the term `composting' means--
``(I) an activity (including an 
activity that does not require the use 
of a composting facility) to produce 
compost from organic waste that is--
``(aa) generated on a farm; 
or
``(bb) brought to a farm 
from a nearby community and 
used to produce compost on that 
farm; and
``(II) the use and active 
management of compost on a farm, in 
accordance with any applicable Federal, 
State, or local law, to improve water 
retention and soil health.
``(ii) Determination of nearby 
communities.--The Secretary, in consultation 
with the Administrator of the Environmental 
Protection Agency, shall issue regulations for 
determining whether a community is nearby for 
purposes of clause (i)(I), which shall ensure 
that bringing organic waste from the community 
to the farm to produce compost results in a net 
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.''.

SEC. 2502. DELIVERY OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

(a) Definitions.--Section 1242(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 
(16 U.S.C. 3842(a)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (4); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Non-federal certifying entity.--The term `non-Federal 
certifying entity' means a non-Federal entity, an Indian Tribe, 
or a State agency described in subparagraph (B), (C), or (D) of 
subsection (e)(4) that has entered into an agreement under 
subsection (e)(5)(D).
``(3) Farmer-to-farmer network.--The term `farmer-to-farmer 
network' means any affiliation or association of farmers that 
share information, technical assistance, or any other type of 
mutually beneficial support.''.
(b) Purpose of Technical Assistance.--Section 1242(b) of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842(b)) is amended by inserting 
``timely,'' after ``consistent,''.
(c) Non-Federal Assistance.--Section 1242(d) of the Food Security 
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842(d)) is amended by inserting ``(including 
private sector entities)'' after ``Department or non-Federal 
entities''.
(d) Certification of Third-Party Providers.--Section 1242(e) of the 
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842(e)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Food, Conservation, and 
Energy Act of 2008'' and inserting ``Farm, Food, and National 
Security Act of 2026'';
(2) by amending paragraph (3)(A) to read as follows:
``(A) ensure that persons (including commercial 
entities, nonprofit entities, State or local 
governments or agencies, and other Federal agencies) 
with expertise in the technical aspects of conservation 
planning, watershed planning, environmental 
engineering, conservation practice design, 
implementation, and evaluation, and any other technical 
skills determined appropriate by the Secretary, are 
eligible to become approved providers of the technical 
assistance;''; and
(3) by striking paragraphs (4) and (5) and inserting the 
following:
``(4) Certification.--A third-party provider may be 
certified to provide technical assistance under this section 
only--
``(A) through a certification process administered 
by the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the 
Natural Resources Conservation Service;
``(B) by a non-Federal entity (other than a State 
agency or an Indian Tribe) approved by the Secretary 
under paragraph (5) to certify a third-party provider;
``(C) by an Indian Tribe approved by the Secretary 
under paragraph (5) to certify a third-party provider; 
or
``(D) by a State agency that--
``(i) has statutory authority to certify, 
administer, or license professionals in one or 
more fields of natural resources, agriculture, 
or engineering; and
``(ii) is approved by the Secretary under 
paragraph (5) to certify a third-party 
provider.
``(5) Non-federal certifying entity.--
``(A) Establishment of approval process.--Not later 
than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Farm, 
Food, and National Security Act of 2026, the Secretary 
shall establish a process to approve a non-Federal 
entity (including a State agency and an Indian Tribe), 
to become a non-Federal certifying entity.
``(B) Approval.--Not later than 60 days after the 
date on which the Secretary receives an application by 
a non-Federal entity to certify third-party providers 
under this section, the Secretary shall make a decision 
on whether to approve such application.
``(C) Eligibility.--In carrying out subparagraph 
(B), the Secretary shall take into consideration--
``(i) the ability of the applicable non-
Federal entity to assess the qualifications of 
a third-party provider and to certify third-
party providers at scale;
``(ii) the experience of the applicable 
non-Federal entity in working with third-party 
providers and eligible participants;
``(iii) the expertise of the applicable 
non-Federal entity in the technical skills 
described in paragraph (3)(A); and
``(iv) such other qualifications as the 
Secretary determines to be appropriate.
``(D) Agreement.--Upon approving an application 
under this paragraph, the Secretary shall enter into an 
agreement with the non-Federal entity to become a non-
Federal certifying entity.
``(E) Duties of non-federal certifying entities.--
In certifying third-party providers under this section, 
a non-Federal certifying entity shall--
``(i) assess the ability of a third-party 
provider to appropriately provide technical 
assistance to eligible participants for 
specified practices and conservation 
activities;
``(ii) provide training to ensure that a 
third-party provider is qualified to provide 
technical assistance upon certification by the 
non-Federal certifying entity; and
``(iii) submit to the Secretary, in a 
timely manner, information on--
``(I) each third-party provider 
certified by the non-Federal certifying 
entity, for inclusion on the registry 
of certified third-party providers 
maintained by the Secretary; and
``(II) each third-party provider 
the certification of which is withdrawn 
by the non-Federal certifying entity.
``(6) Timely decisions.--
``(A) Certification by secretary.--Not later than 
30 days after the date on which the Secretary receives 
an application from a third-party provider to be 
certified under the process described in paragraph 
(4)(A) for particular practices and conservation 
activities, the Secretary shall--
``(i) make a final decision with respect to 
such application; and
``(ii) if the final decision is to certify 
the third-party provider, include the name of 
the certified third-party provider on the 
registry of certified third-party providers 
maintained by the Secretary.
``(B) Certification by non-federal certifying 
entity.--Not later than 10 days after the date on which 
the Secretary receives a notification from a non-
Federal certifying entity that a third-party provider 
was certified, pursuant to subparagraph (B), (C), or 
(D) of paragraph (4), for particular practices and 
conservation activities, the Secretary shall include 
the name of the certified third-party provider on the 
registry of certified third-party providers maintained 
by the Secretary.
``(7) Streamlined certification.--Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National 
Security Act of 2026, the Secretary shall establish a 
streamlined process for the Secretary and non-Federal 
certifying entities to use to certify under this section a 
third-party provider that has a relevant professional 
certification for particular practices and conservation 
activities, as determined by the Secretary.''.
(e) Administration.--Section 1242(f) of the Food Security Act of 
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842(f)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``each of the programs specified in 
section 1241'' and inserting ``conservation programs 
administered by the Secretary''; and
(B) by inserting ``and for the purpose of carrying 
out subsection (l)'' before the period at the end;
(2) in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding subparagraph 
(A), by inserting ``or a non-Federal certifying entity'' before 
``under this section'';
(3) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
``(3) Update of certification process by the secretary.--
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Farm, 
Food, and National Security Act of 2026, and periodically 
thereafter, the Secretary shall--
``(A) review the certification processes under 
paragraphs (4)(A) and (7) of subsection (e);
``(B) make any adjustments considered necessary by 
the Secretary to--
``(i) increase the number of third-party 
providers delivering technical assistance; and
``(ii) improve the quality of technical 
assistance delivered by third-party providers;
``(C) conduct outreach to, and receive input on the 
barriers for third-party providers to become certified 
under this section from--
``(i) third-party providers that are, or 
have been, certified under this section; and
``(ii) other interested parties associated 
with eligible participants; and
``(D) set a target rate of utilization of third-
party providers to deliver technical assistance across 
all conservation programs administered by the 
Secretary.'';
(4) in paragraph (4)(A)(i), by inserting ``(including 
maintenance)'' after ``implementation'';
(5) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following:
``(5) Payment amount.--
``(A) In general.--For payments provided by the 
Secretary under paragraph (2) or (3) of subsection (c), 
the Secretary shall determine payment amounts for 
technical assistance provided by third-party providers, 
which shall be at rates equivalent to, but that do not 
exceed, the cost to the Secretary of providing 
technical assistance directly to an eligible 
participant.
``(B) Considerations.--In determining payment 
amounts under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall 
consider specialized equipment, frequency of site 
visits, training, travel and transportation, and such 
other factors as the Secretary determines to be 
appropriate.
``(C) Exclusion.--A payment provided under 
subsection (c)(3) shall be excluded from calculations 
relating to any cost-sharing requirements of the 
applicable conservation program under which the payment 
was provided.
``(6) Transparency.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 
2026, and periodically thereafter, the Secretary shall make 
publicly available information on--
``(A) funds obligated to third-party providers 
through--
``(i) contracts entered into between 
eligible participants and individual third-
party providers; and
``(ii) agreements with public and private 
sector entities to secure third-party technical 
assistance;
``(B) the certification process under this section, 
including--
``(i) the number of third-party providers 
certified by the Secretary;
``(ii) the number of non-Federal certifying 
entities approved by the Secretary;
``(iii) the number of third-party providers 
certified by non-Federal certifying entities 
(other than State agencies and Indian Tribes);
``(iv) the number of third-party providers 
certified by Indian Tribes;
``(v) the number of third-party providers 
certified by State agencies; and
``(vi) the number of third-party providers 
certified through the streamlined certification 
process described in subsection (e)(7);
``(C) how third-party providers contribute to the 
quality and effectiveness of conservation practices 
implemented and adopted through conservation programs 
administered by the Secretary, and what improvements 
are needed; and
``(D) the target rate of utilization of third-party 
providers set under paragraph (3)(D) and how actual 
rate of utilization compares to the target rate.''; and
(6) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) Soil health planning.--The Secretary shall emphasize 
the use of third-party providers in providing technical 
assistance for soil health planning, including planning related 
to the use of cover crops, precision agriculture practices, 
comprehensive nutrient management planning, and other 
innovative plans.''.
(f) Review of Conservation Practice Standards.--Section 1242(h) of 
the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842(h)) is amended--
(1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Review'' and 
inserting ``Establishment and Review'';
(2) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as 
follows:
``(A) not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act 
of 2026, and at least every 5 years thereafter, 
complete a review of each conservation practice 
standard, including engineering design 
specifications;'';
(B) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'' at the 
end;
(C) by amending subparagraph (D) to read as 
follows:
``(D) evaluate opportunities to increase 
flexibility in conservation practice standards in a 
manner that integrates new and innovative technologies 
that provide equivalent or improved natural resource 
benefits compared to the standards in effect at the 
time of the review;''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) provide a process for public input on each 
conservation practice standard under such review, 
including a process for consideration of State and 
local input;
``(F) publicly post a summary of any input received 
under subparagraph (E) and any decisions made relating 
to such input; and
``(G) revise any conservation practice standard 
based on the results of such review, as determined 
appropriate by the Secretary, and publish any such 
revised standard.'';
(3) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
``(3) Process for establishment of interim and new 
conservation practice standards.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National 
Security Act of 2026, the Secretary shall develop a 
streamlined process under which the Secretary shall 
establish interim conservation practice standards and 
new conservation practice standards.
``(B) Development.--In developing the streamlined 
process under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall--
``(i) ensure that the public can engage 
with the Department of Agriculture, including 
by recommending interim conservation practice 
standards; and
``(ii) establish--
``(I) the types of data, metrics, 
and other relevant information that are 
necessary for the establishment of 
interim conservation practice standards 
and new conservation practice 
standards;
``(II) the process by which an 
interim conservation practice standard 
may become a new conservation practice 
standard; and
``(III) specific requirements for 
an expedited review of a new 
conservation practice for the purpose 
of establishing a new conservation 
practice standard for such practice.
``(C) Considerations.--In establishing an interim 
conservation practice standard or a new conservation 
practice standard under this subsection, the Secretary 
shall consider--
``(i) input from State technical committees 
on recommendations that identify innovations or 
advancements in conservation practices;
``(ii) technological advancements, 
including advancements from projects developed 
under section 1240H;
``(iii) State and local input in the form 
of--
``(I) recommendations for interim 
conservation practice standards; and
``(II) partnership-led proposals 
for new and innovative techniques to 
facilitate implementing agreements and 
grants under this title; and
``(iv) input from native entities in the 
form of information relating to native 
traditional ecological knowledge that can 
inform conservation practice standards.
``(D) Innovative technology priority.--In reviewing 
conservation practice standards under this subsection, 
the Secretary shall prioritize the review of interim 
conservation practice standards and new conservation 
practice standards that integrate innovative 
technologies, including--
``(i) precision agriculture technologies;
``(ii) biological fertilizers, 
biostimulants, enhanced efficiency fertilizers, 
and other tools determined by the Secretary to 
reduce nutrient loss;
``(iii) animal feed additives;
``(iv) perennial production systems, 
including agroforestry and perennial forages 
and grain crops; and
``(v) any other innovative technology, as 
determined by the Secretary.
``(E) Transparency.--The Secretary shall make 
available on a public website a detailed description of 
the process for recommending, reviewing, and 
establishing interim conservation practice standards 
and new conservation practice standards under this 
paragraph.'';
(4) in paragraph (4)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``Agriculture Improvement 
Act of 2018'' and inserting ``Farm, Food, and 
National Security Act of 2026''; and
(ii) by striking ``a report on'' and 
inserting ``a report detailing'';
(B) in subparagraph (A), by striking 
``administrative'' and inserting ``streamlined'';
(C) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the 
end;
(D) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at 
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(E) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) any other information the Secretary 
determines useful to improve such streamlined process 
for reviewing and establishing conservation practice 
standards.''; and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Office of conservation innovation.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish 
within the Office of the Chief of the Natural Resources 
Conservation Service an Office of Conservation 
Innovation (referred to in this paragraph as the 
`Office') which shall be under the direct supervision 
of the Chief.
``(B) Duties.--The Office shall--
``(i) provide support to the Chief in 
meeting the requirements of this subsection; 
and
``(ii) encourage innovation in conservation 
practices through--
``(I) revisions of existing 
conservation practice standards;
``(II) recommendations of interim 
conservation practice standards; and
``(III) recommendations of new 
conservation practice standards.
``(C) Staff.--The Chief shall detail to the Office 
not more than 6 employees of the Department of 
Agriculture who are technical specialists that possess 
an understanding of conventional, organic, and other 
production techniques, representing--
``(i) agronomy and agroecology (including 
soil health, biological nutrient sources, and 
compatible cover cropping systems);
``(ii) grazing lands ecology (including 
rangeland, pastureland, and grazed forest 
land);
``(iii) animal husbandry (including animal 
nutrition and feed management);
``(iv) water conservation, drainage water 
management, and irrigation engineering 
technology;
``(v) agricultural engineering (including 
animal waste management, energy, and structural 
measures); and
``(vi) forest ecology and agroforestry.
``(6) Funding.--The Secretary shall use funding from the 
annual appropriations for conservation operations of the 
Natural Resources Conservation Service to carry out this 
subsection.
``(7) Development of composting practice standard.--In 
addition to conducting a review under this subsection of any 
composting facility practice standard established before the 
date of enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall 
establish a composting practice standard under the process 
developed under paragraph (3).''.
(g) Direct Hire Authority.--Section 1242 of the Food Security Act 
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(j) NRCS Direct Hire Authority.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may appoint, without 
regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 
5, United States Code (other than sections 3303 and 3328 of 
such title), qualified candidates, as described in paragraph 
(2), directly to positions within the Natural Resources 
Conservation Service that provide technical assistance under 
conservation programs administered by the Natural Resources 
Conservation Service.
``(2) Qualifications.--Paragraph (1) applies to a candidate 
who--
``(A) is qualified to provide the technical 
assistance described in paragraph (1), as determined by 
the Secretary; and
``(B) meets qualification standards established by 
the Office of Personnel Management.''.
(h) Addressing Barriers to Wildlife Habitat Connectivity.--Section 
1242 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842) is further 
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(k) Addressing Barriers to Wildlife Habitat Connectivity.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
``(A) to the maximum extent practicable, fully 
incorporate nonstructural methods to control livestock 
distribution, such as virtual fencing, into the 
conservation practice standards; and
``(B) provide for the appropriate range of 
conservation practices and resource mitigation measures 
available to landowners using nonstructural methods 
described in subparagraph (A).
``(2) Availability of adequate technical assistance.--The 
Secretary shall ensure that adequate technical assistance is 
available for the implementation of--
``(A) nonstructural methods described in paragraph 
(1)(A); and
``(B) other practices that support wildlife habitat 
connectivity through Federal conservation programs.''.
(i) Provision of Assistance to Farmer-to-farmer Networks.--Section 
1242 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842) is further 
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(l) Provision of Assistance to Farmer-to-farmer Networks.--
``(1) Purposes.--The purposes of this subsection are--
``(A) to build capacity for farmer-to-farmer 
networks, connect farmers with mentors or group 
learning opportunities, and support goal setting to 
increase long-term adoption of consistent, science-
based, site-specific practices designed to achieve 
conservation objectives on land active in agricultural, 
forestry, or related uses;
``(B) to increase the provision of technical 
assistance that meets the specific needs of, and is 
accessible to, farmers, ranchers, and forest owners 
using different farming models, practices, and scales;
``(C) to establish and steward farmer-to-farmer 
networks; and
``(D) to establish reporting requirements for 
activities carried out under this subsection.
``(2) Cooperative agreements.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may enter into 
cooperative agreements with eligible entities to carry 
out the purposes described in paragraph (1).
``(B) Eligible entities.--An entity eligible to 
enter into a cooperative agreement with the Secretary 
under subparagraph (A) is--
``(i) a nonprofit entity described in 
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code 
of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section 
501(a) of that Code;
``(ii) a farmer-to-farmer network;
``(iii) an Indian Tribe or a Tribal 
organization (as such term is defined in 
section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and 
Education Assistance Act);
``(iv) a unit of local government 
(including a conservation district and a 
conservation district association);
``(v) an institution of higher education;
``(vi) a State; and
``(vii) any other entity designated by the 
Secretary.
``(C) Prioritization.--In selecting eligible 
entities with which to enter into cooperative 
agreements under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall 
give priority to eligible entities that seek to meet 
the specific needs of, and are accessible to--
``(i) historically underserved farmers, 
ranchers, and forest owners, including limited-
resource farmers, ranchers, and forest owners 
(as determined by the Secretary); or
``(ii) farmers, ranchers, and forest owners 
operating in high-poverty areas (as determined 
by the Secretary).
``(3) Responsibilities of providers of assistance to 
farmer-to-farmer networks.--
``(A) In general.--If an eligible entity provides 
assistance to establish a farmer-to-farmer network 
using assistance provided through a cooperative 
agreement under paragraph (2), the eligible entity 
shall be responsible for not less than 2 of the 
following actions:
``(i) Facilitating and increasing farmer 
access to farmer-to-farmer networks.
``(ii) Facilitating mentor and mentee 
matchmaking among farmers.
``(iii) Coordinating training and resources 
to build the skills of farmer-to-farmer network 
leaders and participants for effective 
education, grassroots-based learning, and 
cross-training with respect to the facilitation 
of, information about, and other skills with 
respect to building effective farmer-to-farmer 
networks.
``(iv) Maintaining and promulgating a list 
of relevant entities, associations, and 
individuals that are supporting, or have an 
interest in supporting, farmer-to-farmer 
networks.
``(v) Administering subawards to increase 
farmer access to farmer-to-farmer assistance in 
accordance with paragraph (4).
``(vi) Other actions determined appropriate 
by the Secretary.
``(B) Language assistance.--If an eligible entity 
provides assistance described in subparagraph (A) to a 
non-English speaking farmer, rancher, or forest owner, 
the eligible entity shall, to the greatest extent 
practicable, provide that assistance in the native 
language of the farmer, rancher, or forest owner.
``(C) Reporting.--An eligible entity that enters 
into a cooperative agreement under paragraph (2) shall 
annually submit to the Secretary a report describing--
``(i) the conservation activities carried 
out under the cooperative agreement; and
``(ii) any subawards administered pursuant 
to subparagraph (A)(v).
``(4) Subawards.--
``(A) In general.--If an eligible entity awards a 
subaward pursuant to paragraph (3)(A)(v) to an eligible 
subawardee described in subparagraph (B), the eligible 
subawardee shall use that award--
``(i) to plan and conduct events, and 
identify and develop innovative activities, to 
support building capacity for farmer-to-farmer 
networks, connecting farmers with mentors or 
group learning opportunities, and supporting 
goal setting to increase long-term adoption of 
consistent, science-based, site-specific 
conservation objectives on land active in 
agricultural, forestry, or related uses; and
``(ii) to compensate participants in the 
events and activities described in clause (i) 
at market rates.
``(B) Eligible subawardees.--An entity eligible for 
a subaward under paragraph (3)(A)(v) is--
``(i) a nonprofit entity described in 
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code 
of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section 
501(a) of that Code;
``(ii) a farmer-to-farmer network;
``(iii) an Indian Tribe or a Tribal 
organization (as such term is defined in 
section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and 
Education Assistance Act);
``(iv) a unit of local government 
(including a conservation district and a 
conservation district association);
``(v) an institution of higher education;
``(vi) an individual; and
``(vii) any other entity designated by the 
Secretary.
``(C) Requirements.--The Secretary, in conjunction 
with the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation 
Service, shall establish any necessary additional 
requirements for subawards under paragraph (3)(A)(v).
``(5) Reporting.--Not later than 4 years after the date of 
enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall submit to the 
Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and 
the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the 
Senate a report describing the status of activities funded 
under this subsection, including--
``(A) funding awarded;
``(B) the results of the activities, including, if 
feasible, conservation practice adoption outcomes; and
``(C) if applicable, outreach activities the 
Secretary has considered incorporating into other 
conservation technical assistance efforts as a result 
of the program established under this subsection.''.

SEC. 2503. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSERVATION PROGRAMS.

(a) Tenant Protections.--Section 1244(d) of the Food Security Act 
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844(d)) is amended by striking ``I.'' and inserting 
``J.''.
(b) Acreage Limitations.--Section 1244(f) of the Food Security Act 
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844(f)) is amended--
(1) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
``(1) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not enroll more than 
25 percent of the cropland in any county in the conservation 
reserve program established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of 
subtitle D and wetland reserve easements under section 
1265C.'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by 
striking ``paragraph (1)(A)'' and inserting ``paragraph 
(1)''; and
(B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the 
end and inserting ``or'';
(3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``paragraph (1)(A)'' and 
inserting ``paragraph (1)''; and
(4) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking ``classes IV'' and 
inserting ``classes III''.
(c) Review and Guidance for Practice Costs and Payment Rates.--
(1) In general.--Section 1244(j)(1) of the Food Security 
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844(j)(1)) is amended--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by 
striking ``Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, 
and not later than October 1 of each year thereafter, 
the Secretary shall'' and inserting ``The Secretary 
shall establish a process under which the Secretary 
shall annually'';
(B) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as 
follows:
``(A) review, with respect to each State, the 
actual practice costs and rates of payments (or, where 
actual practice costs and rates of payments are not 
available, estimates of such practice costs and rates) 
made to producers pursuant to programs under this title 
for practices on eligible land; and''; and
(C) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'' at 
the end;
(ii) by redesignating clause (iii) as 
clause (iv);
(iii) by inserting after clause (ii) the 
following:
``(iii) accounts for the variability in 
costs of implementing practices on eligible 
land under this title; and''; and
(iv) in clause (iv), as so redesignated, by 
striking ``regional, State, and'' and inserting 
``State and''.
(2) Guidance; review.--Section 1244(j)(2) of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844(j)(2)) is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``estimates 
for''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at 
the end;
(ii) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause 
(iii);
(iii) by inserting after clause (i) the 
following:
``(ii) monitoring for and identifying 
significant variability in practice costs in 
each year; and''; and
(iv) in clause (iii), as so redesignated, 
by inserting ``and, when appropriate, adopting 
any recommendations made by such State 
technical committee'' after ``that State''.
(3) Effect on existing contracts.--Section 1244(j) of the 
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844(j)) is amended by 
adding at the end the following:
``(3) Effect on existing contracts.--In order to provide 
rates of payments that are commensurate with the costs of 
implementing practices pursuant to programs under this title, 
the Secretary shall establish processes and procedures for 
updating rates of payments under a contract or agreement in 
effect under this title to reflect the appropriate practice 
costs and rates of payments determined under paragraph (2)(B) 
for the year in which the practice is implemented.''.
(d) Source Water Protection Through Targeting of Agricultural 
Practices.--Section 1244(n) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3844(n)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause 
(iii);
(ii) in clause (i), by striking the ``and'' 
at the end; and
(iii) by inserting after clause (i) the 
following:
``(ii) identify in each State a source 
water protection coordinator who shall be 
responsible for coordinating such collaboration 
with community water systems under this 
subsection; and''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``under 
subparagraph (A)(ii)'' and inserting ``under 
subparagraph (A)(iii)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Publicly available information.--Beginning on the 
date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act 
of 2026, the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Natural 
Resources Conservation Service, shall make publicly available--
``(A) an annual report that details--
``(i) for each local priority area 
identified under paragraph (2)(A)(i)--
``(I) the conservation programs 
under which assistance is provided 
pursuant to paragraph (1);
``(II) the practices implemented 
pursuant to paragraph (1); and
``(III) the number of contracts and 
acres devoted to such practices;
``(ii) for each conservation program 
administered by the Secretary--
``(I) the amount of funds obligated 
and expended for practices implemented 
pursuant to paragraph (1); and
``(II) information regarding the 
status of compliance with paragraph 
(3); and
``(iii) the practices, by State, that are 
receiving increased incentives and higher 
payment rates under paragraph (2)(A)(iii); and
``(B) through an interactive map, aggregated data 
detailed under subparagraph (A).''.
(e) Encouragement of Habitat Connectivity and Wildlife Corridors.--
Section 1244 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844) is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(q) Encouragement of Habitat Connectivity and Wildlife 
Corridors.--In carrying out any conservation program administered by 
the Secretary, the Secretary may, as appropriate, encourage the use of 
conservation practices that support the development, restoration, and 
maintenance of habitat connectivity and wildlife corridors.''.

Subtitle G--Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

SEC. 2601. DEFINITIONS.

Section 1265A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865a) is 
amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (2);
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (7) as 
paragraphs (2) through (6), respectively; and
(3) in paragraph (3)(A), as so redesignated, by amending 
clause (i) to read as follows:
``(i) that is subject to a pending offer 
for purchase of an agricultural land easement 
from an eligible entity;''.

SEC. 2602. AGRICULTURAL LAND EASEMENTS.

(a) Availability of Assistance.--Section 1265B(a) of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865b) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``in eligible land;'' and 
inserting ``on eligible land; and'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``(iv); and'' and 
inserting ``(iii).''; and
(3) by striking paragraph (3).
(b) Cost-Share Assistance.--
(1) Scope of assistance available.--Section 1265B(b)(2) of 
the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865b(b)(2)) is 
amended--
(A) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as 
follows:
``(A) Federal share.--
``(i) In general.--An agreement described 
in paragraph (4) shall provide for a Federal 
share determined by the Secretary of an amount 
not to exceed 65 percent of the fair market 
value of the agricultural land easement, as 
determined by the Secretary using--
``(I) the Uniform Standards of 
Professional Appraisal Practice;
``(II) an areawide market analysis 
or survey; or
``(III) another industry-approved 
method.
``(ii) Socially disadvantaged farmers and 
ranchers exception.--In the case of eligible 
land with respect to which a socially 
disadvantaged farmer or rancher holds an 
ownership interest of not less than 50 percent, 
the Secretary may provide an amount not to 
exceed 90 percent of the fair market value of 
the agricultural land easement.
``(iii) Grasslands exception.--In the case 
of grassland of special environmental 
significance, as determined by the Secretary, 
the Secretary may provide an amount not to 
exceed 75 percent of the fair market value of 
the agricultural land easement.'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) by amending clause (i) to read as 
follows:
``(i) In general.--Under the agreement, the 
eligible entity shall provide a non-Federal 
share that is equivalent to the remainder of 
the fair market value of the agricultural land 
easement not provided by the Secretary under 
subparagraph (A).'';
(ii) by striking clause (ii);
(iii) by redesignating clause (iii) as 
clause (ii); and
(iv) in clause (ii), as so redesignated, in 
the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking 
``subparagraph'' and inserting ``paragraph''; 
and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the 
following:
``(C) Lower cost-share option.--
``(i) In general.--Notwithstanding 
paragraph (4)(C)(v), an eligible entity may 
elect to enter into an agreement under 
paragraph (4) in which the terms and conditions 
of an agricultural land easement funded under 
the agreement do not include a right of 
enforcement for the Secretary if the eligible 
entity agrees to a Federal share that does not 
exceed 25 percent of the fair market value of 
the agricultural land easement, as determined 
by the Secretary under subparagraph (A).
``(ii) Minimum terms and conditions.--Under 
an agreement described in clause (i), an 
eligible entity shall be authorized to use its 
own terms and conditions for agricultural land 
easements so long as the Secretary determines 
such terms and conditions--
``(I) are consistent with the 
purposes of the program; and
``(II) permit effective enforcement 
of the conservation purposes of such 
easements.
``(iii) Entity enforcement.--Under an 
agreement described in clause (i), the 
Secretary shall require the terms and 
conditions for the agricultural land easement 
to include a right of enforcement for the 
eligible entity.
``(iv) Cash contribution.--Under an 
agreement described in clause (i), the eligible 
entity shall provide cash resources in an 
amount that is not less than 50 percent of the 
fair market value of the agricultural land 
easement, as determined by the Secretary under 
subparagraph (A).''.
(2) Evaluation and ranking of applications.--Section 
1265B(b)(3) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3865b(b)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(F) Pooling of applications.--The Secretary may 
evaluate and rank applications submitted by eligible 
entities for the purchase of agricultural land 
easements from landowners who are socially 
disadvantaged farmers or ranchers separately from 
applications submitted for the purchase of agricultural 
land easements from other landowners.''.
(3) Agreements with eligible entities.--Section 1265B(b)(4) 
of the Food Security Act of 1985 (42 U.S.C. 3865b(b)(4)) is 
amended--
(A) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) by striking clause (iii);
(ii) by redesignating clauses (iv) and (v) 
as clauses (iii) and (iv), respectively;
(iii) in clause (iii), as so redesignated, 
by striking the ``and'' at the end;
(iv) in clause (iv), as so redesignated, by 
striking the period at the end and inserting 
``;''; and
(v) by adding at the end the following:
``(v) include a right of enforcement for 
the Secretary that--
``(I) may be used only if the terms 
and conditions of the easement are not 
enforced by the eligible entity; and
``(II) does not extend to a right 
of inspection unless--
``(aa)(AA) the holder of 
the easement fails to provide 
monitoring reports in a timely 
manner; or
``(BB) the Secretary has a 
reasonable and articulable 
belief that the terms and 
conditions of the easement have 
been violated; and
``(bb) prior to the 
inspection, the Secretary 
notifies the eligible entity 
and the landowner of the 
inspection and provides a 
reasonable opportunity for the 
eligible entity and the 
landowner to participate in the 
inspection; and
``(vi) include a right of the Secretary to 
require the transfer of the easement to a 
different eligible entity if the eligible 
entity that holds the easement ceases to exist 
or is no longer eligible to participate in the 
program, as determined by the Secretary.''; and
(B) in subparagraph (D)--
(i) in clause (ii)--
(I) in subclause (I)(ff), by 
striking ``(v)'' and inserting 
``(iv)''; and
(II) in subclause (II), by striking 
the ``and'' at the end;
(ii) in subclause (iii), by striking the 
period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by inserting at the end the 
following:
``(iv) do not conflict with any minimum 
terms or conditions under subparagraph (C) that 
may be required.''.
(4) Certification of eligible entities.--Section 
1265B(b)(5) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3865b(b)(5)) is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by 
striking ``under which the Secretary may'' and 
inserting ``, to minimize administrative 
burdens on the Secretary and recognize the 
ability of experienced eligible entities to 
administer easements with minimal oversight by 
the Secretary, under which the Secretary 
shall''; and
(ii) in clause (iv), by inserting ``, and 
modify,'' after ``entity to use'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in clause (ii)--
(I) in subclause (II), by striking 
``10'' and inserting ``5''; and
(II) in subclause (III), by 
striking the ``or'' at the end;
(ii) in clause (iii)--
(I) in subclause (I), by striking 
``10'' and inserting ``5''; and
(II) in subclause (II), by striking 
the period at the end and inserting ``; 
or'';
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(iv) is an eligible entity not described 
in clause (ii) or (iii) that has--
``(I) acquired not fewer than 10 
agricultural land easements under the 
program or any predecessor program; and
``(II) successfully met the 
responsibilities of the eligible entity 
under the applicable agreements with 
the Secretary, as determined by the 
Secretary, relating to agricultural 
land easements that the eligible entity 
has acquired under the program or any 
predecessor program.''; and
(C) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) in the header, by striking ``Review and 
revision'' and inserting ``Review and 
revocation'';
(ii) in the header of clause (i) by 
striking ``Review'' and inserting ``Certified 
entity review''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) Easement review.--The Secretary 
shall establish and conduct an annual quality 
review process to--
``(I) review a sample set of 
easements acquired by certified 
eligible entities;
``(II) ensure the integrity of the 
easement acquisition process under this 
section;
``(III) establish and enforce a 
process for corrective actions; and
``(IV) provide for a waiver of 
successive easement reviews based on 
demonstrated compliance.''.

SEC. 2603. WETLAND RESERVE EASEMENTS.

(a) Easements.--Section 1265C(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 
(16 U.S.C. 3865c(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(D), by striking ``tribes'' and 
inserting ``Tribes and landowners who are socially 
disadvantaged farmers or ranchers''; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (3)(C) the following:
``(D) Pooling of applications.--The Secretary may 
evaluate and rank offers from landowners who are 
socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers separately 
from offers from other landowners.''.
(b) Easement Restoration.--Section 1265C(c)(1) of the Food Security 
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865c(c)(1)) is amended by striking ``subsection 
(f)'' and inserting ``subsection (g)''.
(c) Easement Stewardship.--Section 1265C of the Food Security Act 
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865c) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (d) through (g) as 
subsections (e) through (h), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (c), the following:
``(d) Easement Stewardship.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide financial 
assistance to owners of eligible land enrolled under this 
section for the repair, necessary maintenance, and enhancement 
activities described in the wetland reserve easement plan 
developed for the eligible land under subsection (g)(1).
``(2) Evaluation of stewardship need.--The Secretary 
shall--
``(A) regularly assess land enrolled under this 
section to identify maintenance and management needs, 
including any needed repair or enhancement of existing 
structural practices, in accordance with the applicable 
wetland reserve easement plan;
``(B) consistent with the purposes of the program, 
create, execute, and update as necessary based on the 
assessments carried out under subparagraph (A), a 
stewardship strategy for--
``(i) prioritizing and addressing the needs 
identified under subparagraph (A); and
``(ii) projecting the amount of annual 
funding needed for financial and technical 
assistance to address such needs; and
``(C) establish a 5-year schedule to address such 
needs.
``(3) Payments.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
Secretary shall make payments in an amount that is not more 
than 100 percent of the eligible costs, as determined by the 
Secretary.
``(4) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, 
the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of 
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, 
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that includes--
``(A) an inventory of the existing stewardship 
needs of all wetland reserve easements, based on the 
assessments carried out under paragraph (2);
``(B) the stewardship strategy created under 
paragraph (2)(B);
``(C) the amounts the Secretary plans to allocate 
to address such stewardship needs, based on projections 
made pursuant to paragraph (2)(B)(ii); and
``(D) the planned use of compatible uses under 
subsection (b)(5)(C), contracts or agreements under 
subsection (e)(2), or wetland reserve easement plans 
under subsection (g)(1) to ensure that each such 
stewardship need is addressed.''.
(d) Assistance.--Subsection (e) of section 1265C of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865c), as so redesignated, is 
amended--
(1) in the header, by striking ``Technical Assistance'' and 
inserting ``Assistance''; and
(2) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
``(2) Contracts or agreements.--The Secretary may enter 
into 1 or more contracts or agreements with a Federal, State, 
or local agency, a nongovernmental organization, an Indian 
Tribe, or a private entity to carry out necessary restoration, 
enhancement, maintenance, repair, assessment, or monitoring of 
a wetland reserve easement if the Secretary determines that the 
contract or agreement will advance the purposes of the 
program.''.
(e) Wetland Reserve Enhancement Option.--Subsection (f) of section 
1265C of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865c), as so 
redesignated, is amended--
(1) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the 
following:
``(1) In general.--The Secretary''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Funding.--Of the funds made available to carry out 
this section, the Secretary shall reserve not less than 15 
percent to carry out this subsection.''.

SEC. 2604. ADMINISTRATION.

(a) Subordination, Exchange, Modification, and Termination.--
Section 1265D(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865d(c)) 
is amended--
(1) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
``(2) Modification and exchange of interest in land.--
``(A) Modification.--
``(i) Authority.--The Secretary may approve 
a modification of any interest in land, or 
portion of such interest, administered by the 
Secretary, either directly or on behalf of the 
Commodity Credit Corporation, under the program 
if the Secretary determines that the 
modification--
``(I) will support the long-term 
agricultural viability of the 
applicable farm or ranch operation and 
the conservation values of the 
applicable easement;
``(II) will result in equal or 
increased conservation values;
``(III) is consistent with the 
original intent of the easement;
``(IV) is consistent with the 
purposes of the program; and
``(V) is in the public interest or 
furthers the practical administration 
of the program, including correcting 
errors, exercising reserved rights, and 
increasing flexibility to recognize 
changes in water availability or 
administration.
``(ii) Limitation.--In modifying an 
interest in land, or portion of such interest, 
under this subparagraph, the Secretary may not, 
except in the case of a modification that 
includes a change to an easement to add 
acreage, increase any payment to an eligible 
entity.
``(iii) NEPA compliance.--An action taken 
pursuant to this subparagraph may not be 
considered a major Federal action under section 
102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy 
Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)).
``(B) Exchange.--
``(i) Authority.--The Secretary may approve 
an exchange of any interest in land, or portion 
of such interest, administered by the 
Secretary, either directly or on behalf of the 
Commodity Credit Corporation, under the program 
if the Secretary determines that--
``(I) no reasonable alternative 
exists and the effect on the interest 
in land is avoided or minimized to the 
extent practicable; and
``(II) the exchange--
``(aa) results in equal or 
increased conservation values;
``(bb) results in equal or 
greater economic value to the 
United States;
``(cc) is consistent with 
the original intent of the 
easement;
``(dd) is consistent with 
the purposes of the program; 
and
``(ee) is in the public 
interest or furthers the 
practical administration of the 
program.
``(ii) Limitation.--In exchanging an 
interest in land, or portion of such interest, 
under this subparagraph, the Secretary may not 
increase any payment to an eligible entity.''; 
and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) De minimis adjustments.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible entity may make de 
minimis adjustments to any interest in land, or a 
portion of such interest, administered by the 
Secretary, directly or on behalf of the Commodity 
Credit Corporation, under the program if the 
adjustment--
``(i) furthers the practical administration 
of the program; and
``(ii) is not a subordination, 
modification, exchange, or termination, as 
determined by the Secretary.
``(B) Types of de minimis adjustments.--De minimis 
adjustments made under this paragraph may include title 
corrections and other minor adjustments, including--
``(i) typographical error corrections;
``(ii) minor changes in legal descriptions 
as a result of survey or mapping errors;
``(iii) the transfer of an interest of an 
eligible entity to another eligible entity;
``(iv) changes to a building envelope 
boundary;
``(v) relocation of easement access;
``(vi) authorization of temporary work 
areas not associated with other easement 
administration actions; and
``(vii) other adjustments determined 
appropriate by the Secretary.
``(7) Modification of eligible entity terms and 
conditions.--An eligible entity shall be authorized to modify a 
term or condition of an agricultural land easement that is the 
subject of an agreement entered into under section 
1265B(b)(4)(A) if such modification does not conflict with any 
minimum term or condition required by the Secretary under such 
section.''.
(b) Adjusted Gross Income.--
(1) Exemption.--Section 1265D of the Food Security Act of 
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865D) is amended by adding at the end the 
following:
``(f) Adjusted Gross Income Exemption.--The adjusted gross income 
limitation described in section 1001D(b)(1) shall not apply to any 
payment or other assistance under this subtitle.''.
(2) Calculation.--Section 1001D(b) of the Food Security Act 
of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3a(b)) is amended by adding at the end 
the following:
``(5) Exception for compensation under acep.--For purposes 
of this subsection, the adjusted gross income of a person or 
legal entity that is a landowner of eligible land (as defined 
in section 1265A) shall not include any income received as 
compensation for the acquisition of an agricultural land 
easement or a wetland reserve easement on that eligible land 
under subtitle H of title XII.''.

Subtitle H--Forest Conservation Easement Program

SEC. 2701. FOREST CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROGRAM.

Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3801 et seq.) 
is amended--
(1) by redesignating subtitle I (16 U.S.C. 3871 et seq.) as 
subtitle J; and
(2) by inserting after subtitle H (16 U.S.C. 3865 et seq.) 
the following:

``Subtitle I--Forest Conservation Easement Program

``SEC. 1267. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSES.

``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a forest 
conservation easement program for the conservation and restoration of 
eligible land and natural resources through the acquisition of 
conservation easements or other interests in land.
``(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the program are--
``(1) to protect the viability and sustainability of 
working forest land, and related conservation values of 
eligible land, by limiting the negative effects of nonforest 
land uses of such land;
``(2) to protect and enhance forest ecosystem and landscape 
functions and values;
``(3) to promote the restoration, protection, and 
improvement of habitat of species that are threatened, 
endangered, or otherwise at risk; and
``(4) to carry out the purposes and functions of the 
healthy forests reserve program established under title V of 
the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6571 et 
seq.), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of 
this section.

``SEC. 1267A. DEFINITIONS.

``In this subtitle:
``(1) Acreage owned by an indian tribe.--The term `acreage 
owned by an Indian Tribe' means--
``(A) land that is held in trust by the United 
States for Indian Tribes or individual Indians;
``(B) land, the title to which is held by Indian 
Tribes or individual Indians subject to Federal 
restrictions against alienation or encumbrance;
``(C) land that is subject to rights of use, 
occupancy, and benefit of certain Indian Tribes;
``(D) land that is held in fee title by an Indian 
Tribe;
``(E) land that is owned by a native corporation 
formed under--
``(i) section 17 of the Act of June 18, 
1934 (commonly known as the `Indian 
Reorganization Act') (25 U.S.C. 5124); or
``(ii) section 8 of the Alaska Native 
Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1607); and
``(F) a combination of 1 or more types of land 
described in subparagraphs (A) through (E).
``(2) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means--
``(A) an agency of State or local government or an 
Indian Tribe (including a land resource council 
established under State law); or
``(B) an organization that is--
``(i) organized for, and at all times since 
the formation of the organization has been 
operated principally for, 1 or more of the 
conservation purposes specified in clause (i), 
(ii), (iii), or (iv) of section 170(h)(4)(A) of 
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
``(ii) an organization described in section 
501(c)(3) of that Code that is exempt from 
taxation under section 501(a) of that Code; or
``(iii) described in--
``(I) paragraph (1) or (2) of 
section 509(a) of that Code; or
``(II) section 509(a)(3) of that 
Code and is controlled by an 
organization described in section 
509(a)(2) of that Code.
``(3) Eligible land.--The term `eligible land' means 
private land or acreage owned by an Indian Tribe--
``(A) that is--
``(i) forest land; or
``(ii) being restored to forest land;
``(B) in the case of a forest land easement--
``(i) the enrollment of which would protect 
working forests and related conservation values 
by conserving land; or
``(ii) the protection of which will further 
a State or local policy consistent with the 
purposes of the program; and
``(C) in the case of a forest reserve easement, the 
enrollment of which will maintain, restore, enhance, or 
otherwise measurably--
``(i) increase the likelihood of recovery 
of a species that is listed as endangered or 
threatened under section 4 of the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533); or
``(ii) improve the well-being of a species 
that is--
``(I) not listed as endangered or 
threatened under that section; and
``(II)(aa) a candidate for that 
listing, a State-listed species, or a 
special concern species; or
``(bb) designated as a species of 
greatest conservation need by a State 
wildlife action plan.
``(4) Forest land easement.--The term `forest land 
easement' means an easement or other interest in eligible land 
that--
``(A) is conveyed to an eligible entity for the 
purpose of protecting natural resources and the forest 
nature of the eligible land; and
``(B) permits the landowner the right to continue 
working forest production and related uses, consistent 
with an applicable forest management plan.
``(5) Forest management plan.--The term `forest management 
plan' means--
``(A) a forest stewardship plan described in 
section 5(f) of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act 
of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2103a(f));
``(B) another plan approved by the applicable State 
forester or State forestry agency;
``(C) a plan developed under a third-party 
certification system determined appropriate by the 
Secretary; or
``(D) another plan determined appropriate by the 
Secretary.
``(6) Forest reserve easement.--The term `forest reserve 
easement' means an easement or other interest in eligible land 
that--
``(A) is conveyed to the Secretary for the purpose 
of protecting natural resources and the forest nature 
of the eligible land; and
``(B) permits the landowner the right to continue 
working forest production and related uses consistent 
with the applicable forest reserve easement plan 
developed under section 1267C(c)(1)(A).
``(7) Program.--The term `program' means the forest 
conservation easement program established under this subtitle.
``(8) Socially disadvantaged forest landowner.--The term 
`socially disadvantaged forest landowner' means a forest 
landowner who is a member of a socially disadvantaged group (as 
defined in section 2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture, 
Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(a))).

``SEC. 1267B. FOREST LAND EASEMENTS.

``(a) Availability of Assistance.--The Secretary shall facilitate 
and provide funding for--
``(1) the purchase by eligible entities of forest land 
easements on eligible land;
``(2) the development of a forest management plan; and
``(3) technical assistance to implement this section.
``(b) Cost-Share Assistance.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall protect working 
forests, and related conservation values of eligible land, 
through cost-share assistance to eligible entities for 
purchasing forest land easements.
``(2) Scope of assistance available.--
``(A) Federal share.--
``(i) In general.--Except as provided in 
clause (ii), an agreement described in 
paragraph (4) shall provide for a Federal share 
of 50 percent of the fair market value of the 
forest land easement, as determined by the 
Secretary.
``(ii) Exception.--An agreement described 
in paragraph (4) may provide for a Federal 
share of not more than 75 percent of the fair 
market value of a forest land easement in the 
case of eligible land that is--
``(I) a forest of special 
environmental significance, as 
determined by the Secretary; or
``(II) owned by a socially 
disadvantaged forest landowner.
``(B) Non-federal share.--
``(i) In general.--Under an agreement 
described in paragraph (4), the eligible entity 
shall provide a non-Federal share that is 
equivalent to the remainder of the fair market 
value of the forest land easement not provided 
by the Secretary under subparagraph (A).
``(ii) Permissible forms.--The non-Federal 
share provided by an eligible entity under this 
paragraph may comprise--
``(I) cash resources;
``(II) a charitable donation or 
qualified conservation contribution (as 
defined in section 170(h) of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986) from the 
private forest landowner from which the 
forest land easement will be purchased;
``(III) costs associated with 
securing a deed to the forest land 
easement, including the cost of 
appraisal, survey, inspection, and 
title; and
``(IV) other costs, as determined 
by the Secretary.
``(C) Determination of fair market value.--For 
purposes of this paragraph, the Secretary shall 
determine the fair market value of a forest land 
easement using--
``(i) the Uniform Standards of Professional 
Appraisal Practice;
``(ii) an areawide market analysis or 
survey; or
``(iii) another industry-approved method.
``(3) Evaluation and ranking of applications.--
``(A) Criteria.--The Secretary shall establish 
evaluation and ranking criteria to maximize the benefit 
of Federal investment under the program.
``(B) Priority.--In evaluating applications under 
the program, the Secretary shall give priority to an 
application for the purchase of a forest land 
easement--
``(i) that maintains the viability of a 
working forest, as determined by the Secretary; 
and
``(ii) on eligible land for which a forest 
management plan has been developed at the time 
of application.
``(C) Considerations.--In establishing the criteria 
under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall emphasize 
support for--
``(i) protecting working forests and 
related conservation values of eligible land;
``(ii) reducing fragmentation of forest 
land; and
``(iii) maximizing the areas protected from 
conversion to nonforest uses.
``(4) Agreements with eligible entities.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall enter into 
agreements with eligible entities to stipulate the 
terms and conditions under which the eligible entity is 
permitted to use cost-share assistance provided under 
this section.
``(B) Length of agreements.--An agreement under 
subparagraph (A) shall be for a term that is not less 
than 3, but not more than 5, years, unless the 
Secretary determines that a longer term is justified.
``(C) Minimum terms and conditions.--An eligible 
entity shall be authorized to use its own terms and 
conditions for forest land easements so long as the 
Secretary determines such terms and conditions--
``(i) are consistent with--
``(I) the purposes of the program; 
and
``(II) the forestry activities to 
be conducted on the eligible land;
``(ii) permit effective enforcement of the 
conservation purposes of the forest land 
easements;
``(iii) include a requirement to implement 
a forest management plan on eligible land 
subject to a forest land easement;
``(iv) include a limit on the impervious 
surfaces to be allowed that is consistent with 
the forestry activities to be conducted; and
``(v) include a right of enforcement for 
the Secretary that--
``(I) may be used only if the terms 
and conditions of the forest land 
easement are not enforced by the 
eligible entity; and
``(II) does not extend to a right 
of inspection unless--
``(aa)(AA) the holder of 
the forest land easement fails 
to provide monitoring reports 
in a timely manner; or
``(BB) the Secretary has a 
reasonable and articulable 
belief that the terms and 
conditions of the forest land 
easement have been violated; 
and
``(bb) prior to the 
inspection, the Secretary 
notifies the eligible entity 
and the landowner of the 
inspection and provides a 
reasonable opportunity for the 
eligible entity and the 
landowner to participate in the 
inspection.
``(D) Additional permitted terms and conditions.--
An eligible entity may include terms and conditions for 
a forest land easement that--
``(i) are intended to keep the eligible 
land subject to the forest land easement in 
active forest management, as determined by the 
Secretary;
``(ii) allow subsurface mineral development 
on the eligible land subject to the forest land 
easement and in accordance with applicable 
State law if, as determined by the Secretary--
``(I) the subsurface mineral 
development--
``(aa) has a limited and 
localized impact;
``(bb) does not harm the 
forest use and conservation 
values of the eligible land 
subject to the forest land 
easement;
``(cc) does not materially 
alter or affect the existing 
topography;
``(dd) complies with a 
subsurface mineral development 
plan that--

``(AA) includes a 
plan for the 
remediation of impacts 
to the forest use and 
conservation values of 
the eligible land 
subject to the forest 
land easement; and

``(BB) is approved 
by the Secretary prior 
to the initiation of 
mineral development 
activity;

``(ee) is not accomplished 
by any surface mining method;
``(ff) is within the 
impervious surface limits of 
the forest land easement under 
subparagraph (C)(iv); and
``(gg) uses practices and 
technologies that minimize the 
duration and intensity of 
impacts to the forest use and 
conservation values of the 
eligible land subject to the 
forest land easement; and
``(II) each area impacted by the 
subsurface mineral development is 
reclaimed and restored by the holder of 
the mineral rights at cessation of 
operation; and
``(iii) include other relevant activities 
relating to the forest land easement, as 
determined by the Secretary.
``(E) Substitution of qualified projects.--An 
agreement under subparagraph (A) shall allow, upon 
mutual agreement of the parties, substitution of 
qualified projects that are identified at the time of 
the proposed substitution.
``(F) Effect of violation.--If a violation of a 
term or condition of an agreement under subparagraph 
(A) occurs--
``(i) the Secretary may terminate the 
agreement; and
``(ii) the Secretary may require the 
eligible entity to refund all or part of any 
payments received by the eligible entity under 
the program, with interest on the payments as 
determined appropriate by the Secretary.
``(5) Forest management plan.--
``(A) In general.--If the eligible land does not 
have a forest management plan at the time of 
application, prior to the acquisition of the forest 
land easement the landowner shall develop, in 
partnership with the eligible entity, a forest 
management plan for the land subject to the forest land 
easement.
``(B) Reimbursement.--The Secretary may reimburse 
the landowner for the cost of the development of a 
forest management plan for eligible land enrolled under 
this section.
``(c) Method of Enrollment.--The Secretary shall enroll eligible 
land under this section through the use of--
``(1) permanent easements; or
``(2) easements for the maximum duration allowed under 
applicable State laws.
``(d) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary may provide technical 
assistance, on request, to assist in compliance with the terms and 
conditions of forest land easements.

``SEC. 1267C. FOREST RESERVE EASEMENTS.

``(a) Availability of Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide 
assistance to owners of eligible land to restore, protect, and enhance 
eligible land through--
``(1) forest reserve easements and related forest reserve 
easement plans; and
``(2) technical assistance to implement this section.
``(b) Easements.--
``(1) Method of enrollment.--
``(A) Authorized methods.--The Secretary shall 
enroll eligible land under this section--
``(i) through the use of--
``(I) permanent easements;
``(II) 30-year easements; and
``(III) easements for the maximum 
duration allowed under applicable State 
laws; and
``(ii) in the case of acreage owned by an 
Indian Tribe, through the use of--
``(I) 30-year contracts (the 
compensation for which shall be 
equivalent to the compensation for 30-
year easements); or
``(II) permanent easements.
``(B) Limitation.--Not more than 10 percent of 
amounts made available to carry out this section in a 
fiscal year may be used for 30-year easements under 
this section.
``(2) Evaluation and ranking of offers.--
``(A) Criteria.--The Secretary shall establish 
evaluation and ranking criteria for offers from 
landowners under this section.
``(B) Priority.--The Secretary shall give priority 
to the enrollment of eligible land under this section 
that provides the greatest conservation benefit to--
``(i) primarily, species listed as 
endangered or threatened under section 4 of the 
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 
1533); and
``(ii) secondarily, species that are--
``(I) not listed as endangered or 
threatened under that section; and
``(II)(aa) candidates for that 
listing, State-listed species, or 
special concern species; or
``(bb) designated as species of 
greatest conservation need by a State 
wildlife action plan.
``(C) Other considerations.--The Secretary may give 
additional consideration to eligible land the 
enrollment under this section of which will--
``(i) improve biological diversity;
``(ii) restore native forest ecosystems;
``(iii) conserve forest land that provides 
habitat for species described in subparagraph 
(B);
``(iv) reduce fragmentation of forest land; 
and
``(v) increase carbon sequestration.
``(3) Terms and conditions of easements.--
``(A) In general.--A forest reserve easement shall 
include terms and conditions that--
``(i) are consistent with the purposes of 
the program and the forestry activities to be 
conducted on the eligible land;
``(ii) are consistent with the management 
objectives of the owner of the eligible land 
and the implementation of the forest reserve 
easement plan developed under subsection 
(c)(1)(A);
``(iii) permit effective enforcement of the 
conservation purposes of the forest reserve 
easements;
``(iv) provide for the efficient and 
effective establishment or enhancement of 
forest ecosystem functions and values; and
``(v) include such additional provisions as 
the Secretary determines are desirable to carry 
out the program or facilitate the practical 
administration of the program.
``(B) Requested terms and conditions.--An owner of 
eligible land may request that a term or condition be 
included in a forest reserve easement, and the 
Secretary may include such term or condition, if it--
``(i) is consistent with the management 
objectives of the owner of the eligible land 
and the implementation of the forest reserve 
easement plan developed under subsection 
(c)(1)(A); and
``(ii) does not conflict with any terms or 
conditions included under subparagraph (A).
``(4) Compensation.--
``(A) Permanent easements.--In the case of eligible 
land enrolled in a permanent easement under this 
section, the Secretary shall pay the owner of the 
eligible land an amount equal to the difference 
between, as determined by the Secretary--
``(i) the fair market value of the eligible 
land before the enrollment in the permanent 
easement; and
``(ii) the fair market value of the 
eligible land as encumbered by the permanent 
easement.
``(B) Other.--The Secretary shall pay the owner of 
eligible land enrolled under this section in a 30-year 
contract, a 30-year easement, or an easement for the 
maximum duration allowed under applicable State laws, 
not less than 50 percent, and not more than 75 percent, 
of the compensation that would be paid under 
subparagraph (A) if the land were being enrolled in a 
permanent easement.
``(C) Determination of fair market value.--The 
Secretary shall determine the fair market value of 
eligible land for purposes of this paragraph using the 
Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice or 
another industry-approved method.
``(c) Easement Restoration and Management.--
``(1) Forest reserve easement plan.--
``(A) In general.--Land enrolled in a forest 
reserve easement shall be subject to a forest reserve 
easement plan, to be developed jointly by the landowner 
and the Secretary, that describes such activities to be 
carried out on the land as are necessary to restore, 
maintain, and enhance habitat for species described in 
subsection (b)(2)(B).
``(B) Practices and measures.--A forest reserve 
easement plan developed under subparagraph (A) shall 
require implementation of such practices and measures 
as are necessary to accomplish the activities described 
in the plan under such subparagraph, which may 
include--
``(i) vegetative management and 
silviculture practices;
``(ii) structural practices and measures;
``(iii) practices to increase carbon 
sequestration;
``(iv) practices to improve biological 
diversity; and
``(v) other practices and measures, as 
determined by the Secretary.
``(2) Financial assistance.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall provide 
financial assistance to owners of eligible land to 
carry out the activities, practices, and measures 
described in the forest reserve easement plan developed 
for the eligible land under paragraph (1).
``(B) Payments.--With respect to financial 
assistance provided under subparagraph (A), the 
Secretary shall pay--
``(i) in the case of a forest reserve 
easement plan for eligible land enrolled in a 
permanent easement, an amount that is not more 
than 100 percent of the eligible costs 
described in subparagraph (C), as determined by 
the Secretary; and
``(ii) in the case of a forest reserve 
easement plan for eligible land enrolled in a 
30-year contract, a 30-year easement, or an 
easement for the maximum duration allowed under 
applicable State laws, an amount that is not 
less than 50 percent, and not more than 75 
percent, of the eligible costs described in 
subparagraph (C), as determined by the 
Secretary.
``(C) Eligible costs.--Costs eligible for payments 
under this paragraph are the costs of activities, 
practices, and measures referred to in subparagraph (A) 
that are associated with the restoration or enhancement 
of the habitat conditions specified for the applicable 
species in the forest reserve easement plan.
``(D) Timing of payments.--Payments under this 
paragraph shall be made--
``(i) only on a determination by the 
Secretary that an activity, practice, or 
measure described in subparagraph (C) has been 
established in compliance with appropriate 
standards and specifications, which 
determination shall be made as soon as 
practicable after establishment; and
``(ii) as soon as possible after such 
determination is made.
``(E) Limitations.--Financial assistance provided 
by the Secretary under this paragraph to an owner of 
eligible land may not exceed $500,000 per easement or 
contract.
``(d) Technical Assistance.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide to owners of 
eligible land technical assistance to assist the owners in--
``(A) developing a forest reserve easement plan; 
and
``(B) complying with the terms and conditions of a 
forest reserve easement, including the implementation 
of a forest reserve easement plan.
``(2) Contracts or agreements.--The Secretary may enter 
into 1 or more contracts with private entities or agreements 
with a State, nongovernmental organization, or Indian Tribe to 
provide technical assistance described in paragraph (1), if the 
Secretary determines that the contract or agreement will 
advance the purposes of the program.
``(e) Protections and Measures.--
``(1) Protections.--In the case of a landowner who enrolls 
eligible land in a forest reserve easement, and whose 
conservation activities under the forest reserve easement plan 
developed for such land result in a net conservation benefit 
for a species described in subsection (b)(2)(B), the Secretary 
shall make available to the landowner safe harbor or similar 
assurances and protection under--
``(A) section 7(b)(4) of the Endangered Species Act 
of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536(b)(4)); or
``(B) section 10(a)(1) of that Act (16 U.S.C. 
1539(a)(1)).
``(2) Measures.--If protection under paragraph (1) requires 
the taking of measures that are in addition to the measures 
covered by the forest reserve easement plan developed for the 
eligible land, the cost of the additional measures, and the 
cost of any permit, shall be considered costs eligible for 
payments under subsection (c)(2).
``(f) Administration.--
``(1) Delegation of easement administration.--
``(A) Federal and state agencies.--The Secretary 
may delegate any of the management, monitoring, and 
enforcement responsibilities of the Secretary under 
this section to other Federal or State agencies that 
have the appropriate authority, expertise, and 
resources necessary to carry out those delegated 
responsibilities.
``(B) Conservation organizations.--The Secretary 
may delegate any of the management responsibilities of 
the Secretary under this section to a nonprofit 
conservation organization if the Secretary determines 
the organization has the appropriate expertise and 
resources necessary to carry out those delegated 
responsibilities.
``(2) Involvement by other agencies and organizations.--In 
carrying out this section, the Secretary may consult with--
``(A) private forest landowners;
``(B) other Federal agencies;
``(C) State forestry agencies;
``(D) State fish and wildlife agencies;
``(E) State environmental quality agencies;
``(F) other State conservation agencies; and
``(G) nonprofit conservation organizations.

``SEC. 1267D. ADMINISTRATION.

``(a) Ineligible Land.--The Secretary shall not use amounts made 
available to carry out the program for the purposes of acquiring an 
easement on--
``(1) land owned by a Federal agency, other than such land 
that is acreage owned by an Indian Tribe;
``(2) land owned in fee title by a State, including an 
agency or a subdivision of a State, or a unit of local 
government;
``(3) land subject to an easement or deed restriction that, 
as determined by the Secretary, provides similar protection as 
would be provided by enrollment in the program; or
``(4) land the enrollment in the program of which would 
undermine the purposes of the program due to on-site or off-
site conditions, such as risk of hazardous substances, 
permitted or existing rights of way, infrastructure 
development, or adjacent land uses.
``(b) Subordination, Exchange, Modification, and Termination.--
``(1) Subordination.--The Secretary may subordinate any 
interest in eligible land, or portion of such an interest, 
administered by the Secretary (including for the purposes of 
utilities and energy transmission services) directly or on 
behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation under the program if 
the Secretary determines that the subordination--
``(A) increases conservation values or has a 
limited negative effect on conservation values;
``(B) minimally affects the acreage subject to the 
interest in eligible land; and
``(C) is in the public interest or furthers the 
practical administration of the program.
``(2) Modification and exchange of interest in land.--
``(A) Modification.--
``(i) Authority.--The Secretary may approve 
a modification of any interest in land, or 
portion of such interest, administered by the 
Secretary, either directly or on behalf of the 
Commodity Credit Corporation, under the program 
if the Secretary determines that the 
modification--
``(I) will support the viability 
and sustainability of working forests 
and the conservation values of the 
applicable easement;
``(II) will result in equal or 
increased conservation values;
``(III) is consistent with the 
original intent of the easement;
``(IV) is consistent with the 
purposes of the program; and
``(V) is in the public interest or 
furthers the practical administration 
of the program, including correcting 
errors and exercising reserved rights.
``(ii) Limitation.--In modifying an 
interest in land, or portion of such interest, 
under this subparagraph, the Secretary may not, 
except in the case of a modification that 
includes a change to an easement to add 
acreage, increase any payment to an eligible 
entity.
``(B) Exchange.--
``(i) Authority.--The Secretary may approve 
an exchange of any interest in land, or portion 
of such interest, administered by the 
Secretary, either directly or on behalf of the 
Commodity Credit Corporation, under the program 
if the Secretary determines that--
``(I) no reasonable alternative 
exists and the effect on the interest 
in land is avoided or minimized to the 
extent practicable; and
``(II) the exchange--
``(aa) results in equal or 
increased conservation values;
``(bb) results in equal or 
greater economic value to the 
United States;
``(cc) is consistent with 
the original intent of the 
easement;
``(dd) is consistent with 
the purposes of the program; 
and
``(ee) is in the public 
interest or furthers the 
practical administration of the 
program.
``(ii) Limitation.--In exchanging an 
interest in land, or portion of such interest, 
under this subparagraph, the Secretary may not 
increase any payment to an eligible entity.
``(3) Termination.--The Secretary may approve a termination 
of any interest in eligible land, or portion of such an 
interest, administered by the Secretary, directly or on behalf 
of the Commodity Credit Corporation under the program if the 
Secretary determines that--
``(A) termination is in the interest of the Federal 
Government;
``(B) the United States will be fully compensated 
for--
``(i) the value of the interest in the 
land, as determined by the Secretary;
``(ii) any costs relating to the 
termination; and
``(iii) any damages determined appropriate 
by the Secretary; and
``(C) the termination will--
``(i) address a compelling public need for 
which there is no practicable alternative even 
with avoidance and minimization; and
``(ii) further the practical administration 
of the program.
``(4) Consent.--The Secretary shall obtain consent from the 
landowner and eligible entity, if applicable, for any 
subordination, exchange, modification, or termination of an 
interest in eligible land, or portion of such an interest, 
under this subsection.
``(5) Notice.--Not fewer than 90 days before taking any 
termination action described in paragraph (3), the Secretary 
shall provide written notice of that action to the Committee on 
Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.
``(c) Land Enrolled in Other Programs.--In accordance with the 
provisions of section 2702 of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act 
of 2026, land enrolled in the healthy forests reserve program 
established under title V of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 
2003 (16 U.S.C. 6571 et seq.) on the day before the date of enactment 
of this section shall be considered enrolled in the program.''.

SEC. 2702. HEALTHY FORESTS RESERVE PROGRAM.

(a) Repeal.--
(1) In general.--Title V of the Healthy Forests Restoration 
Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6571 et seq.) is repealed.
(2) Conforming amendment.--The table of contents in section 
1(b) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (Public Law 
108-148; 117 Stat. 1887) is amended by striking the items 
relating to title V.
(b) Transitional Provisions.--
(1) Effect on existing contracts, agreements, and 
easements.--The repeal made by subsection (a) shall not affect 
the validity or terms of any contract, agreement, or easement 
entered into by the Secretary under title V of the Healthy 
Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6571 et seq.) before 
the date of enactment of this Act, or any payments or technical 
assistance required to be made in connection with the contract, 
agreement, or easement.
(2) Funding.--
(A) Use of prior year funds.--Notwithstanding the 
repeal made by subsection (a), any funds made available 
from the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the 
healthy forests reserve program established under title 
V of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 
U.S.C. 6571 et seq.) (as in effect on the day before 
the date of enactment of this Act) for any of fiscal 
years 2019 through 2025 shall be made available to 
carry out contracts, agreements, or easements referred 
to in paragraph (1), subject to the condition that no 
such contract, agreement, or easement may be modified 
so as to increase the amount of any payment received.
(B) Other.--The Secretary may use funds made 
available to carry out the forest conservation easement 
program established under subtitle I of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 to continue to carry out 
contracts, agreements, or easements referred to in 
paragraph (1) using the provisions of law (including 
regulations) applicable to those contracts, agreements, 
and easements as in existence on the day before the 
date of enactment of this Act.

Subtitle I--Regional Conservation Partnership Program

SEC. 2801. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSES.

Section 1271(b)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3871(b)(2)) is amended to read as follows:
``(2) To address natural resource concerns on eligible land 
on a regional or watershed scale, including through--
``(A) the conservation, protection, restoration, 
and sustainable use of soil;
``(B) the conservation and protection of water, 
including sources of drinking water and groundwater;
``(C) the prevention and mitigation of the effects 
of flooding and drought, and the improvement or 
expansion of flood resiliency; and
``(D) the conservation of wildlife, agricultural 
land, and related natural resources.''.

SEC. 2802. DEFINITIONS.

Section 1271A(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3871a(1)) is amended by striking subparagraph (D) and inserting the 
following:
``(D) The forest conservation easement program 
established under subtitle I.''.

SEC. 2803. REGIONAL CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPS.

(a) Partnership Agreements Authorized.--Section 1271B(a) of the 
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871b(a)) is amended to read as 
follows:
``(a) Partnership Agreements Authorized.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may enter into a 
partnership agreement with an eligible partner to implement a 
project that will assist producers with installing and 
maintaining an eligible activity on eligible land.
``(2) Streamlining required.--The Secretary shall ensure 
that a partnership agreement under paragraph (1)--
``(A) is entered into not later than 180 days after 
the date on which an application is selected under 
subsection (e); and
``(B) contains only--
``(i) the information, described under 
subsection (e)(3), necessary to fund and 
initiate the project to be implemented under 
the partnership agreement; and
``(ii) any adjustments to the requirements 
of a covered program determined necessary by 
the Secretary under paragraph (2) of section 
1271E(f), and any waiver provided under 
paragraph (3) of such section.
``(3) Process for requesting waivers and adjustments.--The 
Secretary shall make available information on the process for 
requesting a waiver or an adjustment to the requirements of a 
covered program pursuant to section 1271E(f).''.
(b) Duties of Secretary.--Section 1271B(d) of the Food Security Act 
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871b(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking ``how the Secretary 
used amounts reserved by the Secretary for that year for 
technical assistance under section 1271D(f); and'' and 
inserting ``the use of funds for technical assistance under 
section 1271D(c);'';
(2) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and 
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) ensure payments to eligible partners under a 
partnership agreement are made not later than 30 days after the 
date on which the eligible partner submits to the Secretary a 
request for payment.''.
(c) Applications.--Section 1271B(e)(3) of the Food Security Act of 
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871b(e)(3)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (F); 
and
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following:
``(E) any requests by an eligible partner for a 
waiver or an adjustment to the requirements of a 
covered program pursuant to section 1271E(f); and''.

SEC. 2804. ASSISTANCE TO PRODUCERS.

Section 1271C(d)(3) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3871c(d)(3)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C);
(2) in subparagraph (A)(iv), by striking the ``and'' at the 
end; and
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (A)(iv) the following:
``(B) provide, under section 1271B(c)(2), not less 
than 50 percent of the overall costs of the scope of 
the project that is the subject of a partnership 
agreement funded pursuant to paragraph (1) in direct 
funding; and''.

SEC. 2805. FUNDING.

(a) Allocation of Funding.--Section 1271D of the Food Security Act 
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871d) is amended--
(1) by striking subsections (a) and (b);
(2) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), and (e) as 
subsections (a), (b), and (c), respectively; and
(3) in subsection (a), as so redesignated, by striking 
``subsection (a)'' and inserting ``section 1241(a)(6)''.
(b) Limitation on Administrative Expenses.--Subsection (b) of 
section 1271D of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871d), as so 
redesignated, is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Limitation on Administrative Expenses.--
``(1) In general.--Of the funds made available to implement 
a project under a partnership agreement, the Secretary may use 
not more than ten percent to reimburse the eligible partner for 
administrative expenses relating to the project.
``(2) Consideration.--Any amounts expended by an eligible 
partner for administrative expenses that are not reimbursed 
under paragraph (1) may be considered to be a part of the 
contribution of the eligible partner under section 
1271B(c)(2).''.
(c) Technical Assistance.--Subsection (c) of section 1271D of the 
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871d), as so redesignated, is 
amended to read as follows:
``(c) Technical Assistance.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, through a 
partnership agreement, identify--
``(A) the total amount of funds that will be used 
for technical assistance; and
``(B) the share of such funds that will be provided 
to eligible partners under paragraph (2).
``(2) Provision of assistance.--
``(A) Reimbursement.--Under a partnership agreement 
that is not funded through an alternative funding 
arrangement or grant agreement under section 1271C(d), 
the Secretary may reimburse eligible partners for the 
costs of technical assistance provided through such 
partnership agreement, including--
``(i) the costs of technical assistance 
needed to facilitate the maximum conservation 
benefit of the applicable project;
``(ii) the costs of providing outreach and 
education to producers for potential 
participation in the applicable project;
``(iii) the costs of establishing baseline 
metrics to support the development of the 
assessment required under section 
1271B(c)(1)(E); and
``(iv) other costs necessary to support the 
implementation of eligible activities, as 
determined by the Secretary.
``(B) Advancement of funds.--The Secretary may 
advance to eligible partners reasonable amounts of 
funds for costs that may be reimbursed under 
subparagraph (A), as determined by the Secretary.
``(3) Limitation.--The Secretary shall limit costs of the 
Secretary for technical assistance to costs necessary to carry 
out the objectives of the program.
``(4) Reduction of administrative barriers.--The Secretary 
shall provide a single, simplified process for reimbursements 
or advancements to eligible partners for the costs of technical 
assistance under this subsection.
``(5) Third-party providers.--The Secretary shall develop 
and implement strategies to encourage third-party technical 
service providers to provide technical assistance to eligible 
partners pursuant to a partnership agreement.''.

SEC. 2806. ADMINISTRATION.

(a) Reporting.--Section 1271E(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 
(16 U.S.C. 3871e(b)) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) 
by inserting ``make publicly available and'' after ``the Secretary 
shall''.
(b) Consistency With Covered Program Rules.--Section 1271E of the 
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871e) is amended by adding at the 
end the following:
``(f) Consistency With Covered Program Requirements.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in this subsection, 
the Secretary shall ensure that the terms and conditions of a 
program contract are consistent with the requirements of the 
applicable covered program to be used as part of the applicable 
partnership agreement.
``(2) Adjustments.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may, if the 
Secretary determines necessary, adjust a regulatory 
requirement of a covered program to be used as a part 
of a partnership agreement, or related guidance, as it 
applies to an eligible activity carried out under a 
program contract entered into pursuant to the 
partnership agreement--
``(i) to provide a simplified process; or
``(ii) to better reflect unique local 
circumstances.
``(B) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not adjust 
the application of statutory requirements for a covered 
program to be used as a part of a partnership 
agreement, including requirements governing appeals, 
payment limits, and conservation compliance.
``(3) Waiver.--With respect to a program contract for an 
eligible activity under the agricultural conservation easement 
program, the Secretary may, in the applicable partnership 
agreement, waive the application of clauses (ii) or (iii)(III) 
of section 1265A(4)(A) for purposes of determining the 
eligibility of land.
``(4) Certification applicability.--With respect to a 
partnership agreement entered into for acquisition of 
easements, the Secretary shall apply the authorities applicable 
to the eligible partner under section 1265B(b)(5)(A) if the 
eligible partner is an eligible entity certified under such 
section.
``(5) Exemption.--With respect to a program contract that 
includes an eligible activity under the environmental quality 
incentives program to be installed and maintained in a State in 
which irrigation has not been used significantly for 
agricultural purposes, as determined by the Secretary, the 
Secretary may not consider prior irrigation history when 
determining the eligibility of land.
``(6) Application.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to 
partnership agreements funded pursuant to section 1271C(d).''.

SEC. 2807. CRITICAL CONSERVATION AREAS.

(a) Definitions.--Section 1271F(a)(2)(C) of the Food Security Act 
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871f(a)(2)(C)) is amended by inserting ``, 
including restoration and enhancement of wildlife habitat connectivity 
and wildlife migration corridors'' before the semicolon at the end.
(b) Applications.--Section 1271F(b) of the Food Security Act of 
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871f(b)) is amended by striking ``funds under section 
1271D(d)(2)'' and inserting ``funds allocated under section 
1271D(a)(2)''.
(c) Inclusion of Columbia Basin Project Area.--The Secretary shall 
include in the Wester Waters Region Critical Conservation Area 
designated under section 1271F of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
U.S.C. 3871f) the project area of the Columbia Basin project authorized 
by the first section of the Act of May 27, 1937 (chapter 269, 50 Stat. 
208; 57 Stat. 14).

TITLE III--TRADE

Subtitle A--Food for Peace Act

SEC. 3101. TRANSFER OF AUTHORITIES TO THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE.

(a) In General.--Section 201 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 
1721) is amended by striking ``(to be implemented by the 
Administrator)'' and inserting ``(to be implemented by the 
Secretary)''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Emergency and private assistance programs.--Sections 
202, 203, 205, 207, and 208 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 
1722, 1723, 1725, 1726a, and 1726b) are each amended by 
striking ``Administrator'' each place it appears and inserting 
``Secretary''.
(2) Food for development.--Title III of the Food for Peace 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1727 et seq.) is amended by striking 
``Administrator'' each place it appears and inserting 
``Secretary''.
(3) Definitions.--Section 402 of the Food for Peace Act (7 
U.S.C. 1732) is amended--
(A) by striking paragraph (1); and
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (9) as 
paragraphs (1) through (8), respectively.
(4) General provisions.--Sections 403 and 404 of the Food 
for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1733 and 1734) are each amended--
(A) by striking ``or the Administrator, as 
appropriate,'' each place it appears;
(B) in section 403(h), by striking ``or 
Administrator''; and
(C) in section 404(d), by striking ``or the 
Administrator''.
(5) Consultation.--Section 405 of the Food for Peace Act (7 
U.S.C. 1735) is repealed.
(c) Transfer of Assets and Liabilities.--The Food for Peace Act (7 
U.S.C. 1691 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new 
title:

``TITLE VII--TRANSFER PROVISIONS

``SEC. 701. TRANSFER OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FROM USAID TO SECRETARY 
OF AGRICULTURE.

``On and after the date of the enactment of this title, the assets, 
liabilities, orders, determinations, permits, grants, loans, contracts, 
agreements, certificates, and licenses of the Administrator of the 
United States Agency for International Development, pursuant to any 
authority under this Act on or after January 1, 2026, shall be 
transferred to the Secretary of Agriculture.

``SEC. 702. TRANSFER OF OTHER AUTHORITIES.

``On and after the date of the enactment of this title, any 
authority or responsibility provided by any other provision of law that 
was or could have been used by the Administrator of the United States 
Agency for International Development, prior to such date of enactment 
to carry out any function, duty, or responsibility under this Act may 
be exercised by the Secretary of Agriculture. A reference to such 
Administrator or to such Agency in any provision of law or regulation 
relating to any authority or responsibility described in the preceding 
sentence shall be deemed to be a reference to the Secretary of 
Agriculture or the Department of Agriculture, respectively.

``SEC. 703. RULES AND REGULATIONS.

``Beginning on the date of the enactment of this title, the 
Secretary of Agriculture shall promulgate or amend such rules and 
regulations (including by issuing or re-issuing interim final rules) as 
the Secretary may determine appropriate, including by amending such 
rules and regulations issued by the Administrator of the United States 
Agency for International Development with respect to the authorities 
and responsibilities provided by this Act and as in effect on the day 
before such date of enactment, in order to effectuate and complete the 
transfer of all functions and duties previously carried out by that 
Administrator to the Secretary.

``SEC. 704. CONSULTATION.

``The Secretary of Agriculture shall consult with the Secretary of 
State from time to time in carrying out the authorities under this 
Act.''.

SEC. 3102. FOOD AID QUALITY ASSURANCE.

Section 202 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1722), as amended 
by section 3101(b)(1), is further amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``any other provision of 
law'' and inserting ``any other provision of this Act'';
(2) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting ``assistance, 
including in the form of'' before ``agricultural commodities'';
(3) in subsection (b)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``Agency for 
International Development'' and inserting ``Department 
of Agriculture''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``Agency'' and 
inserting ``Department'';
(4) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``or'' at the 
end;
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the 
end and inserting ``; or''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph:
``(3) a nongovernmental organization, as determined by the 
Secretary.'';
(5) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following 
new paragraph:
``(5) Limitation on diversion of funds.--Of the funds made 
available in each fiscal year under this title to the 
Secretary, not more than 50 percent may be made available for 
expenses other than the procurement of United States-grown 
agricultural commodities and ocean transportation of such 
commodities.''; and
(6) in subsection (h)(3), by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 3103. REPEAL OF MINIMUM LEVELS OF ASSISTANCE.

Section 204 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1724) is repealed.

SEC. 3104. FOOD AID CONSULTATIVE GROUP.

Section 205 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1725), as amended 
by section 3101(b)(1), is further amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``the Under 
Secretary'' and all that follows through the end of the 
paragraph and inserting ``the Secretary of State'';
(2) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ``the Agency for 
International Development'' and inserting ``the Department of 
Agriculture'';
(3) in subsection (b)(4), by striking ``Agency'' and 
inserting ``Secretary''; and
(4) in subsection (f), by striking ``December 31, 2023'' 
and inserting ``December 31, 2031''.

SEC. 3105. ISSUANCE OF REGULATIONS; OVERSIGHT, MONITORING, AND 
EVALUATION.

Section 207 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1726a), as amended 
by section 3101(b)(1), is further amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``the Agriculture 
Improvement Act of 2018'' and inserting ``the Farm, Food, and 
National Security Act of 2026'';
(2) in subsection (d), by striking ``, in consultation with 
the Secretary,''; and
(3) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``, in 
consultation with the Secretary,''; and
(B) in paragraph (4), by striking ``2023'' each 
place it appears and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 3106. INTERNATIONAL FOOD RELIEF PARTNERSHIP.

Section 208(f) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1726b(f)) is 
amended to read as follows:
``(f) Availability of Appropriations.--In addition to amounts 
otherwise made available to carry out this section, of the funds made 
available in each fiscal year under this title to the Secretary, not 
less than $15,000,000 shall be made available in each of fiscal years 
2027 through 2031 to carry out this section, to remain available until 
expended.''.

SEC. 3107. USE OF COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION.

Subsection (b) of section 406 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 
1736) is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Included Expenses.--With respect to commodities made 
available under titles II and III, the Commodity Credit Corporation may 
pay all associated and incidental costs of such commodities.''.

SEC. 3108. PRE-POSITIONING OF AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES AND ANNUAL 
REPORT REGARDING FOOD AID PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES.

Section 407 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736a) is amended--
(1) by amending subsection (c)(1) to read as follows:
``(1) Acquisition.--The Secretary shall transfer, arrange 
for the transportation, and take other steps necessary to make 
available agricultural commodities to be provided under title 
II and title III.'';
(2) in subsection (c)(2), by striking ``Administrator'' and 
inserting ``Secretary'';
(3) in subsection (c)(3), by striking ``Agency for 
International Development'' and inserting ``Secretary'';
(4) in subsection (c)(4)(A), by striking ``2023'' each 
place it appears and inserting ``2031'';
(5) in subsection (c)(4), by striking ``Administrator'' 
each place it appears and inserting ``Secretary'';
(6) in subsection (d), in the matter preceding paragraph 
(1), by striking ``or the Administrator, as appropriate,'';
(7) by amending subsection (f)(1) to read as follows:
``(1) Annual report.--Not later than April 1 of each fiscal 
year, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees 
of Congress a report regarding each program and activity 
carried out under this Act during the prior fiscal year.'';
(8) in subsection (f)(2)--
(A) by striking subparagraph (I);
(B) by amending subparagraph (H) to read as 
follows:
``(H) A statement of the amount of funds provided 
to each eligible organization that received assistance 
under this Act and the manner in which those funds were 
used, including whether such use was for commodity 
transportation or administrative costs.'';
(C) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) through (H) 
(as amended) as subparagraphs (F) through (I), 
respectively; and
(D) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the 
following new subparagraph:
``(E) An assessment of activities specifically 
targeting women and girls and the impact of those 
activities in addressing the unique needs of women and 
girls.''; and
(9) by striking subsection (f)(3).

SEC. 3109. DEADLINE FOR AGREEMENTS TO FINANCE SALES OR TO PROVIDE OTHER 
ASSISTANCE.

Section 408 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736b) is amended 
by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 3110. MINIMUM LEVEL OF NONEMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE.

Section 412 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736f) is amended--
(1) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(f) Minimum Levels of Funding To Address Child Wasting.--
``(1) Minimum level.--For each of fiscal years 2027 through 
2031, in addition to amounts otherwise made available, not less 
than $200,000,000 of the amounts made available to carry out 
emergency food assistance programs under title II shall be 
expended for the procurement and distribution of ready-to-use 
therapeutic foods.
``(2) Applicability.--The minimum expenditure requirement 
under paragraph (1) shall only apply with respect to a fiscal 
year if--
``(A) the most recent Joint Child Malnutrition 
Estimates, published annually by the World Health 
Organization, the World Bank, and the United Nations 
Children's Fund, report a rate of children under 5 
years of age affected by child wasting above 5 percent 
for the year covered by such report; and
``(B) the total amount made available to carry out 
programs under title II in the fiscal year is greater 
than $1,200,000,000.
``(3) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection may 
be construed to limit on the authority of the Secretary to 
purchase or distribute ready-to-use therapeutic foods in a 
fiscal year.''.

SEC. 3111. TERMINATION DATE FOR MICRONUTRIENT FORTIFICATION PROGRAMS.

Section 415 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C.1736g-2) is 
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1)--
(A) by striking ``Administrator, in consultation 
with the''; and
(B) by striking the comma after ``Secretary''; and
(2) in subsection (c), by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
``2031''.

SEC. 3112. JOHN OGONOWSKI AND DOUG BEREUTER FARMER-TO-FARMER PROGRAM.

Section 501 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1737) is amended--
(1) by striking ``2023'' each place it appears and 
inserting ``2031''; and
(2) in subsection (f)(1), by striking ``Administrator of 
the Agency for International Development'' and inserting 
``Secretary''.

SEC. 3113. FOOD FOR PEACE ACT ADMINISTRATION.

(a) In General.--During fiscal years 2026 through 2031, the 
Secretary may use funds made available for the salaries and expenses of 
the Foreign Agricultural Service under an appropriations Act or any 
other provision of law, including such funds otherwise obligated as of 
the date of the enactment of this Act, to pay the administrative 
expenses of the Department of Agriculture in the implementation of the 
Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1691 et seq.), as amended by this 
subtitle.
(b) Carryover.--For fiscal years 2026 through 2031, the balance of 
any funds provided to carry out subsection (a) for a fiscal year that 
remains unexpended at the end of that fiscal year may be carried over 
for use during the following fiscal year.

Subtitle B--Agricultural Trade Act of 1978

SEC. 3201. AGRICULTURAL TRADE PROMOTION AND FACILITATION.

(a) Modification to Foreign Market Development Cooperator 
Program.--Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 
U.S.C. 5623(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph:
``(4) Technical assistance to improve infrastructure in 
foreign markets for united states agricultural commodities.--
``(A) In general.--As part of the program 
established under this subsection, the Secretary shall 
enter into contracts or other agreements, with eligible 
trade organizations or with nonprofit organizations 
with expertise in supply chain infrastructure, to 
provide needs assessments, training, and other 
technical assistance to enhance the capabilities of 
infrastructure in new and developing foreign markets, 
including infrastructure relating to cold chain 
capacity, port improvements, and other developments, to 
ensure that United States agricultural commodities are 
not damaged or lost due to deficiencies of such 
infrastructure.
``(B) Limitation.--Of the amounts made available to 
carry out the program established under this 
subsection, not more than $1,500,000 for fiscal year 
2027 and not more than $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2028 
and each fiscal year thereafter may be made available 
to carry out this paragraph.''.
(b) Report on Competitiveness of United States Specialty Crops.--
Section 203(e)(7) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 
5623(e)(7)) is amended to read as follows:
``(7) Biennial report.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary, in consultation 
with the United States Trade Representative, shall 
submit every two years to the appropriate congressional 
committees a report detailing the competitiveness of 
United States specialty crops.
``(B) Elements.--The report required by 
subparagraph (A) shall--
``(i) identify and analyze acts, policies, 
or practices of foreign countries that 
constitute significant barriers to, or 
distortions of, United States exports of 
specialty crops, including the imposition of--
``(I) tariffs (including 
retaliatory tariffs) or quotas 
(including tariff-rate quotas); and
``(II) nontariff barriers, 
including technical barriers to trade, 
sanitary and phytosanitary measures, 
import licensing procedures, and 
subsidies;
``(ii) identify acts, policies, or 
practices of foreign countries that enhance the 
competitiveness of imported specialty crops 
with domestic specialty crop producers;
``(iii) identify and analyze any 
differences in applicable food safety 
regulations of foreign countries that may 
result in imported specialty crops posing a 
risk to United States consumers;
``(iv) make an estimate of the impacts on 
the competitiveness of United States specialty 
crops of any act, policy, or practice 
identified under clauses (i) and (ii);
``(v) assess the extent to which each act, 
policy, or practice identified under clauses 
(i) and (ii) are subject to international 
agreements to which the United States is a 
party;
``(vi) include information with respect to 
any action taken by the executive or 
legislative branches during the two years 
preceding submission of the report, or expected 
to be taken after submission of the report, to 
eliminate any act, policy, or practice 
identified under clauses (i) and (ii), 
including--
``(I) any action under section 301;
``(II) negotiations or 
consultations with foreign governments, 
which may include engagement through 
the standing committee on sanitary and 
phytosanitary matters established under 
a free trade agreement to which the 
United States is a party; and
``(III) action at the World Trade 
Organization, including dispute 
settlement actions, consultations, or 
negotiations; and
``(vii) a description of--
``(I) any funds provided under 
subsection (f)(3)(A)(iv) that were not 
obligated in the fiscal year preceding 
submission of the report; and
``(II) the reason such funds were 
not obligated.
``(C) Comment period.--In preparing the report 
required by subparagraph (A), the Secretary, in 
coordination with the United States Trade 
Representative, shall seek and consider comments from 
the public and from the Agricultural Technical Advisory 
Committee for Trade in Fruits and Vegetables.
``(D) Form of report.--The report required by 
subparagraph (A) shall be made available to the public 
in machine-readable format.
``(E) Appropriate congressional committees 
defined.--In this paragraph, the term `appropriate 
congressional committees' means--
``(i) the Committee on Agriculture and the 
Committee on Ways and Means of the House of 
Representatives; and
``(ii) the Committee on Agriculture, 
Nutrition, and Forestry and the Committee on 
Finance of the Senate.''.
(c) Modification and Extension of Funding.--Section 203(f) of the 
Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5623(f)) is amended--
(1) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
``(2) Funding amount.--Of the funds of, or an equal value 
of commodities owned by, the Commodity Credit Corporation, the 
Secretary shall use to carry out this section the following 
amounts, to remain available until expended:
``(A) For fiscal year 2026, $255,000,000.
``(B) For fiscal year 2027, $500,000,000.
``(C) For each of fiscal years 2028 through 2031, 
$533,000,000.''; and
(2) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)(i), by 
striking ``For each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, 
the Secretary'' and inserting ``The Secretary'';
(B) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``not less 
than'' and all that follows through the end and 
inserting: ``not less than--
``(I) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 
2026;
``(II) $400,000,000 for fiscal year 
2027; and
``(III) $410,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2028 through 2031.'';
(ii) in clause (ii), by striking ``not less 
than'' and all that follows through the end and 
inserting: ``not less than--
``(I) $34,500,000 for fiscal year 
2026;
``(II) $70,500,000 for fiscal year 
2027; and
``(III) $82,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2028 through 2031.'';
(iii) in clause (iii), by striking ``not 
more than'' and all that follows through the 
end and inserting: ``not more than--
``(I) $8,000,000 for each of fiscal 
year 2026 and 2027; and
``(II) $16,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2028 through 2031.'';
(iv) in clause (iv), by striking 
``Corporation'' and all that follows through 
the end and inserting: ``Corporation--
``(I) $9,000,000 for fiscal year 
2026; and
``(II) $18,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2027 through 2031.''; and
(v) in clause (v)(I), by striking 
``commodities,'' and all that follows through 
the end and inserting ``commodities, $3,500,000 
for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 and 
$7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2028 
through 2031''.
(d) Repeals.--The following provisions of law are repealed:
(1) Section 718 of title VII of the Agriculture, Rural 
Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies 
Appropriations Act, 1999 (as enacted by section 101(a) of 
division A of Public Law 105-277; 7 U.S.C. 5623 note).
(2) Section 10602 of Public Law 119-21 (7 U.S.C. 5623a).

SEC. 3202. PRESERVING FOREIGN MARKETS FOR GOODS USING COMMON NAMES.

(a) Definitions.--Section 102 of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 
(7 U.S.C. 5602) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``As 
used in this Act--'' and inserting ``In this Act:'';
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (8) as 
paragraphs (3), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), and (4), respectively, 
and reordering such paragraphs in numerical sequence;
(3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Common name.--
``(A) In general.--The term `common name' means a 
name that, as determined by the Secretary--
``(i) is ordinarily or customarily used for 
an agricultural commodity or food product;
``(ii) is typically placed on the packaging 
and product label of the agricultural commodity 
or food product;
``(iii) with respect to wine--
``(I) is--
``(aa) ordinarily or 
customarily used for a wine 
grape varietal name; or
``(bb) a traditional term 
or expression that is typically 
placed on the packaging and 
label of the wine; and
``(II) does not mean any 
appellation of origin for wine listed 
in subpart C of part 9 of title 27, 
Code of Federal Regulations (or 
successor regulations); and
``(iv) the use of which is consistent with 
standards of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
``(B) Examples.--The following names, among others, 
shall be considered as common names as such term is 
defined for purposes of carrying out subparagraph (A):
``(i) With respect to food products: 
american, asiago, basmati, black forest ham, 
blue, blue vein, bologna, bologne, bratwurst, 
brie, burrata, camembert, capicola and 
capocollo, cheddar, chevre, chorizo, colby, 
cottage cheese, coulommiers, cream cheese, 
danbo, edam, emmental, feta, fontina, 
gorgonzola, gouda, grana, gruyere, havarti, 
kielbasa, limburger and limburgo, mascarpone, 
monterey jack, mortadella, munster and 
muenster, neufchatel, parmesan, pancetta, 
pecorino, pepper jack, prosciutto, provolone, 
ricotta, romano, saint-paulin, salame, salami, 
samso, and swiss, tilsiter, and tomme.
``(ii) With respect to wine:
``(I) The list of grape varietal 
terms in section 4.91 of title 27, Code 
of Federal Regulations (or a successor 
regulation).
``(II) The grape variety 
designations administratively approved 
by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and 
Trade Bureau.
``(III) The following nonvarietal 
descriptors: chateau, classic, clos, 
cream, crusted and crusting, noble, 
ruby, sur lie, tawny, vintage, and 
vintage character.
``(iii) With respect to beer: bitter, pale 
ale, india pale ale, mild, porter, stout, 
barleywine, dubbel, quadrupel, witbier, saison, 
biere de garde, oud red, altbier, weisse, gose, 
hefeweizen, dunkel, helles, rauchbier, 
pilsener, maerzen, schwarzbier, doppelbock, 
bock, kellerbier, munchener and munich style, 
oktoberfest, dortmunder, kolsch and koelsch, 
cream, grodziskie, lager.
``(C) Considerations.--In making a determination 
under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may take into 
account--
``(i) competent sources, such as 
dictionaries, newspapers, professional journals 
and literature, and information posted on 
websites that are determined by the Secretary 
to be reliable in reporting market information;
``(ii) the use of the common name in a 
domestic, regional, or international product 
standard, including a standard promulgated by 
the Codex Alimentarius Commission, for the 
agricultural commodity or food product; and
``(iii) the ordinary and customary use of 
the common name in the production or marketing 
of the agricultural commodity or food product 
in the United States or in other countries.
``(D) Rule of construction.--The enumeration of 
certain names under subparagraph (B) may not be 
construed to limit or restrict the ability of the 
Secretary to determine, consistent with subparagraph 
(A), that any other name is a common name for purposes 
of this section.''; and
(4) in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (7) (as so 
redesignated)--
(A) in clause (v), by striking ``; or'' at the end 
and inserting a semicolon;
(B) in clause (vi), by striking the period at the 
end and inserting ``; or''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(vii) prohibits or disallows the use of a 
name determined or considered to be a common 
name pursuant to paragraph (2).''.
(b) Negotiations To Defend Use of Common Names.--Title III of the 
Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5652 et seq.) is amended by 
adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 303. NEGOTIATIONS TO DEFEND THE USE OF COMMON NAMES.

``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall coordinate efforts with the 
United States Trade Representative to secure the right of United States 
agricultural producers, processors, and exporters to use common names 
for agricultural commodities or food products in foreign markets 
through the negotiation of bilateral, plurilateral, or multilateral 
agreements, memoranda of understanding, or exchanges of letters that 
assure the current and future use of each common name identified by the 
Secretary in connection with United States agricultural commodities or 
food products.
``(b) Briefing.--The Secretary and the United States Trade 
Representative shall jointly provide to the Committee on Agriculture of 
the House of Representatives, the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, 
and Forestry of the Senate, the Committee on Ways and Means of the 
House of Representatives, and the Committee on Finance of the Senate, a 
briefing, twice annually, on efforts and successes in carrying out 
subsection (a).''.

SEC. 3203. INTERAGENCY SEASONAL AND PERISHABLE FRUITS AND VEGETABLE 
WORKING GROUP.

Subtitle B of title IV of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 
U.S.C. 5671 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 418. INTERAGENCY SEASONAL AND PERISHABLE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES 
WORKING GROUP.

``(a) In General.--The Secretary (acting through the Under 
Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs), 
the United States Trade Representative, the Secretary of Commerce, and 
the heads of other Federal agencies or entities as determined to be 
appropriate by the Secretary, shall jointly establish an interagency 
working group (referred to in this section as the `working group') 
composed of representatives from each agency to monitor and assess, on 
an ongoing basis, seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables trade 
data and related information.
``(b) Consultation.--The working group shall consult with the 
Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee, relevant seasonal or perishable 
agricultural producers, and other relevant trade associations to 
identify threats that imports pose to domestic producers of seasonal 
and perishable fruits and vegetables.
``(c) Trade Actions and Investigations.--The working group shall 
coordinate as appropriate regarding potential additional trade actions 
and investigations with respect to any seasonal or perishable fruits 
and vegetables, as determined to be advisable by the working group.
``(d) Recommendations to the Secretary.--The working group shall 
recommend programs or assistance that the Secretary could provide to 
producers of seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables to address 
market impacts.''.

Subtitle C--Other Agricultural Trade Laws

SEC. 3301. GROWING AMERICAN FOOD EXPORTS.

Section 1543A of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act 
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5679) is amended in subsection (d), by striking 
``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 3302. FOOD FOR PROGRESS ACT OF 1985.

Section 1110 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (commonly referred to 
as the ``Food for Progress Act of 1985''; 7 U.S.C. 1736o) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking ``enter into'' and inserting 
``annually enter into two or more''; and
(B) by inserting ``two or more'' before ``eligible 
entities'';
(2) in subsection (f)(3), by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031'';
(3) in subsection (g), by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
``2031'';
(4) in subsection (k), by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
``2031'';
(5) in subsection (l)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031''; and
(B) in the heading of paragraph (4), by striking 
``Humanitarian or development'' and inserting 
``Development'';
(6) in subsection (m)(2), by striking ``humanitarian and''; 
and
(7) in subsection (n)(2)(C), by striking ``Committee on 
International Relations'' and inserting ``Committee on Foreign 
Affairs''.

SEC. 3303. BILL EMERSON HUMANITARIAN TRUST ACT.

Section 302 of the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act (7 U.S.C. 
1736f-1) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2)(B)(i), by striking ``2023'' each 
place it appears and inserting ``2031'';
(2) in subsection (c)(1)(C), by striking ``the 
Administrator'' and inserting ``the Secretary'';
(3) by striking subsection (c)(1)(D);
(4) in subsection (f)(2)(A), by inserting ``by the 
Secretary'' after ``reimbursed''; and
(5) in subsection (h),
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2026'' and 
inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 3304. PROMOTION OF AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS TO EMERGING MARKETS.

Section 1542(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade 
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5622 note; Public Law 101-624) is amended by 
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 3305. INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.

Section 3307 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C. 
3295) is amended--
(1) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ``2019 through 2023'' 
and inserting ``2027 through 2031'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h); and
(3) by inserting after subsection (f) the following:
``(g) Program Continuity.--To assist eligible countries in the 
long-term development of enduring, school-based agricultural education 
and youth extension programs, the Secretary shall, to the maximum 
extent practicable--
``(1) implement the fellowship program in each 
participating host country for not fewer than 3 consecutive 
years; and
``(2) ensure that contracts awarded to outside 
organizations are multiyear.''.

SEC. 3306. INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURE CULTURAL IMMERSION AND EXCHANGE 
PROGRAM.

Title III of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 
115-334) is amended by adding at the end the following new section (and 
by conforming the table of contents in section 1(b) accordingly):

``SEC. 3313. INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURE CULTURAL IMMERSION AND EXCHANGE 
PROGRAM.

``(a) Definition.--In this section:
``(1) Eligible candidate.--The term `eligible candidate' 
means an individual that--
``(A) is between the ages of 19 and 30 years;
``(B) has demonstrated experience in agricultural 
sciences, food systems, and food and nutrition 
education;
``(C) is prepared to live in 1 or more host 
countries for at least 2 months or up to 6 months; and
``(D) is a resident of the United States.
``(2) Eligible country.--The term `eligible country' means 
a country that has agricultural trade relations with the United 
States, as recognized by the Foreign Agriculture Service.
``(3) Program.--The term `Program' means the International 
Agriculture Cultural Immersion and Exchange Program established 
under subsection (b).
``(4) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary 
of Agriculture.
``(b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish an 
international cultural immersion and exchange program, to be known as 
the `International Agriculture Cultural Immersion and Exchange 
Program', under which the Secretary shall--
``(1) provide eligible candidates with international 
cultural exchange and immersion experiences focused on 
agricultural sciences, food systems, and food and nutrition 
education through placement with host families in eligible 
countries; and
``(2) place in the United States with host families 
individuals that meet the requirement of subsection (a)(1)(A) 
and are residents of eligible countries to experience United 
States agriculture, trade relations, and culture.
``(c) Purposes.--The purposes of the Program are--
``(1) to develop globally minded citizens of the United 
States; and
``(2) to strengthen and enhance trade between eligible 
countries and the United States in agricultural, food, 
nutrition, and environmental industries.
``(d) Cooperative Agreement.--
``(1) In general.--To administer the Program, the Secretary 
shall enter into a cooperative agreement with a nonprofit 
organization that has experience in implementing international 
cultural exchange programs focused on agricultural sciences, 
food and nutrition education, and cultural understanding 
through placement with host families.
``(2) Priority.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
Secretary shall give priority to a nonprofit organization with 
which the Secretary has a memorandum of understanding dated not 
earlier than January 1, 2019.
``(3) Matching funds.--As a condition of entering into a 
cooperative agreement under this subsection, a nonprofit 
organization shall provide equal matching funds from non-
Federal sources.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to 
carry out this section.''.

SEC. 3307. INTERNATIONAL FOOD SECURITY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

Section 1543B(f) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade 
Act of 1990 is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 3308. MCGOVERN-DOLE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FOR EDUCATION AND CHILD 
NUTRITION PROGRAM.

Section 3107 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 
(7 U.S.C. 1736o-1) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(2)(B)(ii), by inserting ``or lower 
middle'' before ``income'';
(2) in subsection (h)(2), by striking ``Committee on 
International Relations'' and inserting ``Committee on Foreign 
Affairs'';
(3) in subsection (l)(2), by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031''; and
(4) in subsection (l)(4), by striking ``not more than 10 
percent'' and inserting ``not less than 8 percent, but not more 
than 15 percent''.

SEC. 3309. GLOBAL CROP DIVERSITY TRUST.

Section 3202 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (22 
U.S.C. 2220a note; Public Law 110-246) is amended--
(1) by amending subsection (b)(1) to read as follows:
``(1) In general.--For the period of fiscal years 2027 
through 2031, the aggregate contributions of funds of the 
Federal Government provided to the Trust under this section 
shall not exceed 33 percent of the total amount of funds 
contributed to the Trust from all sources and for all 
purposes.'';
(2) in subsection (b)(2)--
(A) by inserting ``under this section'' after 
``Trust''; and
(B) by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''; 
and
(3) in subsection (c), by striking ``fiscal years 2014 
through 2023'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2023 through 
2031''.

SEC. 3310. LOCAL AND REGIONAL FOOD AID PROCUREMENT PROJECTS.

Section 3206(e)(1) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 
2008 (7 U.S.C. 1726c(e)(1)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 3311. AGRICULTURAL TRADE ENFORCEMENT TASK FORCE.

(a) Establishment.--Not later than 30 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the President shall establish a joint task 
force, to be known as the ``Agricultural Trade Enforcement Task Force'' 
(referred to in this section as the ``Task Force'').
(b) Duties.--
(1) In general.--The Task Force shall--
(A) identify trade barriers to United States 
agricultural exports that are vulnerable to dispute 
settlement under the World Trade Organization (``WTO'') 
or other trade agreements;
(B) develop and implement a strategy for enforcing 
violations of trade agreements related to these trade 
barriers;
(C) identify like-minded trading partners for 
specific trade barriers that could act as co-
complainants or primary complainants on disputes that 
are systemically or economically important to the 
United States; and
(D) report quarterly to Congress on progress toward 
resolving cases or filing disputes.
(2) Consultation.--In carrying out its duties under this 
subsection, the Task Force shall regularly consult, to the 
extent necessary and appropriate, with the following:
(A) Relevant stakeholders in the private sector, 
including the agricultural trade advisory committees.
(B) Federal departments and agencies that are not 
represented on the Task Force.
(C) Like-minded trading partners that are similarly 
concerned with trade barriers and are potential 
participants in the dispute settlement process.
(c) Membership.--
(1) In general.--The Task Force shall be comprised of the 
following members:
(A) One or more employees of the Foreign 
Agricultural Service, who shall be appointed by the 
Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural 
Affairs.
(B) One of more employees of the Office of the 
United States Trade Representative, who shall be 
appointed jointly by the General Counsel for the Office 
of the United States Trade Representative and the Chief 
Agricultural Negotiator.
(C) One or more employees of other Federal agencies 
as needed, who shall be appointed jointly by the 
officials specified in subparagraphs (A) and (B).
(2) Qualification.--Employees of the Federal agencies 
specified in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of paragraph (1) 
may be appointed as members of the Task Force only if such 
employees have appropriate expertise in agricultural trade 
policy and trade enforcement.
(d) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and on a quarterly basis thereafter, the 
Task Force shall submit to Congress a report on its progress in 
identifying and addressing trade barriers to United States 
agricultural exports.
(2) Matters to be included.--The report required by this 
subsection shall include the following:
(A) A description of the systemic and economically 
significant trade barriers that have been identified.
(B) A justification for including the identified 
trade barriers.
(C) A description of the progress that has been 
made in developing dispute settlement cases and further 
information that is required.
(D) The current status of ongoing disputes at the 
WTO and implementation of panel, arbitration, or 
appellate body decisions.
(3) Additional matters to be included in initial report.--
The initial report required by this subsection shall, in 
addition to the matters described in subparagraphs (A), (B), 
(C), and (D) of paragraph (2), include a plan to file a request 
under the WTO dispute settlement process for consultations to 
address India's minimum price supports. The plan shall 
include--
(A) an identification of like-minded trading 
partners that could act as co-complainants or primary 
complainants with respect to the request;
(B) a description of specific claims the United 
States intends to make with respect to the request; and
(C) a timeline to--
(i) request consultations; and
(ii) request the establishment of a panel 
not later than 60 days after the date of the 
request for consultations if India does not 
provide assurances that it will address its 
minimum price supports.
(e) Congressional Briefings.--The United States Trade 
Representative and the Secretary of Agriculture shall provide briefings 
on the Task Force to appropriate Members of Congress and congressional 
staff.

SEC. 3312. REPORT ON INTERNATIONAL SHRIMP TRADE.

(a) Report Required.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States 
shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that 
examines policy options available to the Secretary of Agriculture to 
boost the competitiveness of domestic shrimp in global and domestic 
markets.
(b) Contents.--The report required by subsection (a) shall--
(1) include an analysis of--
(A) the Secretary's authority with regard to shrimp 
and other seafood products;
(B) domestic shrimp and other seafood producers' 
access to financial support programs; and
(C) ways to facilitate interagency coordination 
under existing authorities around common goals for 
shrimp and other seafood commodities with respect to 
tariffs, market access policies, and other nontariff 
barriers; and
(2) identify trade or other legal barriers to United States 
shrimp and seafood production that are vulnerable to dispute 
settlement through the World Trade Organization or otherwise 
under bilateral or multilateral trade agreements.
(c) Appropriate Congressional Committees.--In this section, the 
term ``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
(1) the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on 
Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives; and
(2) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry 
and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of 
the Senate.

Subtitle D--Other Trade Matters

SEC. 3401. REPORT ON MODIFICATIONS TO USMCA.

(a) Report Required.--The Secretary of Agriculture, in coordination 
with the United States Trade Representative, shall submit to the 
appropriate congressional committees and concurrently make publicly 
available, prior to July 1, 2026, a report on how any expected or 
implemented modification or revocation of any part of the USMCA (as 
such term is defined in section 3 of the United States-Mexico-Canada 
Agreement Implementation Act (19 U.S.C. 4502(9))) in any manner will 
affect the importation or exportation of any article that is a covered 
agricultural commodity, including--
(1) the anticipated effects on relevant product prices and 
projections as a result of such revocation or modification, 
including--
(A) the short- and long-term impacts on domestic 
pricing;
(B) changes in consumer food prices;
(C) expected or anticipated shifts in input costs 
for domestic producers; and
(D) regional or sector-specific variations in 
pricing impacts; and
(2) the forecasted shifts in farm revenue and profitability 
for domestic farmers, foresters, ranchers, and other producers 
as a result of such revocation or modification, including--
(A) impacts on net farm income and debt-to-asset 
ratios;
(B) sector-specific effects on crops, livestock, 
and specialty crops;
(C) effects on small, medium, and large farm 
operations;
(D) impacts on agricultural exports, market access, 
and global competitiveness; and
(E) estimated effects on rural employment and 
economies.
(b) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term 
``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
(A) the Committee on Agriculture, the Committee on 
Ways and Means, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of 
the House of Representatives; and
(B) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
Forestry, the Committee on Finance, and the Committee 
on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
(2) Covered agricultural commodity.--The term ``covered 
agricultural commodity'' has the meaning given the term 
``agricultural commodity'' under section 102(1) of the 
Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5602(1)).

SEC. 3402. SENSE OF CONGRESS AND REPORT ON ARGENTINE BEEF IMPORTS.

(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress as follows:
(1) Congress finds that United States ranchers and cattle 
producers produce the healthiest and highest quality beef on 
the planet.
(2) Any official trade agreement between the United States 
and Argentina--including the United States of America--
Argentine Republic Agreement on Reciprocal Trade and 
Investment--that allow Argentina to export ship fresh and 
frozen beef into the United States market under expanded quotas 
is detrimental to domestic ranchers, cattle producers, and 
cattle markets.
(3) Congress recognizes that many Americans enjoy eating 
beef and recognizes that many Americans want their beef raised 
domestically.
(4) Congress further concludes that any agreement to allow 
increased beef from Argentina into United States markets 
introduces unfair competition into an already volatile market 
as this imported beef could depress cattle prices at United 
States sale barns and have a ripple effect throughout the 
domestic economy affecting feed suppliers, equipment dealers, 
veterinarians, and other rural businesses.
(5) Congress additionally concludes that United States beef 
production is the safest in the world and that inconsistent 
enforcement abroad could put American consumers at risk and 
create an uneven regulatory playing field.
(b) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date on 
which the United States signs any formal trade agreement with 
Argentina that includes a change to the tariff rate quotas or 
other duties on fresh and frozen beef imported from Argentina 
the Secretary of Agriculture and the United States Trade 
Representative shall jointly submit to the appropriate 
congressional committees a report on the effect of such 
imported beef on domestic beef and cattle markets, including--
(A) American consumer sentiment about the quality 
of beef in the United States;
(B) impacts on domestic cattle prices;
(C) effects on domestic beef prices;
(D) changes to the domestic cattle herd size; and
(E) rancher sentiments toward expanding their 
herds.
(2) Appropriate congressional committees defined.--In this 
section, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' 
means--
(A) the Committee on Agriculture, the Committee on 
Ways and Means, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of 
the House of Representatives; and
(B) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
Forestry, the Committee on Finance, and the Committee 
on Foreign Relations of the Senate.

TITLE IV--NUTRITION

Subtitle A--Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

SEC. 4101. DECLARATION OF POLICY.

Section 2 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011) is 
amended--
(1) by inserting ``(a)'' before ``It'', and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Congress recognizes the supplemental nutrition assistance 
program allows low-income households to obtain supplemental food for an 
active, healthy life that supports the prevention of--
``(1) diet-related chronic disease, including--
``(A) obesity;
``(B) diabetes;
``(C) hypertension;
``(D) heart disease; and
``(E) cancer;
``(2) disability;
``(3) premature death;
``(4) unsustainable health care costs; and
``(5) undermining of military readiness.
``(c) Accordingly, it is also the policy of the Congress that the 
Secretary should administer the supplemental nutrition assistance 
program in a manner that will provide participants, especially 
children, access to a variety of foods essential to optimal health and 
well-being.''.

SEC. 4102. PROHIBITED FEES.

Section 7(h)(13)(B) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
2016(h)(13)(B)) is amended by striking ``Effective through fiscal year 
2023, neither'' and inserting ``Neither''.

SEC. 4103. SNAP STAFFING FLEXIBILITY.

Section 11 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2020) is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(y) SNAP Staffing Flexibility.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding section 11(e)(6)(B), a 
State agency (as defined in section 3 of the Food and Nutrition 
Act of 2008) may, by contract with the State agency at a 
reasonable cost in accordance with the State agency's standard 
contracting rules, hire a contractor to undertake supplemental 
nutrition assistance program certification or carry out any 
other function of the State agency under such program so long 
as--
``(A) the contract does not provide incentives for 
the agency or contractor to delay eligibility 
determinations or to deny eligibility for individuals 
otherwise eligible for supplemental nutrition 
assistance program benefits; and
``(B) the contractor has no direct or indirect 
financial interest in an approved retail store.
``(2) Use.--A State agency may use the authority provided 
in paragraph (1) when--
``(A) the State experiences an inability to timely 
process supplemental nutrition assistance program 
applications from causes that include but are not 
limited to--
``(i) pandemics and other health 
emergencies;
``(ii) seasonal workforce cycles;
``(iii) temporary staffing shortages; and
``(iv) weather or other natural disasters;
``(B) the State's payment error rate, as defined in 
section 16, is greater than or equal to 6 percent based 
on the most recent available Department of Agriculture 
data; or
``(C) the State experiences an increase in 
supplemental nutrition assistance program applications.
``(3) Requirements.--A State agency that hires a contractor 
under paragraph (1) shall ensure such action--
``(A) is consistent with all principles under 
section 900.603 of title 5 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations; and
``(B) is part of a blended workforce and does not 
supplant existing merit-based personnel in the State.
``(4) Notification.--A State agency shall notify the 
Secretary of its intent to use the authority provided in this 
section and shall provide any information or data supporting 
State agency increases in supplemental nutrition assistance 
program applications or any inability to timely process such 
applications.
``(5) Public availability.--Not later than 10 days after 
the date of the receipt of a notification submitted by a State 
agency under paragraph (4), the Secretary shall make publicly 
available on the website of the Department of Agriculture the 
notification submitted by such State agency and any 
accompanying information or data supporting such notification 
so submitted.
``(6) Program design.--Any action taken by a State agency 
under paragraph (1) shall not be--
``(A) considered to be a major change in the 
operations of such State agency for purposes of section 
11(a)(4) of this Act, or
``(B) subject to any requirement specified in such 
section.
``(7) Annual report.--The Secretary shall submit to the 
Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and 
the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the 
Senate, an annual report that contains--
``(A) a description of measures taken to address 
increases in supplemental nutrition assistance program 
applications and any inability to timely process such 
applications;
``(B) information or data supporting State agency 
notifications provided pursuant to paragraph (4); and
``(C) recommendations for changes to the 
Secretary's authority under this Act to assist the 
Secretary, States, and local governments of States in 
preparing for any future increases in supplemental 
nutrition assistance program applications or inability 
to timely process such applications.
``(8) Temporary staffing shortages.--In cases of temporary 
staffing shortages, the authority provided to State agencies 
under paragraph (1) shall--
``(A) expire when the backlog of supplemental 
nutrition assistance program applications has been 
eliminated;
``(B) not override any collective bargaining 
agreement or memorandum of understanding in effect 
between the State and employees of the State or of a 
local government of such State; and
``(C) expire when the error rate, as defined in 
section 16, is less than 6 percent.''.

SEC. 4104. UPDATES TO ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSES FOR SNAP RETAILERS.

The 2d sentence of section 9(d) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 
2008 is amended by inserting ``, on two consecutive occasions within a 
3-year-period,'' after ``does not meet''.

SEC. 4105. REPORT ON ALL IDENTIFIED PAYMENT ERRORS.

Section 16(c) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
2025(c)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (9) as paragraph (10); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (8) the following:
``(9) Report on all identified payment errors.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall include all 
identified payment errors, including small errors under 
paragraph (1)(A)(ii), regardless of dollar amount, in a 
supplemental section of the annual payment error rate 
measurement report for the supplemental nutrition 
assistance program.
``(B) Rule of construction.--The information 
reported under subparagraph (A) shall not alter, 
modify, or affect the calculation of the tolerance 
level for excluding small errors under paragraph 
(1)(A)(ii).''.

SEC. 4106. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

The 1st sentence of section 18(a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act 
of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2027(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting "``2031''.

SEC. 4107. RETAIL FOOD STORE AND RECIPIENT TRAFFICKING.

Section 29(c)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
2036b) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 4108. EBT CARD SECURITY REGULATIONS.

Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary of Agriculture shall promulgate, in the form of a 
proposed rule, regulations through notice and comment rulemaking to 
enhance EBT Card (as defined in section 3(i) of the Food and Nutrition 
Act; 7 U.S.C. 2012(i)) security measures.

SEC. 4109. REPORT ON SNAP ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.

Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the 
Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives, and the 
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, a 
report that--
(1) examines the causes of State variation in supplemental 
nutrition assistance program administrative costs and 
identifies the factors most likely to contribute to an increase 
in these costs; and
(2) provides recommendations on how the Department of 
Agriculture and Congress can improve oversight of 
administrative costs in the program.

SEC. 4110. ANIMAL PROTEIN AN ELIGIBLE INCENTIVE FOOD.

Section 9(j)(1)(B) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
2018(j)(1)(B)) is amended by inserting ``animal protein,'' after 
``whole grain,''.

SEC. 4111. PERMANENT AUTHORITY FOR SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE 
PROGRAM ONLINE PURCHASING.

Section 7 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016) is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(l) Online Purchasing Program.--
``(1) Permanent authority.--Not later than 120 days after 
the effective date of this subsection, the Secretary shall 
begin transitioning the supplemental nutrition assistance 
program online purchasing initiative from pilot or 
demonstration status to permanent nationwide program 
operations, with the completion of the regulations marking the 
end of the transition.
``(2) Regulations.--The Secretary shall issue such 
regulations and guidance as may be necessary to carry out 
paragraph (1), including provisions related to program 
integrity, consumer protections, and equitable access in rural 
areas. Such regulations shall be issued not later than 2 years 
after the effective date of this subsection.
``(3) Stakeholder consultation.--The Secretary shall 
establish a formal process for consultation with State 
agencies, authorized retailers, electronic benefit transfer 
processors, consumer advocates, and other relevant stakeholders 
to incorporate lessons learned from online purchasing 
operations during the period of 2014 through 2025.
``(4) Report to congress.--Not later than 120 days after 
the effective date of this subsection, the Secretary shall 
submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, 
and Forestry of the Senate a report describing the consultation 
process and recommendations received.''.

SEC. 4112. EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.

(a) Emergency Food Program Infrastructure Grants.--Section 209(d) 
of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7511a(d)) is 
amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.
(b) Availability of Commodities for the Emergency Food Assistance 
Program.--Section 27(a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 2036(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
``2031''.
(c) Option for Purchasing Through DoD Fresh.--Section 214(c) of the 
Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7515(c)) is amended by 
adding at the end the following:
``(3) Option for purchasing through dod fresh.--At the 
request of a State agency, the Secretary may allow the State 
agency to use not more than 20 percent of the cost of the 
commodities allocated to that State agency under this section 
to order commodities through the Department of Defense Fresh 
Fruit and Vegetable Program.''.

SEC. 4113. FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON INDIAN RESERVATIONS.

Section 4(b)(6)(E) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
2013(b)(6)(E)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 4114. SNAP ELIGIBLE HOT ROTISSERIE CHICKEN.

Section 3(k)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
2012(k)(1)) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``hot rotisserie chicken and'' before 
``those authorized'';
(2) by striking ``clauses'' and inserting ``paragraphs''; 
and
(3) by striking ``of this subsection''.

SEC. 4115. FOODS ELIGIBLE FOR PURCHASE WITH SNAP BENEFITS.

Not later than 120 days after the conclusion of the all 
demonstration projects carried out by the Secretary of Agriculture 
regarding the statutory definition of food eligible for purchase by 
recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) 
benefits, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of 
the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Agriculture, 
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, a report on the feasibility, 
implementation, and effectiveness of such projects, including 
recommendations to the Congress for legislative changes to such 
definition.

Subtitle B--Commodity Distribution Programs

SEC. 4201. COMMODITY DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM.

(a) Expansion of the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program.--
Section 4402 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 
U.S.C. 3007) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``2008 through 2023'' 
and inserting ``2027 through 2031''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``and herbs'' and 
inserting ``herbs, maple syrup, and tree nuts (including 
shelled tree nuts)''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--The 1st sentence of section 
4(a) of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 (7 U.S.C. 
612c note) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 4202. COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM.

Section 5 of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 (7 
U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 93-86) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031'', and
(B) in paragraph (2)(B), in the matter preceding 
clause (i), by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
``2031'',
(2) in subsection (d)(2), in the 1st sentence, by striking 
``2023'' and inserting ``2031''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(n) Commodity Supplemental Food Program Delivery Pilot Program.--
``(1) Purpose.--The purpose of this subsection is to award 
grants for the operation of projects that increase the access 
of low-income elderly persons to commodities through home 
delivery or other means and to evaluate such projects.
``(2) In general.--The Secretary shall award, on a 
competitive basis, grants directly to State agencies, or to 
State agencies on behalf of eligible entities, to carry out the 
activities described in paragraph (5).
``(3) Maximum grant award.--A grant awarded to a State 
agency under this subsection shall not exceed--
``(A) the greater of--
``(i) the State's commodity supplemental 
food program caseload at time of application 
multiplied by 60; or
``(ii) $10,000; or
``(B) $4,000,000;
whichever is less.
``(4) Application.--A State agency seeking a grant under 
this subsection shall submit to the Secretary an application in 
such form, at such time, and containing such information as the 
Secretary may require.
``(5) Grant uses.--A State agency awarded a grant under 
this subsection shall distribute grant funds to eligible 
entities to operate projects that facilitate delivery of 
commodities to participants in the commodity supplemental food 
program, including with respect to costs associated with--
``(A) transportation and distribution of 
commodities to participants in the commodity 
supplemental food program, including transportation and 
distribution services provided by a third party;
``(B) staffing required to operate delivery 
services; and
``(C) outreach to participants or potential 
participants in the commodity supplemental food program 
with respect to home delivery.
``(6) Priority.--A State agency awarded a grant under this 
subsection must prioritize eligible entities that serve 
participants in the commodity supplemental food program who 
reside in a rural area.
``(7) Report to the secretary.--Not later than 180 days 
after the end of the fiscal year in which a State agency is 
awarded a grant under this subsection and has distributed grant 
funds to eligible entities, and in each succeeding fiscal year 
until grant funds are expended, a State agency shall submit a 
report to the Secretary that includes--
``(A) a summary of the activities carried out under 
the project, including the quantity of commodities 
delivered, number of participants in the commodity 
supplemental food program served, and total number of 
deliveries;
``(B) an assessment of the effectiveness of the 
project, including a calculation of the average cost 
per delivery, and an evaluation of any services 
provided by a third party; and
``(C) best practices regarding use of home delivery 
to improve the effectiveness of the commodity 
supplemental food program.
``(8) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Terms in regulations.--The term `State 
agency', `local agency', and `subdistributing agency' 
have the meanings given such terms in section 247.1 of 
title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (or any 
successor regulations).
``(B) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' 
means--
``(i) a local agency; or
``(ii) a subdistributing agency.
``(C) Rural area.--The term `rural area' has the 
meaning given such term in section 343(a) of the 
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 
1991(a)).
``(9) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $10,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to remain available 
until expended.''.

SEC. 4203. DISTRIBUTION OF SURPLUS COMMODITIES TO SPECIAL NUTRITION 
PROJECTS.

Section 1114(a)(2)(A) of the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 (7 
U.S.C. 1431e(2)(A)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
``2031''.

SEC. 4204. COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM DEMONSTRATION PROJECT 
FOR TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS.

(a) Demonstration Project for Tribal Organizations.--
(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
(A) Demonstration project.--The term 
``demonstration project'' means the demonstration 
project established under paragraph (2).
(B) Food distribution program.--The term ``food 
distribution program'' means the commodity supplemental 
food program identified in section 4 of the Agriculture 
and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c 
note; Public Law 93-86).
(C) Indian reservation.--The term ``Indian 
reservation'' has the meaning given the term 
``reservation'' in section 3 of the Food and Nutrition 
Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012).
(D) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian Tribe'' has 
the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian 
Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 
U.S.C. 5304).
(E) Self-determination contract.--The term ``self-
determination contract'' has the meaning given the term 
in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and 
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304) with 
modification as determined by the Secretary.
(F) Tribal organization.--The term ``Tribal 
organization'' has the meaning given the term in 
section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 2012).
(2) Establishment.--Subject to the availability of 
appropriations, the Secretary shall establish a demonstration 
project under which 1 or more Tribal organizations may enter 
into self-determination contracts to purchase agricultural 
commodities under the food distribution program for the Indian 
reservation of that Tribal organization.
(3) Eligibility.--
(A) Consultation.--The Secretary shall consult with 
Indian Tribes to determine the process and criteria 
under which a Tribal organization may participate in 
the demonstration project.
(B) Criteria.--The Secretary shall select for 
participation in the demonstration project Tribal 
organizations that--
(i) are successfully administering the food 
distribution program of the Tribal organization 
under section 4(b)(2)(B) of the Food and 
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2013(b)(2)(B));
(ii) have the capacity to purchase 
agricultural commodities in accordance with 
paragraph (4) for the food distribution program 
of the Tribal organization; and
(iii) meet any other criteria determined by 
the Secretary, in consultation with the 
Secretary of the Interior and Indian Tribes.
(4) Procurement of agricultural commodities.--Any 
agricultural commodities purchased by a Tribal organization 
under the demonstration project shall--
(A) be domestically produced;
(B) not result in a material increase in the amount 
of food in the food package of that Tribal organization 
compared to the amount of food that the Secretary 
authorized to be provided through the Commodity 
Supplemental Food Program Guide Rate;
(C) be of similar or higher nutritional value as 
the type of agricultural commodities that would be 
supplanted in the existing food package for that Tribal 
organization or be an agricultural commodity with 
Tribal significance to that Indian Tribe; and
(D) meet any other criteria determined by the 
Secretary.
(5) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which 
funds are appropriated under paragraph (6) and annually 
thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on 
Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report 
describing the activities carried out under the demonstration 
project during the preceding year.
(6) Funding.--
(A) Authorization of appropriations.--There is 
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
subsection $1,000,000, to remain available until 
expended.
(B) Appropriations in advance.--Only funds 
appropriated under subparagraph (A) in advance 
specifically to carry out this subsection shall be 
available to carry out this subsection.
(b) Administration of Tribal Self-Determination Contracts.--
(1) Administration.--The Secretary shall appoint an 
existing office of the United States Department of Agriculture 
to administer Tribal self-determination contracts to include 
but not limited to:
(A) awarding of Food and Nutrition Service 
nutrition program self-determination contracts to 
selected Tribal organizations; and
(B) hiring contract officers and program staff in 
order to manage the selection of Tribal organizations 
and execution of self-determination contracts.
(2) Staffing minimum funding.--Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, there is authorized to be appropriated 
$1,200,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 for the 
payment of Department contract officers and program staff 
salaries and benefits.

Subtitle C--Miscellaneous

SEC. 4301. PURCHASE OF FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES FOR DISTRIBUTION TO 
SCHOOLS AND SERVICE INSTITUTIONS.

Section 10603(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 
2002 (7 U.S.C. 612c-4(b)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
``2031''.

SEC. 4302. BUY AMERICAN REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN SCHOOL MEALS.

(a) In General.--Section 12(n)(2)(A) of the Richard B. Russell 
National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1760(n)(2)(A)) is amended to read 
as follows:
``(A) Requirements.--
``(i) Purchase expenditures by category.--
Subject to clause (ii) and subparagraph (B), 
the Secretary shall require that a school food 
authority purchase, with respect to each food 
purchase category designated by the 
Agricultural Marketing Service, at least 95 
percent domestic products and commodities in 
each such category.
``(ii) Domestically unavailable products 
and commodities.--Domestically unavailable 
products and commodities included on a list 
issued pursuant to clause (iii) with respect to 
a school year and purchased by a school food 
authority during such school year shall not be 
used to calculate whether such school food 
authority meets the requirements under clause 
(i).
``(iii) Updated list.--Not later than 6 
months after the date of the enactment of this 
subparagraph, and every 2 years thereafter, the 
Secretary shall make available to school food 
authorities a list of domestically unavailable 
products and commodities.
``(iv) Limited waiver authority.--Except 
with respect to a domestically unavailable 
product or commodity included on a list 
pursuant to clause (iii), the Secretary may not 
waive or make accommodations for any of the 
requirements of this subparagraph.
``(v) Prohibition on certain products from 
china or russia.--The Secretary shall prohibit 
school food authorities from purchasing raw or 
processed poultry products or seafood imported 
into the United States from the People's 
Republic of China or the Russian Federation.''.
(b) Application.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply 
to school food authorities beginning on the first day of the first 
school year that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 4303. REAUTHORIZATION OF THE GUS SCHUMACHER NUTRITION INCENTIVE 
PROGRAM.

Section 4405 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 7517) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by amending subparagraph (C) 
to read as follows:
``(C) Federal share.--
``(i) In general.--Except as provided in 
clause (ii) and subparagraph (D)(iii), the 
Federal share of the cost of carrying out an 
activity under this subsection shall not exceed 
50 percent of the total cost of the activity.
``(ii) Waiver for persistent poverty 
areas.--The Secretary may waive the application 
of clause (i) in the case of an activity 
carried out--
``(I) in a county that, during the 
preceding 30-year period has had a 
population of which greater than or 
equal to 20 percent of such population 
are living in poverty (as measured by 
the most recent decennial censuses and 
most recent Small Area Income and 
Poverty Estimates of the Bureau of the 
Census); or
``(II) in a census tract with a 
poverty rate of at least 20 percent 
during the preceding 30-year period, as 
measured by the most recent 5-year data 
series available from the American 
Community Survey of the Bureau of the 
Census.''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(B)--
(i) by redesignating clauses (ix) and (x) 
as clauses (x) and (xi); and
(ii) by inserting after clause (viii) the 
following:
``(ix) increase year-round availability of 
incentives by offering all forms of fruits or 
vegetables;'';
(2) in subsection (c), by striking ``fresh fruits and 
vegetables'' and inserting ``all forms of fruits, vegetables, 
and legumes'' each place it appears; and
(3) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``2023'' each 
place it appears and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 4304. FOOD LOSS AND WASTE REDUCTION LIAISON ANNUAL REPORT.

Section 224(e)(2) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization 
Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6924(e)(2)) is amended--
(1) in the heading, by inserting ``Annual'' before 
``Report'';
(2) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting 
``and annually thereafter,'' before ``the Secretary shall'';
(3) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(4) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end 
and inserting a semicolon; and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) a general description of each project and 
activity implemented pursuant to this section;
``(D) a summary of the cooperative agreements 
entered into pursuant to subsection (c);
``(E) a detailed account of how the Secretary 
avoided, managed, or will manage market disruption; and
``(F) a summary of coordinated activities with the 
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency 
and the Commissioner of the Food and Drug 
Administration, including interagency communication and 
coordination related to the promotion or exclusion of 
practices and technologies to limit food waste.''.

SEC. 4305. DAIRY NUTRITION INCENTIVES PROJECTS.

Section 4208 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C. 
2026a) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``healthy fluid 
milk'' and inserting ``dairy nutrition'' (and by conforming the 
item of such section in the table of contents accordingly);
(2) by striking ``healthy fluid milk'' and inserting 
``dairy nutrition'' each place it appears;
(3) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Covered dairy products.--The term `covered dairy 
products' means--
``(A) cheese (including nonstandardized cheese) 
that is--
``(i) made from pasteurized cow's milk;
``(ii) a good source of protein, as 
determined by the Secretary; and
``(iii) sold as a block, chunk, shred, 
slice, stick, string or in snack-size form; and
``(B) yogurt (or other cultured dairy product) 
that--
``(i) is made from pasteurized cow's milk;
``(ii) is a good source of protein, as 
determined by the Secretary; and
``(iii) contains limited amounts of added 
sugars.
``(2) Fluid milk.--The term `fluid milk' means all 
varieties of pasteurized cow's milk that--
``(A) is packaged in liquid form; and
``(B) contains vitamins A and D at levels 
consistent with the Food and Drug Administration, 
State, and local standards for fluid milk.'';
(4) in subsection (b), by inserting ``and covered dairy 
products'' after ``of fluid milk'' each place it appears;
(5) in subsection (c)(3), by inserting ``and covered dairy 
products'' after ``purchase of fluid milk''; and
(6) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``$20,000,000'' and 
inserting ``$50,000,000''.

SEC. 4306. LOCAL FARMERS FEEDING OUR COMMUNITIES PROGRAM.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall establish a 
program under which the Secretary will enter into cooperative 
agreements (on a noncompetitive basis) with eligible entities--
(1) to help support covered local producers through 
building and expanding economic opportunities;
(2) to establish and broaden partnerships with such covered 
local producers and the food distribution community to ensure 
distribution of fresh (including fresh frozen) and nutritious 
foods; and
(3) to strengthen such entity's local and regional food 
security and systems.
(b) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity selected to enter into a 
cooperative agreement under this section shall use funds received 
through such agreement--
(1) to purchase unprocessed or minimally processed local 
foods (including seafood, meat, milk and dairy products, eggs, 
produce, and poultry) from covered producers;
(2) to ensure that at least 25 percent of the total annual 
value of products purchased by the eligible entity comprises 
purchases from small-size producers, mid-size producers, 
beginning farmers or ranchers, or veteran farmers or ranchers;
(3) to provide technical assistance supporting--
(A) covered local producers, including in obtaining 
food safety training and certifications; and
(B) efforts to grow the local agricultural value 
chain;
(4) to distribute such local foods to organizations, 
including nonprofit organizations, that have experience in food 
distribution to improve access to healthy and nutritious food; 
and
(5) to build and expand economic opportunity for covered 
local producers.
(c) Limitation on Use of Funds.--
(1) In general.--Of the amount made available to an 
eligible entity through a cooperative agreement under this 
section, an eligible entity may use not more than 15 percent of 
such amount--
(A) to cover administrative expenses; and
(B) to provide technical assistance described in 
subsection (b)(3);
(2) Allocation for technical assistance.--Of the amount 
described in paragraph (1), an eligible entity shall use not 
less than 50 percent to provide technical assistance described 
in subsection (b)(3).
(d) Technical Assistance to Eligible Entities.--The Secretary shall 
provide to eligible entities entering into a cooperative agreement 
under this section guidance, technical assistance, instruction, and 
monitoring throughout the life cycle of the cooperative agreement.
(e) Amount of Allocation.--Of the amounts made available to carry 
out this section for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall--
(1) allocate 10 percent to Tribal Governments, to be 
allocated using a funding formula determined by the Secretary; 
and
(2) of the amounts remaining after making the allocation 
under paragraph (1), allocate 1 percent to each State (other 
than Tribal Governments); and
(3) after making the allocations under paragraphs (1) and 
(2), allocate the remaining amounts to each eligible entity 
(other than Tribal Governments) by applying the formula 
described in section 214 of the Emergency Food Assistance Act 
of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7515).
(f) Funding.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out 
this section $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
(g) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Beginning farmer or rancher; veteran farmer or 
rancher.--The terms ``beginning farmer or rancher'' and 
``veteran farmer or rancher'' have the meanings given such 
terms in section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, 
and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279).
(2) Covered producer.--The term ``covered producer'' means 
a fisherman, farmer, producer, rancher, processor, or 
cooperative processor that is--
(A) within the geographic boundaries of the 
eligible entity in which the food will be delivered; or
(B) not more than 400 miles from the delivery 
destination of the food.
(3) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means a 
State agency, commission, or department that is responsible for 
agriculture, procurement, food distribution, emergency 
response, or other similar activities within the State.
(4) Mid-size producer.--The term ``mid-sized producer'' 
means an individual whose annual gross cash farm income is 
equal to or exceeds $350,000 and is less than $999,999.
(5) Small-size producer.--The term ``small-sized producer'' 
means one whose annual gross cash farm income is less than 
$350,000.
(6) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the several 
States, the District of Columbia, each territory or possession 
of the United States, and each federally recognized Indian 
Tribe.
(7) Unprocessed or minimally processed local foods.--The 
term ``unprocessed or minimally processed local foods'' means 
food products means only those agricultural products that 
retain their inherent character. Such term includes--
(A) fruits and vegetables (including 100 percent 
juices);
(B) grain products, such as pastas and rice;
(C) meats (including whole carcasses, pieces 
thereof, or ground meat);
(D) protein sources that are meat alternatives 
(such as beans or legumes) and fluid milk and other 
dairy foods (such as cheese and yogurt); and
(E) foods in a wide variety of minimal processing 
states (such as whole, cut, or pureed) or forms (such 
as fresh, frozen, canned, or dried).

SEC. 4307. HEALTHY FOOD FINANCING INITIATIVE.

Section 243(d) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act 
of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6953(d)) is amended by striking ``$125,000,000'' and 
inserting ``$135,000,000''.

SEC. 4308. DIETARY GUIDELINES.

(a) In General.--Section 301(a) of the National Nutrition 
Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5341(a)) is 
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``At least every five years'' and 
inserting ``Beginning with the 2030 report and at least 
every 10 years thereafter,''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following: 
``Rulemaking requirements under section 553 of title 5, 
United States Code, shall apply to the development of 
each report under this paragraph.'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``shall be based on the 
preponderance of the scientific and medical knowledge which is 
current at the time the report is prepared.'' and inserting 
``shall--
``(A) be based on significant scientific agreement 
that is determined by evidence-based review (as defined 
in paragraph (8)(A));
``(B) be current at the time the report is 
prepared;
``(C) be derived from questions generated under 
paragraph (5)(E);
``(D) address high-priority areas of concern to 
advance health outcomes;
``(E) be designed to achieve nutritional adequacy 
and promote health, as specified by the Food and 
Nutrition Board of the National Academies of Sciences, 
Engineering and Medicine, from the consumption of food, 
including nutrients and bioactive food components 
occurring naturally and in fortified foods;
``(F) include nutritional and dietary information 
relevant to individuals with nutrition-related common 
chronic diseases, as defined by the Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention; and
``(G) include recommendations that are affordable, 
available, and accessible for the general 
population.'';
(3) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (7);
(4) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) Frequency.--The Secretaries may publish the report 
required under paragraph (1) more frequently than required 
under that paragraph if the Secretaries determine that more 
frequent publication is necessary to promote health, based on 
the updated dietary reference intake values specified by--
``(A) the Food and Nutrition Board of the National 
Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine; and
``(B) other relevant scientific advancements based 
on continuous monitoring of the totality of publicly 
available scientific evidence.
``(4) Notification of update.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 90 days before 
the Secretaries plan to update a report under paragraph 
(1), the Secretaries shall submit notification of that 
plan, in writing, to the Committees on Agriculture, 
Nutrition, and Forestry and Health, Education, Labor, 
and Pensions of the Senate and the Committees on 
Agriculture and Energy and Commerce of the House of 
Representatives.
``(B) Justification.--The notification under 
subparagraph (A) shall include a justification for 
updating the report.
``(5) Independent advisory board.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the 
Secretaries submit a notification under paragraph 
(4)(A), the Secretaries shall establish an Independent 
Advisory Board (referred to in this paragraph as the 
`Board').
``(B) Members.--The Board shall be comprised of at 
least 4 members and not more than 8 members, of which--
``(i) 4 shall be appointed by the 
Secretaries, 2 of whom shall not be Federal 
employees; and
``(ii) 1 may be appointed by each of the 
highest ranking Member of Congress on each 
Committee described in paragraph (4)(A) of the 
opposite political party of the President of 
the United States at the time of the 
appointment.
``(C) Expertise.--Each member appointed to the 
Board shall have expertise in nutrition science or food 
science, including academic and applied experience.
``(D) Meetings.--
``(i) In general.--The first meeting of the 
Board--
``(I) may only take place on or 
after the date that 4 members are 
appointed to the Board under 
subparagraph (B); and
``(II) shall take place on or after 
the date that is 90 days after the 
Secretaries submit a notification under 
paragraph (4)(A).
``(ii) Quorum.--A majority of the members 
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction 
of the business of the Board.
``(E) Duties.--Not later than 1 year after the 
establishment of the Board, the Board shall submit to 
the Secretaries and the Committees described in 
paragraph (4)(A) a list of scientific questions 
relating to the report for purposes of paragraph 
(2)(C).
``(F) Termination.--The authority of the Board 
shall terminate, and the Board shall disband, 
immediately after carrying out subparagraph (E).
``(6) Exclusion.--The information and guidelines contained 
in each report required under paragraph (1) shall not be based 
on or include topics that are not relevant to dietary guidance, 
as determined by the Secretaries, in consultation with the 
Independent Advisory Board established under paragraph (5), 
including taxation, social welfare policies, purchases under 
Federal feeding programs, food and agricultural production 
practices, food labeling, socioeconomic status, race, religion, 
ethnicity, culture, or regulations relating to nutrition.''; 
and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(8) Evidence-based review.--
``(A) Definition.--In this paragraph, the term 
`evidence-based review' means a process under which--
``(i) the totality of the scientific 
evidence relevant to a question of interest is 
collected, analyzed, and evaluated;
``(ii) scientific studies, conclusions, and 
recommendations are rated, adhering strictly to 
standardized, generally accepted evidence-based 
review methods; and
``(iii) external peer review is conducted 
by nongovernment experts with recognized 
expertise in quality of evidence evaluation.
``(B) Strength of evidence.--Each guideline 
contained in a report published under paragraph (1) 
shall be assigned a rating by the Secretaries for the 
strength of evidence used, including to the extent by 
which the guideline will improve the Healthy Eating 
Index.
``(9) Transparency.--
``(A) Disclosure.--Any individual appointed to the 
Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee or an Independent 
Advisory Board established under paragraph (5) shall--
``(i) be appointed as a special government 
employee;
``(ii) comply with financial disclosure 
requirements applicable to such a special 
government employee under subpart I of part 
2634 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations 
(or successor regulations), including the 
requirement to file the Office of Government 
Ethics Form 450 (or successor Form); and
``(iii) prior to such an appointment, 
provide a report to the Secretaries regarding, 
for the 10-year period preceding such report, 
any research funding or professional 
affiliation relating to a report under 
paragraph (1).
``(B) Publication.--Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, not later than 30 days after the date 
on which a Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee or an 
Independent Advisory Board is established, the 
Secretaries shall make publicly available--
``(i) a summary of the financial 
disclosures reported by members of such 
Committee or Board;
``(ii) the research funding and 
professional affiliations reported by such 
members under subparagraph (A)(iii), 
categorized by the name of the individual; and
``(iii) a detailed plan for managing any 
disclosed conflicts of interest, including 
financial or ethical conflicts of interest, 
preferences, values, and beliefs.''.
(b) Controlling Report.--The 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans 
published by the Secretaries under subsection (a)(1) of section 301 of 
the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 (7 
U.S.C. 5341(a)(1)) shall be controlling and considered to be the most 
recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans until the publication of the 
first report under such subsection in accordance with the amendments 
made to such section by this Act.

SEC. 4309. FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES CATEGORIZATION.

(a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture, in coordination with 
the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall develop a low-risk 
classification for fresh fruits, vegetables, and other foods that are 
typically consumed raw or with minimal processing, and update relevant 
nutrition and food safety and preparation regulations and guidelines 
for child care providers in accordance with the classification under 
this section.
(b) Classification.--In developing the classification under this 
section, the Secretaries shall consider--
(1) the limited risks of food-born illness and negative 
health impacts associated with handling and preparing fresh 
fruits, vegetables, and other foods that are typically consumed 
raw or with minimal processing;
(2) best practices to minimize food safety risks without 
obstructing access to low-risk foods as defined under the 
classification under this section, including but not limited to 
access to a handwashing sink; and
(3) existing barriers that privilege packaged, processed 
foods over fresh fruits, vegetables, and other foods that are 
typically consumed raw or with minimal processing.
(c) Implementation.--The Secretaries shall ensure the effective 
coordination of policies and activities within the Department of 
Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services related to 
nutrition and food safety and preparation in child care facilities to 
ensure State regulations that impact such activities reflect the 
classification under this section and protect child care providers from 
any penalties as a result of providing children foods in compliance 
with this section.
(d) Compliance.--States that fail to comply with the policies and 
activities described in subsection (c) may have funds withheld.

SEC. 4310. PROMOTING ACCESS TO LOCAL AGRICULTURE.

(a) Streamlining Applications for Farmers.--
(1) Definitions.--In this section:
(A) Covered nutrition program.--The term ``covered 
nutrition program'' means--
(i) the supplemental nutrition assistance 
program established under the Food and 
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.);
(ii) the senior farmers' market nutrition 
program established under section 4402 of the 
Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 
(7 U.S.C. 3007);
(iii) the special supplemental nutrition 
program for women, infants, and children 
established by section 17 of the Child 
Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786), 
including the farmers' market nutrition program 
under that program; and
(iv) the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive 
Program established under section 4405 of the 
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 7517), as practicable with respect to 
the activities carried out by the Secretary 
under paragraphs (2) and (3).
(B) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the 
Secretary of Agriculture.
(2) Streamlined application process.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a 
streamlined application process--
(i) for direct marketing farmers and 
ranchers to apply to be vendors under each of 
the covered nutrition programs; and
(ii) by--
(I) developing a single application 
that a direct marketing farmer or 
rancher may use to apply to each of the 
covered nutrition programs; or
(II) developing an information 
sharing system that--
(aa) shares the information 
of a direct marketing farmer or 
rancher who is approved as an 
authorized vendor under a 
covered nutrition program with 
each of the other covered 
nutrition programs; and
(bb) deems that direct 
marketing farmer or rancher as 
a prequalified eligible vendor 
for those other covered 
nutrition programs.
(B) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to 
the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry 
of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the 
House of Representatives a report describing progress 
made in carrying out subparagraph (A).
(3) Streamlined processing of benefits.--The Secretary 
shall establish a streamlined process for direct marketing 
farmers and ranchers that are vendors under any of the covered 
nutrition programs to process benefits under those programs 
through the use of standardized technology, such as a single 
piece of equipment or a mobile application.
(b) Support for Wireless and Mobile Equipment for Certain 
Entities.--Section 7(f)(2) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
U.S.C. 2016(f)(2)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D); 
and
(2) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
``(C) Requirement.--The Secretary shall ensure that 
equipment or systems made available to entities 
described in clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (B) 
by a State agency or an implementing partner of a State 
agency is appropriate for the entity, including, with 
respect to farmers markets and other direct-to-consumer 
markets, wireless or mobile processing equipment and 
technology systems.''.

TITLE V--CREDIT

Subtitle A--Farm Ownership Loans

SEC. 5101. PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR REAL ESTATE LOANS.

Section 302(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
(7 U.S.C. 1922(a)) is amended--
(1) in the 2nd sentence of paragraph (1), by striking ``a 
majority'' each place it appears and inserting ``at least a 50 
percent'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) 
and inserting the following:
``(A) Eligibility of qualified operators.--
Qualified operators, as defined by the Secretary, shall 
be considered to meet the operator requirement of 
paragraph (1).
``(B) Eligibility of certain operating-only 
entities.--An applicant that is or will become only the 
operator of farm real estate acquired, improved, or 
supported with funds under this subtitle shall be 
considered to meet the owner-operator requirements of 
paragraph (1) if 1 or more of the individuals who is an 
owner of the farm real estate owns at least 50 percent 
(or such other percentage as the Secretary determines 
is appropriate) of the applicant.
``(C) Eligibility of certain embedded entities.--An 
entity that is an owner-operator described in paragraph 
(1), or an operator described in subparagraph (B) of 
this paragraph that is owned, in whole or in part, by 1 
or more other entities, shall be considered to meet the 
direct ownership requirement imposed under paragraph 
(1) if at least 75 percent of the total ownership 
interests of the embedded entity, or of the other 
entities, is owned, directly or indirectly, by 
qualified operators of the farm acquired, improved, or 
supported with funds under this subtitle.''.

SEC. 5102. EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS.

Section 302(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
(7 U.S.C. 1922(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph 
(A), by striking ``3 years'' and inserting ``2 years''; and
(2) in paragraph (4)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i)--
(I) by striking ``3-year'' and 
inserting ``2-year''; and
(II) by striking ``1 or 2 years'' 
and inserting ``1 year'';
(ii) in clause (iii), by inserting ``or 
operational'' before ``responsibilities'';
(iii) in clause (vii), by striking ``or''; 
and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(ix) met any other criteria established 
by the Secretary; or''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``3-year'' and 
inserting ``2-year''.

SEC. 5103. REFINANCING OF INDEBTEDNESS INTO DIRECT LOANS.

Section 303 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 1923) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Refinancing of Guaranteed Loans Into Direct Loans.--Within 1 
year after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary, 
acting through the Administrator of the Farm Service Agency (referred 
to in this section as the `Secretary'), shall promulgate regulations 
allowing certain loans guaranteed by the Farm Service Agency to be 
refinanced into direct loans issued by the Farm Service Agency, in 
accordance with this subsection.
``(1) Requirements.--
``(A) In general.--A guaranteed loan may be 
refinanced into a direct loan pursuant to this 
subsection only if the Secretary determines that--
``(i) the guaranteed loan is distressed due 
to its status as a nonperforming loan that does 
not have a positive cash flow at rates and 
terms available from the lender;
``(ii) the borrower on the guaranteed loan 
is in monetary default and subject to 
liquidation or foreclosure action;
``(iii) a reasonable chance for the success 
of the operation financed by the guaranteed 
loan exists; and
``(iv) all other criteria established by 
the Secretary for purposes of this subsection 
to protect taxpayer funds and the loan programs 
of the Farm Service Agency have been satisfied.
``(B) Reasonable chance of success.--For purposes 
of subparagraph (A)(iii), the Secretary may determine 
that a reasonable chance for the success of an 
operation exists if the Secretary determines that--
``(i) all relevant problems with the 
operation financed by the guaranteed loan--
``(I) have been identified; and
``(II) can be corrected; and
``(ii) on correction of the problems, the 
operation can achieve, or be returned to, a 
sound financial basis.
``(2) Loan programs.--In making direct loans pursuant to 
the regulations promulgated under this subsection, the 
Secretary may refinance a loan guaranteed under 1 program of 
the Farm Service Agency into a direct loan issued under another 
program of the Farm Service Agency, as the Secretary determines 
to be appropriate and in accordance with the laws applicable to 
the program under which the direct loan is issued.
``(3) Refinanced guaranteed loans.--A direct loan issued by 
the Farm Service Agency pursuant to the regulations promulgated 
under subsection (a) of this section shall be subject to any 
otherwise applicable limitation on the maximum amount of a 
direct loan issued by the Farm Service Agency, including, if 
applicable, the limitations described in sections 305 and 
313.''.

SEC. 5104. CONSERVATION LOAN AND LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM.

Section 304 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 1924) is amended--
(1) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the 
end;
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``1985.'' and 
inserting ``1985 (16 U.S.C. 3812); and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) producers who use the loans to adopt precision 
agriculture practices or acquire precision agriculture 
technologies, including adoption or acquisition for the purpose 
of participating in the environmental quality incentives 
program under subchapter A of chapter 4 of subtitle D of title 
XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa et 
seq.).''; and
(2) in subsection (h), by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
``2031''.

SEC. 5105. LIMITATIONS ON AMOUNT OF FARM OWNERSHIP LOANS.

Section 305(a)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1925(a)(2)) is amended by striking ``$600,000, or, in the 
case of a loan guaranteed by the Secretary, $1,750,000 (increased, 
beginning with fiscal year 2019'' and inserting ``$850,000, or, in the 
case of a loan guaranteed by the Secretary, $3,500,000 (increased, 
beginning with fiscal year 2026''.

SEC. 5106. INFLATION PERCENTAGE.

Section 305(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
(7 U.S.C. 1925(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``of the Prices Paid By 
Farmers Index (as compiled by the National Agricultural 
Statistics Service of the Department of Agriculture) for the 
12-month period ending on July 31 of the immediately preceding 
fiscal year'' and inserting ``of the per acre average United 
States farm real estate value, the per acre average United 
States cropland value, and the per acre average United States 
pasture value for the preceding year (as published in the 
applicable Agricultural Land Values report of the National 
Agricultural Statistics Service of the Department of 
Agriculture), weighted equally''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``of such index (as so 
defined) for the 12-month period that immediately precedes the 
12-month period described in paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``of 
the per acre average United States farm real estate value, the 
per acre average United States cropland value, and the per acre 
average United States pasture value for the year immediately 
preceding the year described in paragraph (1) (as so 
published), weighted equally''.

SEC. 5107. AUTHORITY OF FARM CREDIT SYSTEM INSTITUTIONS TO PROVIDE 
FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR ESSENTIAL RURAL COMMUNITY 
FACILITIES PROJECTS.

(a) In General.--The Farm Credit Act of 1971 is amended by 
inserting after section 4.18A (12 U.S.C. 2206a) the following:

``SEC. 4.18B. ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES.

``(a) In General.--A Farm Credit Bank, direct lender association, 
or bank for cooperatives chartered under this Act may, for the purpose 
of making available capital to develop, build, maintain, improve, or 
provide related equipment or other support for essential community 
facilities in rural areas, make and participate in loans and 
commitments, and extend other technical and financial assistance for 
projects for essential community facilities eligible for financing 
under section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
Act.
``(b) Eligibility.--Only an entity eligible for financing under 
section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act may 
receive financing or any other assistance under subsection (a) of this 
section.
``(c) Limitations.--
``(1) Financing.--A Farm Credit System institution 
described in subsection (a) shall not provide financing or 
assistance under this section in an aggregate amount that 
exceeds 15 percent of the total of all outstanding loans of the 
institution.
``(2) Offer requirement.--
``(A) In general.--A Farm Credit System institution 
shall not provide financing or assistance under this 
section unless the institution--
``(i) has offered, under reasonable terms 
and conditions acceptable to the borrower 
involved, an interest in the financing to at 
least 1 domestic lending institution not 
referred to in subsection (a) other than the 
Department of Agriculture; and
``(ii) has reported the offer to the Farm 
Credit Administration.
``(B) Rural community bank priority.--In offering 
an interest in a financing to a domestic lending 
institution described in subparagraph (A)(i), the Farm 
Credit System institution shall give priority to 
community banks located in the service area of the 
essential community facility being financed.
``(d) Annual Report to Congress.--Within 1 year after the date of 
the enactment of this section and annually thereafter, the Farm Credit 
Administration shall provide a report to the Committee on Agriculture 
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, 
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate on the activities undertaken 
pursuant to this section by Farm Credit System institutions during the 
period covered by the report, including through partnerships between 
such an institution and other lending institutions, which shall also be 
posted on the website of the Farm Credit Administration.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect on October 1, 2026.

SEC. 5108. DOWN PAYMENT LOAN PROGRAM.

Section 310E(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1935(b)(1)) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
``exceed 45 percent of the least'' and inserting ``exceed, 
subject to section 305(a), 45 percent of the lesser'';
(2) in subparagraph (A), by adding ``or'' after the 
semicolon;
(3) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; or'' and inserting 
a period; and
(4) by striking subparagraph (C).

SEC. 5109. HEIRS PROPERTY.

(a) Reauthorization of the Heirs Property Intermediary Relending 
Program.--Section 310I(g) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1936c(g)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031''.
(b) Cooperative Agreements for Heirs Property Resolution Through 
Direct Public Interest Legal Services.--Title V of the Rural 
Development Act of 1972 (7 U.S.C. 2661-2669) is amended by adding at 
the end the following:

``SEC. 509. COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS FOR HEIRS PROPERTY RESOLUTION 
THROUGH DIRECT PUBLIC INTEREST LEGAL SERVICES.

``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall enter into cooperative 
agreements with eligible entities to provide legal or accounting 
services to underserved heirs, at no cost to the underserved heirs, to 
assist in resolving undivided ownership interests on farmland or forest 
land, or land transitioning to farmland or forest land, that has 
multiple owners. Such a cooperative agreement must be for any of the 
following purposes:
``(1) To assist with transitioning land to agricultural 
production.
``(2) To maintain land in agricultural production.
``(3) To increase access to programs administered by the 
Secretary through the resolution of real property claims in 
order to allow real property owners to meet land ownership 
eligibility requirements for participation in a program 
administered by the Secretary.
``(b) Administration of Cooperative Agreements.--
``(1) Duration.--
``(A) In general.--A cooperative agreement under 
subsection (a) shall be in effect for not more than 4 
years, subject to subparagraph (B).
``(B) Special rule.--The Secretary may extend a 
cooperative agreement or re-enter into a cooperative 
agreement with the same or a different eligible entity 
to provide continued services for heirs if--
``(i) property ownership is not resolved 
within the initial term of the original 
cooperative agreement; and
``(ii) the entity certifies that the entity 
understands that the cooperative agreement is 
not guaranteed to be funded for more than 4 
years after the commencement of the original 
cooperative agreement.
``(2) Management of performance.--
``(A) Annual reports.--An eligible entity must 
provide annual reports to the Secretary summarizing the 
progress made during each fiscal year towards achieving 
the goals of the cooperative agreement for the heirs 
for whom services are provided under the cooperative 
agreement.
``(B) Information and data.--The Secretary may 
require an eligible entity to provide the Secretary 
with such information or data as the Secretary deems 
necessary to determine that the eligible entity is 
making acceptable progress. The data may not include 
personally identifiable information.
``(C) Effect of failure to demonstrate success.--If 
an eligible entity providing services under such a 
cooperative agreement does not demonstrate success, as 
determined by the Secretary, in resolving or reasonably 
attempting to resolve the property claims of an heir, 
the Secretary may terminate the agreement.
``(3) Implementation.--The Secretary may utilize requests 
for public input or the formal rulemaking process to effectuate 
this section. At a minimum, the Secretary shall make publicly 
available the criteria for selecting an eligible entity to 
enter into an agreement to provide services, the administrative 
and performance requirements for cooperative agreements under 
this section, as well as codify within its internal policy its 
implementation process.
``(4) Heirs property not in farming.--On a limited basis, 
and when determined by the Secretary to meet the purposes of a 
program administered by the Secretary and to expand access to 
such a program, the Secretary may allow an eligible entity to 
provide services at no cost to an heir who is not an 
underserved heir if--
``(A) the land with respect to which the services 
are to be provided is not farmland or in agricultural 
production, but could be viably productive for 
agricultural, conservation, or forestry purposes;
``(B) the heir satisfies all other requirements of 
the definition of `underserved heir';
``(C) the heir can provide proof to substantiate 
that the heir is in control of the real property; and
``(D) the heir certifies to the Secretary that the 
heir intends to apply for, and make a good faith effort 
to enroll the land in, a program administered by the 
Secretary once property claims to the land are resolved 
through services provided under a cooperative agreement 
entered into under this section.
``(c) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means a 
nonprofit organization that--
``(A) provides legal or accounting services to an 
underserved heir at no cost to the underserved heir to 
resolve property ownership issues; and
``(B) has demonstrated experience in resolving 
issues related to ownership and succession on farmland 
or forest land that has multiple owners.
``(2) Limited resource heir.--An heir shall be considered a 
limited resource heir for purposes of this section if--
``(A) the total household income of the heir is at 
or below the national poverty level for a family of 4, 
or less than 50 percent of the county median household 
income for the 2 immediately preceding calendar years, 
as determined annually using data of the Department of 
Commerce; or
``(B) the property of the heir for which legal 
services are provided pursuant to a cooperative 
agreement entered into under this section is in a 
persistent poverty community, as determined annually on 
the basis of data from the Department of Commerce, or a 
socially vulnerable area, as designated by the Centers 
on Disease Control and Prevention.
``(3) Underserved heir.--The term `underserved heir' means 
an heir with an undivided ownership interest in farmland or 
forest land that has multiple owners, who is--
``(A) a limited resource heir;
``(B) a member of a socially disadvantaged group 
(as defined in section 2501(a) of the Food, 
Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990); or
``(C) a veteran (as defined in section 101(2) of 
title 38, United States Code).
``(d) Annual Reports to Congress.--Within 1 year after the date of 
the enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Secretary 
shall prepare, make public, and submit to the Committee on Agriculture 
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, 
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a written report on the 
activities carried out under this section in the year covered by the 
report.
``(e) Limitations on Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out 
this section, there is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary 
$60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.''.
(c) Annual Report on Operations and Outcomes Under the Relending 
Program To Resolve Ownership and Succession on Farmland.--Section 
310I(f) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 
1936c(f)), is amended by striking ``Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall'' and inserting 
``The Secretary shall annually''.

SEC. 5110. PROMPT APPROVAL OF LOANS AND LOAN GUARANTEES.

Section 333A of the of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1983a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (g)--
(A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the 
following:
``(1) Real estate and operating guaranteed loans.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall provide to 
lenders a short, simplified application form for real 
estate and operating guaranteed loans under this title, 
for loans of not more than $1,000,000.
``(B) Notice.--Within 5 business days after receipt 
of a complete application to guarantee a farm ownership 
or operating loan that meets the requirements under 
subparagraph (A) originated by a Preferred Certified 
Lender or Certified Lender, the Secretary shall notify 
the lender as to whether the application is approved or 
disapproved.
``(C) Maximum guarantee.--Notwithstanding any other 
provision of this Act, the percentage of the principal 
amount of a loan which may be guaranteed pursuant to 
this paragraph shall not exceed--
``(i) 90 percent, in the case of a loan not 
exceeding $125,000;
``(ii) 75 percent, in the case of a loan of 
more than $125,000 and not more than $500,000; 
or
``(iii) 50 percent, in the case of a loan 
of more than $500,000 and not more than 
$1,000,000.''; and
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as 
paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively, and inserting 
after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Business and industry guaranteed loans to assist 
rural entities.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall develop an 
application process that accelerates, to the maximum 
extent practicable, the processing of applications for 
business and industry guaranteed loans to assist rural 
entities, as described under section 310B(a)(2)(A), for 
loans not exceeding $400,000.
``(B) Exception.--The accelerated application 
process, as provided under subparagraph (A), shall 
apply to loans not exceeding $600,000 if there is not a 
significant increased risk of a default on the loan, as 
determined by the Secretary.''; and
(2) by striking subsection (h).

SEC. 5111. EXPEDITED APPROVAL PILOT PROGRAM.

(a) In General.--Subtitle D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act is amended by inserting after section 333D (7 U.S.C. 
1983d) the following:

``SEC. 333E. EXPEDITED APPROVAL PILOT PROGRAM.

``(a) In General.--Beginning not later than 1 year after the date 
of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall carry out a pilot 
program to establish an expedited qualification and approval process 
for borrowers seeking--
``(1) a direct farm ownership loan under this Act; or
``(2) a guaranteed farm ownership loan under this Act that 
is serviced by a Preferred Certified Lender under section 
339(d) and provided to a creditworthy borrower, as determined 
by the Preferred Certified Lender.
``(b) Loan Assessments.--In carrying out this section, the 
Secretary shall consider streamlining the process for making--
``(1) determinations necessary to make the certifications 
and assessments referred to in section 339(c)(5); and
``(2) determinations under section 360(b).
``(c) Rule of Interpretation.--Except as otherwise provided in 
subsections (a) and (b), this section shall not be interpreted to 
authorize the waiver or modification of any requirement, other than an 
application process timing requirement, imposed by or under this Act.
``(d) Report.--Within 1 year after the date of the enactment of 
this section, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to 
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a 
report examining the actions undertaken under, and the results of, the 
pilot program.
``(e) Termination of Effectiveness.--The authority provided by this 
section shall terminate effective September 30, 2031.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 346(b)(2) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 
1994(b)(2)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)(i)(II), by inserting ``, to the 
extent practicable'' after ``April 1 of the fiscal year'';
(2) in subparagraph (A)(iii), by inserting ``, to the 
extent practicable'' after ``September 1 of the fiscal year''; 
and
(3) in subparagraph (B)(iii), in the text, by inserting ``, 
to the extent practicable'' after ``April 1 of the fiscal 
year''.

Subtitle B--Operating Loans

SEC. 5201. PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR OPERATING LOANS.

Section 311(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
(7 U.S.C. 1941(a)) is amended--
(1) in the 2nd sentence of paragraph (1), by striking ``a 
majority'' each place it appears and inserting ``at least a 50 
percent''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``(2) 
special rule.--An entity'' and inserting the following:
``(2) Special rules.--
``(A) Eligibility of qualified operators.--
Qualified operators, as defined by the Secretary, shall 
be considered to meet the operator requirement of 
paragraph (1).
``(B) Eligibility of certain operating-only 
entities.--An entity''; and
(B) by striking ``ownership interests of each 
embedded entity of the entity is owned directly or 
indirectly by the individuals that own the family 
farm'' and inserting ``total ownership interests of the 
embedded entity, or of the other entities, is owned, 
directly or indirectly, by qualified operators of the 
farm improved or supported with funds under this 
subtitle''.

SEC. 5202. LIMITATIONS ON AMOUNT OF OPERATING LOANS.

Section 313(a)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1943(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``$400,000, or, in the 
case of a loan guaranteed by the Secretary, $1,750,000 (increased, 
beginning with fiscal year 2019'' and inserting ``$750,000, or, in the 
case of a loan guaranteed by the Secretary, $3,000,000 (increased, 
beginning with fiscal year 2026''.

SEC. 5203. LIMITATION ON MICROLOAN AMOUNTS.

Section 313(c)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1943(c)(2)) is amended by striking ``$50,000'' and 
inserting ``$100,000''.

SEC. 5204. COOPERATIVE LENDING PILOT PROJECTS.

Section 313(c)(4)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1943(c)(4)(A)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031''.

Subtitle C--Emergency Loans

SEC. 5301. PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR EMERGENCY LOANS.

Section 321 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 1961) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the 1st sentence--
(i) by striking ``(A)'' and inserting 
``(i)'';
(ii) by striking ``(B)'' and inserting 
``(ii)'';
(iii) by striking ``(1)'' and inserting 
``(A)'';
(iv) by striking ``(2)'' and inserting 
``(B)''; and
(v) by striking ``a majority'' each place 
it appears and inserting ``at least a 50 
percent'';
(B) in the 2nd sentence, by striking ``this 
subsection'' and inserting ``this paragraph'';
(C) by striking the 5th sentence; and
(D) by adding after and below the end the 
following:
``(2) Special rules.--
``(A) Eligibility of qualified operators.--
Qualified operators, as defined by the Secretary, shall 
be considered to meet the operator requirement of 
paragraph (1).
``(B) Eligibility of certain operating-only 
entities.-- An applicant that is or will become only 
the operator of farm real estate acquired, improved, or 
supported with funds under this subtitle shall be 
considered to meet the owner-operator requirements of 
paragraph (1) if 1 or more of the individuals who is an 
owner of the real estate owns at least 50 percent (or 
such other percentage as the Secretary determines is 
appropriate) of the applicant.
``(C) Eligibility of certain embedded entities.--An 
entity that is an owner-operator described in paragraph 
(1), or an operator described in subparagraph (B) of 
this paragraph that is owned, in whole or in part, by 1 
or more other entities, shall be considered to meet the 
direct ownership requirement imposed under paragraph 
(1) if at least 75 percent of the total ownership 
interests of the embedded entity, or of the other 
entities, is owned, directly or indirectly, by 
qualified operators of the farm acquired, improved, or 
supported with funds under this subtitle.''; and
(2) by striking all that precedes ``shall make and insure'' 
and inserting the following:

``SEC. 321. ELIGIBILITY FOR LOANS.

``(a) In General.--
``(1) Eligibility requirements.--The Secretary''.

Subtitle D--Administrative Provisions

SEC. 5401. BEGINNING FARMER AND RANCHER INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNTS 
PILOT PROGRAM.

Section 333B(h) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
(7 U.S.C. 1983b(h)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
``2031''.

SEC. 5402. LOAN AUTHORIZATION LEVELS.

Section 346(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(1)) is amended in the matter preceding 
subparagraph (A) by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 5403. LOAN FUND SET-ASIDES.

Section 346(b)(2)(A)(ii)(III) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(2)(A)(ii)(III)) is amended by 
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 5404. USE OF ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR DIRECT OPERATING MICROLOANS 
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS.

Section 346(b)(5)(C) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(5)(C)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031''.

Subtitle E--Miscellaneous

SEC. 5501. EXTENSION OF CREDIT TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING SERVICES TO 
PRODUCERS OR HARVESTERS OF AQUATIC PRODUCTS.

(a) Eligibility for Credit and Financial Services.--Section 1.9 of 
the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2017) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``or'' at the end;
(2) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) persons furnishing to producers or harvesters of 
aquatic products services directly related to their operating 
needs; or''.
(b) Purposes for Extensions of Credit.--Section 1.11(c)(1) of such 
Act (12 U.S.C. 2019(c)(1)) is amended by inserting ``and to persons 
furnishing services directly related to the operating needs of 
producers or harvesters of aquatic products'' after ``needs''.
(c) Production Credit Associations.--Section 2.4(a) of such Act (12 
U.S.C. 2075(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and 
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) persons furnishing to producers or harvesters of 
aquatic products services directly related to their operating 
needs.''.

SEC. 5502. EXPORT FINANCE AUTHORITY.

Section 3.7(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
2128(b)(2)(A)(i)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``50 percent of the bank's capital'' and 
inserting ``15 percent of the total assets of the bank''; and
(2) by striking ``an amount equal to 50 percent of the 
bank's capital'' and inserting ``15 percent of the total assets 
of the bank''.

SEC. 5503. SUPPORT FOR RURAL WATER AND WASTE SYSTEMS.

Section 3.7(f) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2128(f)) 
is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as 
subparagraphs (A) and (B);
(2) by striking ``The banks'' and inserting ``(1) The 
banks'';
(3) striking ``For purposes'' and inserting ``(3) For 
purposes'';
(4) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated), by inserting ``, 
or in the case of such loans, commitments, and assistance that 
are guaranteed, the term `rural area' means an area described 
in section 343(a)(13)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(A))'' before the period 
at the end; and
(5) by inserting after paragraph (1) (as so redesignated) 
the following:
``(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a bank for cooperatives may 
make and participate in loans and commitments and provide technical and 
other financial assistance to cooperatives and any other public or 
private entity (except for the Federal Government) for the purpose of 
installing, maintaining, expanding, improving, or operating facilities 
in a rural area for the processing or disposal of waste from any 
source, the provision of telecommunication services, and producing 
electricity from any source for use or sale by the borrower.''.

SEC. 5504. FARM CREDIT SYSTEM REGULATION.

(a) In General.--The Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2001 et 
seq.) is amended by inserting after section 4.20 the following:

``SEC. 4.21. FARM CREDIT SYSTEM REGULATION.

``(a) The Farm Credit Administration shall be the sole and 
independent regulator of the Farm Credit System with respect to 
activities subject to this Act.
``(b) Nothing in this section shall limit or affect any regulatory 
or other authority granted to the Farm Credit System Insurance 
Corporation under this Act.
``(c) A law enacted or rule promulgated after the date of the 
enactment of this section shall not be held to modify or supersede the 
exclusive authority provided by subsection (a), except to the extent 
that the enacted law does so expressly.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 5505. LOAN GUARANTEES.

Section 8.0(7)(B) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
2279aa(7)(B)) is amended by inserting `` or section 9007(c)(1) of the 
Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107(c)(1))'' 
before the 1st comma.

SEC. 5506. STANDARDS FOR QUALIFIED LOANS.

Section 8.8 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2279aa-8) is 
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ``mortgage 
investors'' and inserting ``investors in those types of 
loans''; and
(2) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
``(c) Qualified Loan Limitation for Single Borrowers.--
``(1) In general.--The Corporation shall not treat a loan 
secured by agricultural real estate as a qualified loan when 
the cumulative principal amount of all loans to a single 
borrower or related borrowers exceeds 10 percent of the 
Corporation's tier 1 capital, as defined by the Farm Credit 
Administration.
``(2) Regulator determination.--The Farm Credit 
Administration may issue regulations establishing a single 
borrower concentration limit lower than the percentage 
specified in paragraph (1) if the Farm Credit Administration 
determines that such a lower limit is necessary for the safe 
and sound operation of the Corporation.''.

SEC. 5507. STATE AGRICULTURAL MEDIATION PROGRAMS.

(a) Definition of State.--Section 501 of the Agricultural Credit 
Act of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 5101) is amended by adding at the end the 
following:
``(e) Definition of State.--In this title, the term `State' has the 
meaning given the term in section 2 of the Animal Welfare Act, and 
includes any Indian tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act).''.
(b) Matching Grants to States.--Section 502 of the Agricultural 
Credit Act of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 5102) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``$500,000'' and 
inserting ``$700,000''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Carryover of Financial Assistance.--The Secretary shall 
permit a State that receives financial assistance under subsection (a) 
for a fiscal year to carry over not more than 25 percent of the 
financial assistance that is not expended by the end of the fiscal 
year, for use during the next fiscal year without deducting the amount 
from any assistance provided under this Act in subsequent fiscal 
years.''.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 506 of the 
Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 5106) is amended by striking 
``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 5508. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

(a) Elimination of Obsolete References to County Committees.--
(1) Section 333A(a)(2)(B)(vi) of the Consolidated Farm and 
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1983a(a)(2)(B)(vi)) is amended 
by striking ``by the county committee'' and inserting ``of the 
application''.
(2) Section 336 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1986) is amended--
(A) by striking the last sentence of subsection 
(b); and
(B) by striking subsection (c) and redesignating 
subsection (d) as subsection (c).
(3) Section 339 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1989) is amended--
(A) in subsection (c)(4)(A), by striking ``county 
committee certification that the borrower of the loan 
meets the eligibility requirements and'' and inserting 
``the borrower meeting''; and
(B) in subsection (d)(4)(A), by striking ``county 
committee certification that the borrower meets the 
eligibility requirements or'' and inserting ``the 
borrower meeting''.
(4) Section 359(c)(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2006a(c)(1)) is 
amended by striking ``(as determined by the appropriate county 
committee during the determination of eligibility for the 
loan)''.
(b) Revision of Loan Assessment Requirements.--Section 360(d)(1) of 
such Act (7 U.S.C. 2006b(d)(1)) is amended by striking ``annual review 
of direct loans, and periodic review (as determined necessary by the 
Secretary) of guaranteed loans'' and inserting ``periodic review (as 
determined by the Secretary) of direct and guaranteed loans''.
(c) Updating of Outdated References to the Farmers Home 
Administration and the Rural Development Agency.--
(1) Section 309(e) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1928(e)) is 
amended by striking ``Farmers Home Administration and the Rural 
Development Administration'' and inserting ``Farm Service 
Agency and Rural Development''.
(2) Section 331(b)(4) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1981(b)(4)) is 
amended by striking ``Consolidated''.
(3) Section 331(b) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1981(b)) is 
amended in each of paragraphs (5) and (7) by striking ``Farmers 
Home Administration'' each place it appears and inserting 
``Farm Service Agency and Rural Development''.
(4) Section 331(b)(8) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1981(b)(8)) is 
amended by striking ``Rural Development Administration or by 
the Farmers Home Administration'' and inserting ``Farm Service 
Agency and Rural Development''.
(5) Section 331A(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1981a(a)) is 
amended by striking ``Farmers Home Administration or by the 
Rural Development Administration'' and inserting ``Farm Service 
Agency or by Rural Development''.
(6) Section 335(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1985(a)) is 
amended by striking ``Farmers Home Administration or the Rural 
Development Administration'' and inserting ``Farm Service 
Agency or Rural Development''.
(7) Section 335(f)(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1985(f)(1)) is 
amended--
(A) by striking ``Agricultural Stabilization and 
Conservation Service payments'' and inserting ``Farm 
Service Agency farm program'';
(B) by striking ``Farmers Home Administration 
liens'' and inserting ``liens for a farmer program 
loan''; and
(C) by striking ``Farmers Home Administration 
farmer'' and inserting ``Farm Service Agency farmer''.
(8) Section 338(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1988(a)) is 
amended by striking ``Farmers Home Administration or the Rural 
Development Administration'' and inserting ``Farm Service 
Agency and Rural Development''.
(9) Section 347 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1995) is amended by 
striking ``Farmers Home Administration'' and inserting ``Farm 
Service Agency and Rural Development''.
(10) Section 356 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2004) is amended--
(A) by striking ``Farmers Home Administration may'' 
and inserting ``Farm Service Agency and Rural 
Development may''; and
(B) by striking ``the inventory of the Farmers Home 
Administration'' and inserting ``inventory''.
(11) Section 370(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2008e(a)) is 
amended by striking ``the Rural Development Administration, the 
Farmers Home Administration, the Rural Electrification 
Administration'' and inserting ``Rural Development, the Farm 
Service Agency, the Rural Utilities Service''.
(12) Each of the following provisions of such Act is 
amended by striking ``Farmers Home Administration'' each place 
it appears and inserting ``Farm Service Agency'':
(A) Section 309(g)(1) (7 U.S.C. 1929(g)(1)).
(B) Section 331A(a) (7 U.S.C. 1981a(a)).
(C) Section 333A(e)(1) (7 U.S.C. 1983a(e)(1)).
(D) Section 335(d) (7 U.S.C. 1985(d)).
(E) Section 353A (7 U.S.C. 2001a).
(F) Section 349(e)(1)(B) (7 U.S.C. 1997(e)(1)(B)).
(G) Section 361 (7 U.S.C. 2006c).
(d) Section 335(c)(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1985(c)(1)) is 
amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``15'' and inserting 
``60'';
(2) in subparagraph (B)(i)--
(A) by striking ``135'' and inserting ``180''; and
(B) by inserting ``suitable for farming and 
ranching, as determined by the Secretary'' before the 
comma; and
(3) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``not later than 135 
days after acquiring the real property, the Secretary shall, 
not later than 30 days after the 135-day period,'' and 
inserting ``or if the property is not suitable for farming and 
ranching as determined by the Secretary, not later than 60 days 
after the 180-day period, the Secretary shall''.
(e) Correction of Infeasible Inventory Property Disposition 
Framework.--
(1) Section 331(b)(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1981(b)(1)) is 
amended by striking ``, and until January'' and all that 
follows through ``fit)''.
(2) Section 335(f) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1985(f)) is 
amended--
(A) by striking paragraphs (3) through (5) and 
redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (3); and
(B) by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the 
following:
``(4) The Secretary shall issue regulations consistent with this 
section that ensures the release of funds to each borrower.''.
(f) Replacement of References to District Office With References to 
District Director.--Section 333A(a)(2)(B) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 
1983a(a)(2)(B)) is amended by striking ``district office'' each place 
it appears and inserting ``District Director''.
(g) Correction of Obsolete Reference to Former Trust Territories.--
Section 343(a)(6) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(6)) is amended by 
striking ``the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands'' and inserting 
``the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the 
Republic of the Marshall Islands''.
(h) Revision of Farmer Program Loan Definition.--Section 343(a)(10) 
of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(10)) is amended by inserting ``before 
June 18, 2008, conservation loan (CL) under section 304 on or after 
June 18, 2008,'' before ``emergency loan (EM)''.
(i) Elimination of Inconsistency Between Rules Applicable to 
Beginning Farmers.--Section 343(a)(11)(C) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 
1991(a)(11)(C)) is amended by striking ``related to one another by 
blood or marriage'' and inserting ``qualified beginning farmers''.
(j) Updating of Provisions To Reflect Repurposing of Conservation 
Loan Provisions.--
(1) Section 303(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1923(a)) is 
amended in each of paragraphs (1)(D) and (2)(D) by striking 
``described in section 304''.
(2) Section 310D of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1934) is amended by 
striking ``, or paragraphs (1) through (5) of section 304(a),'' 
and inserting ``section 304(a)''.
(k) Updating of Notice Provision Requirement and Lifetime Debt 
Forgiveness Limit.--Section 353(i)(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2001(i)(1)) 
is amended by striking ``registered or certified mail'' and inserting 
``any method that provides documentation of delivery''.
(l) Updating of Obsolete Reference to the Soil Conservation 
Service.--Section 306(a)(13) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(13)) is 
amended by striking ``Soil Conservation Service'' and inserting 
``Natural Resources Conservation Service''.
(m) Clarification of Interest Rate Requirements.--
(1) Section 307(a)(3)(B) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 
1927(a)(3)(B)) is amended by striking ``not be--'' and all that 
follows and inserting ``be equal to the interest rate for 
direct farm ownership loans under this subtitle, not to exceed 
5 percent per year.''.
(2) Section 316(a)(2) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1946(a)(2)) is 
amended by striking ``not be--'' and all that follows and 
inserting ``be equal to the interest rate for direct farm 
ownership loans under this subtitle, not to exceed 5 percent 
per year.''.
(n) Correction of Heading.--Section 309(h)(6) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 
1929(h)(6)) is amended in the paragraph heading by striking ``Beginning 
farmer loans'' and inserting ``Down payment loan program participant''.
(o) Elimination of Superfluous Restrictions.--Section 312 of such 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1942) is amended by striking subsection (d) and 
redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (d).
(p) Elimination of Confusing References to Loan Guarantees.--
Section 319 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1949) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``or guarantees''; 
and
(2) by striking ``or with respect to whom there is an 
outstanding guarantee under this subtitle''.
(q) Elimination of Obsolete Reporting Requirements.--Section 346 of 
such Act (7 U.S.C. 1994) is amended by striking subsections (c) and 
(d).
(r) Correction of Obsolete Appeals Provisions.--
(1) Section 352(c)(3) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2000(c)(3)) is 
amended by striking ``section 333B'' and inserting ``subtitle H 
of title II of Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of 
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994''.
(2) Section 353 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2001) is amended--
(A) in subsection (h), by striking ``under section 
333B''; and
(B) in subsection (j)--
(i) by striking ``filed with the appeals 
division under section 333B'' and inserting 
``to the National Appeals Division'';
(ii) by striking ``appeals division shall'' 
and inserting ``Secretary shall''; and
(iii) by striking ``county supervisor'' and 
inserting ``Secretary''.
(s) Elimination of Unnecessary Constraint on Pilot Projects.--
Section 333D(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1983d(a)) is amended by striking 
``that are consistent with subtitle A through this subtitle''.
(t) Correction of Heading.--The paragraph heading in section 
8.8(a)(3) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2279aa-8(a)(3)) is 
amended by striking ``Mortgage loans'' and inserting ``Loan quality''.

SEC. 5509. REPORT ON IMPROVING CREDITWORTHINESS OF DIRECT AND 
GUARANTEED LOAN BORROWERS.

(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture 
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, 
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report evaluating the 
feasibility of requiring the adoption of certain risk management 
practices as a condition for approving certain direct and guaranteed 
farm loans.
(b) Requirement.--In the report under subsection (a), the Secretary 
shall evaluate the feasibility of requiring, as a condition for 
approving certain direct and guaranteed farm loans, the adoption of 1 
or more of the following risk management practices:
(1) Hedging and marketing price or revenue risk management 
strategies.
(2) Insurance coverage optimization or coordination.
(3) Periodic financial reporting or financial management 
practices.
(4) Cash management services to facilitate timely 
disbursement of funds and structured collection of operating 
revenues.
(5) The use of integrated monitoring and analytics tools to 
align risk management and financial decisions with observed 
environmental and production conditions.
(6) Other risk mitigation practices as determined by the 
Secretary.
(7) Voluntary lender incentives to promote integrated risk 
management support without increasing costs or burdens for 
applicants.
(c) Certification.--In completing the report under subsection (a), 
the Secretary shall also evaluate the feasibility of establishing a 
certification program that identifies loans approved contingent on the 
adoption of enhanced risk management practices, including through 
voluntary lender incentives to promote integrated risk management 
support without increasing costs or burdens for applicants.
(d) Applicability.--The requirements and evaluations under this 
section shall apply only to operating, production, and working capital 
loans made for agricultural production purposes and shall not apply to 
real estate loans, rural development loans, housing loans, business and 
industry loans, or other non-operating credit programs administered by 
the Secretary.

SEC. 5510. FARM CREDIT ADMINISTRATION OPTION TO EXAMINE LOW-RISK FARM 
CREDIT SYSTEM INSTITUTIONS ON A 24-MONTH CYCLE.

(a) In General.--Section 5.19(a) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 
U.S.C. 2254(a)) is amended in the 1st sentence--
(1) by striking ``in no event'' and inserting ``not''; and
(2) by inserting ``, except that the Farm Credit 
Administration, in its sole discretion, may extend the time 
period between mandatory examinations of institutions deemed by 
the Farm Credit Administration to be small, low-risk 
institutions to not more than 24 months'' before the period.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect on October 1, 2026.

TITLE VI--RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Subtitle A--Improving Health Outcomes in Rural America

SEC. 6101. PRIORITIZATIONS FOR DISTANCE LEARNING AND TELEMEDICINE AND 
COMMUNITY FACILITIES PROGRAM.

Section 6101(a) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (132 
Stat. 4726; Public Law 115-334) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by 
striking ``2025'' and inserting ``2027'';
(B) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in clause (i)--
(I) in the heading, by striking 
``Substance use disorder set-aside'' 
and inserting ``Set-aside'';
(II) by inserting ``at rural health 
facilities'' before ``that provide''; 
and
(III) by inserting ``, mental 
health, behavioral health, or maternal 
health'' before ``treatment''; and
(ii) in clause (ii), by inserting ``mental 
health, behavioral health, maternal health, 
or'' before ``substance'';
(C) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in clause (i)--
(I) in the heading, by striking 
``Substance use disorder selection'' 
and inserting ``Selection'';
(II) in subclause (I), by inserting 
``mental health, behavioral health, 
maternal health, or'' before 
``substance'' the first place it 
appears; and
(III) in subclause (II), by 
inserting ``mental health concerns, 
behavioral health concerns, maternal 
health concerns, or'' before 
``substance''; and
(ii) in clause (ii), by inserting ``, 
behavioral health treatment, mental health 
treatment, or maternal health, respectively'' 
before the period; and
(D) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``behavioral 
health, mental health, maternal health, or'' before 
``substance'' the first place it appears; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2025'' and inserting 
``2027''.

SEC. 6102. DISTANCE LEARNING AND TELEMEDICINE LOANS AND GRANTS.

Section 2335A of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act 
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 950aaa-5) is amended by striking ``$82,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023'' and inserting ``$82,000,000 
for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031, to remain available for 2 
fiscal years after the fiscal year for which appropriated''.

Subtitle B--Connecting Rural Americans to High Speed Broadband

SEC. 6201. RURAL BROADBAND PROGRAM LOANS AND GRANTS.

(a) In General.--Section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act of 
1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``access to 
broadband telecommunications services in rural areas'' and 
inserting ``reconnect rural broadband program'';
(2) in subsection (a), by striking ``The purpose'' and all 
that follows through ``provide funds for'' and inserting ``The 
Secretary shall establish a program, which shall be known as 
the `ReConnect Rural Broadband Program', to provide grants, 
loans, and loan guarantees to finance'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the 
following:
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall make grants, loans, 
and loan guarantees to eligible entities described in 
subsection (d) for the purpose of financing the construction, 
improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment 
necessary for delivering broadband service in rural areas.'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraphs (A) 
and (B) and inserting the following:
``(A) In general.--In making grants, making loans, 
and guaranteeing loans under paragraph (1), the 
Secretary shall give the highest priority to 
applications for projects to provide broadband service 
to unserved rural communities that do not have any 
residential broadband service of at least--
``(i) a 25-Mbps downstream transmission 
capacity; and
``(ii) a 3-Mbps upstream transmission 
capacity.
``(B) Other.--After giving priority to the 
applications described in subparagraph (A), the 
Secretary shall then give priority to applications--
``(i) for projects to provide broadband 
service to rural communities--
``(I) with a population of less 
than 10,000 inhabitants; or
``(II) in geographically 
underserved and distressed areas, 
including--
``(aa) a socially 
vulnerable community (as 
determined by the Secretary);
``(bb) a persistent poverty 
county (as determined by the 
Secretary); or
``(cc) in an economically 
distressed area (as determined 
by the Secretary);
``(ii) that were developed with the 
participation of, and will receive a 
substantial portion of the funding or in-kind 
assistance for the project from, 2 or more 
stakeholders, including--
``(I) State, local, and Tribal 
governments;
``(II) nonprofit institutions;
``(III) community anchor 
institutions, such as--
``(aa) public libraries;
``(bb) elementary schools 
and secondary schools (as 
defined in section 8101 of the 
Elementary and Secondary 
Education Act of 1965 (20 
U.S.C. 7801));
``(cc) institutions of 
higher education (including 
1862 Land-Grant Institutions, 
1890 Land-Grant Institutions, 
1994 Land-Grant Institutions, 
Hispanic-Serving Institutions, 
and Historically Black Colleges 
and Universities);
``(dd) health care 
facilities; and
``(ee) facilities essential 
for local or regional commerce 
or for the movement of goods;
``(IV) private entities;
``(V) philanthropic organizations; 
and
``(VI) cooperatives; or
``(iii) that are submitted by an eligible 
entity or is owned by an entity that has 
provided broadband service or other utility 
service for at least 5 years in rural areas in 
the State in which the project would be carried 
out.
``(C) Affordability.--In determining whether a 
household is unserved for purposes of this section, the 
Secretary shall consider the affordability of broadband 
service.'';
(C) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) by striking ``and'' at the end 
of clause (i);
(II) by striking the period at the 
end of clause (ii) and inserting ``; 
and''; and
(III) by adding at the end the 
following:
``(iii) shall be subject to a grant 
agreement of not less than 10 years.'';
(ii) by striking subparagraphs (C) and (D) 
and inserting the following:
``(C) Applications.--
``(i) Grant-only applications.--The 
Secretary shall establish an application 
process that permits an application for a 
grant-only award.
``(ii) Combined applications.--The 
Secretary shall establish an application 
process that--
``(I) permits a single application 
for a grant and a loan under title I or 
II, or this title, that is associated 
with the grant; and
``(II) provides a single decision 
to award the grant and the loan.'';
(iii) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as 
subparagraph (D); and
(iv) by striking subparagraph (F); and
(D) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the 
following:
``(4) Fees.--
``(A) Initial guarantee fee.--The Secretary may 
assess an initial guarantee fee for any insured or 
guaranteed loan issued or modified under this section 
in an amount that does not exceed 3 percent of the 
guaranteed principal portion of the loan.
``(B) Periodic retention fee.--The Secretary may 
assess a periodic retention fee for any insured or 
guaranteed loan issued or modified under this section 
in an amount that does not exceed 0.75 percent of the 
outstanding principal of the guarantee loan.
``(C) Disclosure.--In altering any fee charged for 
any insured or guaranteed loan issued or modified under 
this section, the Secretary, not less than 30 days in 
advance of any fee change, shall provide a public 
disclosure, of the financial data, economic and 
behavioral assumptions, calculations, and other factors 
used to determine the new fee rates.'';
(4) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) in clause (i), by adding 
``and'' at the end; and
(II) by striking ``require; and'' 
and all that follows through ``agree'' 
and insert ``require, and agree'';
(ii) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as 
subparagraph (E) and inserting after 
subparagraph (A) the following:
``(B) Inclusions.--An entity eligible to obtain 
assistance under subsection (c) may include--
``(i) a State or local government, 
including any agency, subdivision, 
instrumentality, or political subdivision of a 
State or local government;
``(ii) a territory or possession of the 
United States;
``(iii) an Indian Tribe (as defined in 
section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and 
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304));
``(iv) a cooperative or mutual 
organization;
``(v) an organization of 2 or more 
incorporated areas that have established an 
intermunicipal legal agreement for the purposes 
of delivering communication services to 
residents;
``(vi) a corporation; or
``(vii) a limited liability company or 
limited liability partnership.
``(C) Ineligible entities.--An individual or legal 
general partnership that is formed with individuals 
shall not be eligible to obtain a grant, loan, or grant 
and loan combination under subsection (c).
``(D) Affiliated owned and operated networks.--
Under this subsection, the Secretary may fund the 
construction of networks owned and operated by an 
affiliate of an eligible entity receiving the grant, 
loan, or loan guarantee, if the eligible entity, the 
affiliate, or both, as determined necessary by the 
Secretary, furnishes adequate security for the grant, 
loan, or loan guarantee.''; and
(iii) in subparagraph (E) (as so 
redesignated by clause (ii) of this 
subparagraph), by inserting ``, directly or in 
conjunction with any combination of 
affiliates,'' before ``may not'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) by striking ``subparagraphs (B) 
and (C)'' and inserting ``subparagraph 
(B)'';
(II) by striking ``is submitted--'' 
and all that follows through ``(i) not 
less than 50'' and inserting ``is 
submitted not less than 75''; and
(III) by striking ``(e); and'' and 
all that follows and inserting 
``(e).'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking 
``(A)(i)'' and inserting ``(A)''; and
(iii) by striking subparagraph (C) and 
inserting the following:
``(C) Affordability.--In deciding whether a 
proposed service territory is unserved for purposes of 
subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider the 
affordability of broadband service in the service 
territory.''; and
(C) by striking paragraphs (4) and (5);
(5) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``Subject to paragraph (2), 
for'' and inserting ``For'';
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking 
``25'' and inserting ``50''; and
(iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking 
``3'' and inserting ``25'';
(B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the 
following:
``(2) Adjustments.--The Secretary may adjust, through a 30-
day public notice and comment period published in the Federal 
Register, an increase in the minimum level of broadband service 
under paragraph (1) of no more than 50 percent from the 
preceding year, if less than 95 percent of the funds of the 
program are obligated in the preceding 2 funding rounds.''; and
(C) in paragraph (4)--
(i) in the paragraph heading, by striking 
``buildout'' and inserting ``project 
agreement''; and
(ii) by striking subparagraphs (B) through 
(D) and inserting the following:
``(B) Broadband buildout standards defined.--A 
project must meet the following applicable broadband 
standard in order to be considered for assistance;
``(i) A project with an award term of less 
than 8 years must provide service at 2 times 
the minimum broadband speed established in 
subsection (e)(1).
``(ii) A project with an award term of at 
least 8 years and less than 14 years must 
provide service at 5 times the minimum 
broadband speed established in subsection 
(e)(1).
``(iii) A project with an award term of 14 
or more years must provide service at 10 times 
the minimum broadband speed established in 
subsection (e)(1).
``(C) Network upgrade planning.--The Secretary may 
prioritize an applicant seeking to meet the broadband 
buildout standards under clause (i) or (ii) of 
subparagraph (B) if the applicant submits information 
regarding the potential for the physical infrastructure 
of the network to be upgraded to meet the broadband 
buildout standards under subparagraph (B)(iii) at the 
time of the application, assuming reasonable progress 
in relevant networking technologies.'';
(6) by striking subsection (j) and inserting the following:
``(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $350,000,000 
for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031, to remain available until 
expended.''; and
(7) in subsection (k), by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
``2031''.
(b) Regulations.--Not later than 270 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate rules to carry 
out the amendments made by subsection (a) of this section, and complete 
the biennial review process required by section 601(e)(2) of the Rural 
Electrification Act of 1936.
(c) Sunset.--The authorities provided by section 779 of the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Public Law 115-141) shall have 
no force or effect beginning 270 days after the date of the enactment 
of this Act.
(d) Transition Rules.--
(1) Availability of funds for administrative costs.--Not 
more than 1 percent of the unobligated balances of amounts made 
available, as of the date that is 270 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, to carry out the pilot program 
described in section 779 of the Consolidated Appropriations 
Act, 2018 (Public Law 115-141) may be used for the costs of 
transitioning from the pilot program to the program under 
section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as 
amended by this Act.
(2) Consolidation of funds.--
(A) In general.--The unobligated balances of all 
amounts made available on or before June 30, 2025, to 
carry out the pilot program described in section 779 of 
the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Public Law 
115-141) that are in excess of the amount described in 
subparagraph (B) of this paragraph are hereby 
transferred to and merged with amounts made available 
to carry out the program authorized under section 601 
of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936.
(B) Unfunded approvals.--The amount described in 
this subparagraph is the amount required to fully fund 
each project approved as of the date that is 270 days 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, under the 
pilot program described in such section 779 for which 
amounts were not obligated or partially obligated as of 
such date.

SEC. 6202. EXPANSION OF MIDDLE MILE INFRASTRUCTURE INTO RURAL AREAS.

Section 602(g) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 
950bb-1(g)) is amended by striking ``2018 through 2023'' and inserting 
``2027 through 2031''.

SEC. 6203. INNOVATIVE BROADBAND ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM.

Section 603 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 
950bb-2) is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 603. INNOVATIVE BROADBAND ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM.

``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a program to be 
known as the `Innovative Broadband Advancement Program', under which 
the Secretary may provide a grant, a loan, or both to an eligible 
entity for the purpose of demonstrating innovative broadband 
technologies or methods of broadband deployment that significantly 
decrease the cost of broadband deployment, and provide substantially 
faster broadband speeds than are available, in a rural area.
``(b) Terrestrial Broadband Demonstration Projects.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide grants or 
loans to eligible entities for the purpose of deploying 
innovative broadband technologies to qualified consumers who 
subscribe to terrestrial broadband service in rural areas.
``(2) Eligibility.--To be eligible to obtain assistance 
under this subsection for a project, an entity shall--
``(A) submit to the Secretary an application--
``(i) that describes a terrestrial 
broadband demonstration project designed to 
decrease the cost of broadband deployment, and 
substantially increase broadband speed to not 
less than the maximum broadband project 
agreement requirements established under 
section 601(e)(4), to qualified consumers in a 
rural area to be served by the project; and
``(ii) at such time, in such manner, and 
containing such other information as the 
Secretary may require;
``(B) demonstrate that the entity is able to carry 
out the project; and
``(C) agree to complete the project build-out 
within 5 years after the date the assistance is first 
provided for the project.
``(3) Prioritization.--In awarding assistance under this 
subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to proposals for 
projects that--
``(A) involve partnerships between or among 
multiple entities;
``(B) would provide broadband service to the 
greatest number of rural entities at or above the 
broadband requirements referred to in paragraph 
(2)(A)(i);
``(C) the Secretary determines could be replicated 
in rural areas described in paragraph (2); and
``(D) are located in States and territories 
selected by the Secretary to be diverse on the basis of 
geography, topography, and demographics.
``(4) Qualified consumer.--In this subsection, the term 
`qualified consumer' means--
``(A) an individual or member of a household who 
lives in a rural area;
``(B) a rural small business; or
``(C) an essential community facility, as defined 
pursuant to section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and 
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)).
``(5) Rural area.--In this subsection, the term `rural 
area' has the meaning provided in section 601(b)(3).
``(c) Satellite Broadband Demonstration Projects.--
``(1) Purpose.--The purpose of this subsection is to reduce 
or eliminate the costs to access satellite broadband service 
for remote subscribers.
``(2) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' 
means a broadband service provider that provides 
Internet access directly to qualified consumers in 
remote areas via satellite technology.
``(B) Qualified consumer.--The term `qualified 
consumer' means a consumer served by an eligible entity 
that receives a grant under paragraph (3), who is--
``(i) an individual or a member of a 
household at or below the poverty line (as 
defined in section 673(2) of the Omnibus Budget 
Reconciliation Act of 1981, including any 
revision required by such section, applicable 
to a family of the size involved); or
``(ii) an essential community facility, as 
defined pursuant to section 306(a) of the 
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 1926(a)).
``(C) Satellite broadband equipment.--The term 
`satellite broadband equipment' means user terminals, 
Wi-Fi routers, power supplies, mounts, and any other 
equipment necessary to connect a qualified consumer to 
satellite broadband service.
``(D) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the 
Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the 
Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service.
``(E) Remote.--The term `remote' means a region 
classified within level 3 or level 4 of the frontier 
and remote ZIP Code areas published by the Economic 
Research Service of the Department of Agriculture.
``(3) Grants to eligible entities.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to paragraph (B), the 
Secretary shall make grants to eligible entities for 
the purpose of reducing or eliminating the cost 
associated with the purchase or installation, or both, 
of satellite broadband equipment to qualified consumers 
to subscribe to satellite broadband service in remote 
areas.
``(B) Requirements.--As a condition of receiving a 
grant under this subsection, an eligible entity shall--
``(i) provide retail broadband service 
delivered via satellite technology to qualified 
consumers, that--
``(I) enables a qualified consumer 
to the service to originate and receive 
high-quality voice, data, graphics, 
video; and
``(II) has a latency which does not 
exceed 250 milliseconds;
``(ii) submit to the Secretary an 
application at such time, in such manner, and 
containing such other information as the 
Secretary may require;
``(iii) agree to reduce or eliminate the 
cost associated with the purchase, 
installation, or both, of satellite broadband 
equipment for qualified consumers; and
``(iv) agree to provide qualified consumers 
with the reduction or elimination of that cost 
within 1 year of the assistance being obligated 
to the eligible entity.
``(C) Eligibility map of qualified consumers.--
Within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this 
Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall 
publish a map of the remote areas of qualified 
consumers that do not have access to terrestrial 
broadband service of at least--
``(i) a 25-Mbps downstream transmission 
capacity; and
``(ii) a 3-Mbps upstream transmission 
capacity.
``(d) Report.--Within 1 year after the date of the enactment of 
this section, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit a 
comprehensive report to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
Forestry of the Senate that shall provide the outcomes, effectiveness, 
and impact of the Innovative Broadband Advancement Program, including--
``(1) an assessment of the broadband infrastructure funded, 
including the scope, scale, nature and geographic locations of 
each award;
``(2) the broadband access and speeds achieved, including 
the download and upload speeds, latency, and overall network 
reliability;
``(3) any technical or logistical challenges encountered by 
the eligible entities; and
``(4) any recommendations for future innovative broadband 
deployment initiatives in rural areas.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2027 through 2031.''.

SEC. 6204. COMMUNITY CONNECT GRANTS.

Section 604 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 
950bb-3) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``10'' and 
inserting ``25''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``1'' and 
inserting ``3'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' at the 
end;
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the 
end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) provides broadband speeds not less than the broadband 
project agreement requirements established under section 
601(e)(4)(B)(ii) to the eligible entity within the proposed 
eligible service area.''; and
(3) in subsection (g), by striking ``2019 through 2023'' 
and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

SEC. 6205. RATE REGULATION.

Title VI of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb-
5) is amended by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 607. RATE REGULATION.

``Nothing in this title authorizes the Secretary to regulate rates 
charged for broadband service.''.

SEC. 6206. PUBLIC NOTICE, ASSESSMENTS, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, AND 
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

Section 701 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 
950cc) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by inserting ``technical 
assistance,'' before ``and'';
(2) in subsection (a)(1)(B)(i), by inserting ``, including 
a complete shapefile map'' before the semicolon;
(3) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking 
``and'' at the end;
(ii) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as 
subparagraph (C) and inserting after 
subparagraph (A) the following:
``(B) validate the information submitted by service 
providers under subparagraph (A) through procedures 
established by the Secretary, which shall include an 
agency determination provided to the submitter, an 
opportunity of the submitter to respond, and a final 
non-appealable determination of the Secretary; and''; 
and
(iii) in subparagraph (C) (as so 
redesignated by clause (ii) of this 
subparagraph), by striking ``paragraph (1)'' 
and inserting ``subparagraph (A)''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking all that precedes 
subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:
``(2) Assessment of eligibility.--In making any 
determination to award a loan, loan guarantee, or grant for any 
retail broadband project provided assistance or for which 
assistance is sought that is administered by the Secretary, the 
Secretary shall confirm that each unserved rural community 
identified in the application is eligible for funding by--
``(A) utilizing the map created by the Federal 
Communications Commission under section 802(c)(1)(A) of 
the Communications Act of 1934 and the Deployment 
Locations Map established under section 60104(b) of the 
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (47 U.S.C. 
1704(b));''; and
(4) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:
``(e) Broadband Technical Assistance Program.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall make grants to 
private, nonprofit, or public organizations to provide or 
receive eligible entities broadband technical assistance and 
training to expand access to broadband service in rural 
communities through the broadband programs of the Department of 
Agriculture including--
``(A) preparing applications for grants, loans and 
loan guarantees under this section;
``(B) identifying resources to finance broadband 
facilities from public and private sources, including 
other Federal agencies;
``(C) preparing feasibility studies, financial 
forecasts, market surveys, environmental studies, and 
technical design information to support broadband 
services;
``(D) preparing reports and surveys necessary to 
support the need for broadband services, the price 
range, and request financial assistance;
``(E) analyzing and improving operations related to 
the management, including financial management, of 
broadband facilities and to the efficiency of the 
entity;
``(F) collecting broadband infrastructure data; or
``(G) assisting with other areas of need identified 
by the Secretary.
``(2) Eligible entities.--To be eligible to obtain 
assistance under this subsection, an entity shall be--
``(A) a federally recognized Tribe or Tribal 
entity;
``(B) a State or local government, including any 
agency, subdivision, instrumentality, or political 
subdivision thereof;
``(C) a territory or possession of the United 
States;
``(D) an institution of higher education (including 
a 1862 Land-Grant Institution, 1890 Land-Grant 
Institution, 1994 Land-Grant Institution, Hispanic-
Serving Institution, or Historically Black College or 
University);
``(E) a nonprofit organization described in section 
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
``(F) a cooperative or mutual organization;
``(G) a corporation; or
``(H) a limited liability company or limited 
liability partnership.
``(3) Selection priority.--In selecting recipients of 
grants under this paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority 
to organizations that have experience in providing technical 
assistance and training to rural entities.
``(4) National applications.--The Secretary shall allow 
applications for grants under this paragraph from qualified 
organizations for the sole purpose of providing on-site 
community technical assistance and training on a national or 
multi-State regional basis.
``(f) Assistance for Community Broadband Mapping.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may make grants to 
eligible entities for the purpose of collecting broadband 
service data to assist the Secretary in--
``(A) establishing the availability of broadband 
service or middle mile infrastructure in a rural area;
``(B) determining the eligibility of a community 
for assistance under any broadband program administered 
by the Secretary;
``(C) undertaking a service area assessment under 
this section; or
``(D) collecting information to submit a challenge 
to the National Broadband Map created by the Federal 
Communications Commission pursuant to section 802(c)(1) 
of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 
642(c)(1)).
``(2) Application.--To apply for a grant under this 
section, an entity shall submit an application which 
identifies--
``(A) the data collection area;
``(B) the purpose of the data collection;
``(C) the types of broadband service data to be 
collected;
``(D) the survey and data collection methods 
utilized; and
``(E) any other information the Secretary 
determines necessary to promote the integrity of 
broadband service collected under this section.
``(3) Limitation of grant amount.--The amount of a grant 
made available under this subsection shall not exceed $50,000.
``(4) Broadband service data usage.--The Secretary shall 
ensure that any broadband service data collected under this 
section is--
``(A) measured or assessed in accordance with such 
standards as are established by the Federal 
Communications Commission pursuant to section 
802(a)(1)(A) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 
U.S.C. 642(a)(1)(A));
``(B) accurate and verifiable in accordance with 
such standards as are established by the Federal 
Communications Commission pursuant to section 
802(a)(1)(A) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 
U.S.C. 642(a)(1)(A));
``(C) included in any broadband maps or data sets 
maintained by the Secretary; and
``(D) made available to the Chair of the Federal 
Communications Commission and the Administrator of the 
National Telecommunications and Information 
Administration for inclusion in any broadband maps or 
data sets either may maintain.
``(5) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Broadband service.--The term `broadband 
service' has the same meaning given the term in section 
601.
``(B) Broadband service data.--
``(i) In general.--The term `broadband 
service data' means information related to--
``(I) the location and type of 
broadband service;
``(II) the location and type of 
broadband infrastructure;
``(III) the advertised, maximum, 
and average speed of broadband service;
``(IV) the average price of the 
most subscribed tier of broadband 
service;
``(V) the speed tiers of broadband 
service available in the area; or
``(VI) any additional metric the 
Secretary deems appropriate.
``(ii) Further definition.--The Secretary 
shall further define the term `broadband 
service area' to ensure that data is measured 
and collected in a manner consistent with the 
reporting requirements under this section, and 
any broadband coordination or data-sharing 
obligations.
``(C) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' 
means--
``(i) a unit of local government in a rural 
area;
``(ii) a Tribal Government or unit of 
Tribal Government;
``(iii) an economic development or other 
community organization;
``(iv) an eligible entity under title I or 
II that serves persons in rural areas;
``(v) an internet service provider that has 
not more than 100,000 subscribers; or
``(vi) any other entity eligible under a 
title VI program that is not an internet 
service provider.
``(D) Middle mile infrastructure.--The term `middle 
mile infrastructure' has the meaning given the term in 
section 602.
``(E) Rural area.--The term `rural area' has the 
meaning given the term in section 601.
``(6) Limitation on amount made available for grants.--The 
Secretary may not expend more than 1 percent of the amounts 
made available under subsection (g) for each of fiscal years 
2027 through 2031 to carry out this subsection.
``(g) Limitations on Reservation of Funds.--Not less than 3 but not 
more than 5 percent of the amounts appropriated to the program to carry 
out title VI shall be set aside to be used for--
``(1) conducting oversight under such title;
``(2) implementing accountability measures and related 
activities authorized under such title; or
``(3) carrying out this section.''.

SEC. 6207. LIMITATION ON OVERBUILDING.

Title VI of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb 
et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 608. LIMITATION ON OVERBUILDING.

``Any area in a proposed service area under this title shall not be 
considered unserved if an applicant in another Federal or State 
broadband program has received an obligation of funding to offer retail 
broadband service in the area not more than 5 years from the date of 
the obligation of funds, at a speed of at least 100 Mbps download and 
20 Mbps upload.''.

Subtitle C--Miscellaneous

SEC. 6301. RURAL ENERGY SAVINGS PROGRAM.

Section 6407 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 
(7 U.S.C. 8107a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``, 
if the entity continues to serve rural areas 
(as defined in section 343(a)(13)(A) of the 
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(A))'' before the semicolon;
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking 
``or'' at the end; and
(iii) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as 
subparagraph (E) and inserting after 
subparagraph (B) the following:
``(C) any Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of 
the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance 
Act (25 U.S.C. 5304));
``(D) any public, quasi-public, or nonprofit entity 
that uses innovative financing techniques and market 
development tools to accelerate the deployment of 
energy efficiency technology; or'';
(B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the 
following:
``(2) Energy efficiency measures.--The term `energy 
efficiency measures' means, with respect to any property 
service by an eligible entity--
``(A) a structural improvement or investment in a 
cost-effective, commercial technology to increase 
energy efficiency (including cost-effective on- or off-
grid renewable energy or energy storage system); and
``(B) the replacement of a manufactured housing 
unit or large appliance with a substantially similar 
manufacturing housing unit or appliance, respectively, 
if that replacement is a cost-effective option with 
respect to energy savings.'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by inserting ``and 
Grants'' before ``to'';
(B) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the 
following:
``(1) In general.--Subject to this subsection, the 
Secretary shall provide--
``(A) loans to eligible entities that agree to use 
the loan funds to make loans under subsection (d) to 
qualified consumers for the purpose of implementing 
energy efficiency measures; and
``(B) at the election of any eligible entity that 
receives a loan under subparagraph (A) of this 
paragraph, a grant in accordance with paragraph 
(11).'';
(C) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (9) as 
paragraphs (3) through (10), respectively, and 
inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Prioritization.--The Secretary shall give priority to 
applications from eligible entities serving at least 80 percent 
of their ratepayers residing in rural areas, as defined in 
section 343(a)(13)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(A)).'';
(D) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated by 
subparagraph (C) of this paragraph)--
(i) in the paragraph heading, by inserting 
``for loans'' before the period; and
(ii) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking 
``that is'';
(E) by striking paragraph (6) (as so redesignated 
by subparagraph (C) of this paragraph) and inserting 
the following:
``(6) Repayment.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B) of 
this paragraph, with respect to a loan under paragraph 
(1)(A)--
``(i) the term shall not exceed 20 years 
from the date on which the loan is closed; and
``(ii) except as provided in paragraph (8), 
the repayment of each advance shall be 
amortized for a period not to exceed 10 years.
``(B) Extensions.--The Secretary may extend the 
term of a loan under subparagraph (A)(i), or the 
deadline for repayment of an advance under subparagraph 
(A)(ii), as the Secretary determines appropriate.'';
(F) in paragraph (8) (as so redesignated by 
subparagraph (C) of this paragraph)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by striking 
``(1)'' and inserting ``(1)(A)''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking 
``Repayment'' and inserting ``Subject to an 
applicable extension under paragraph (6)(B), 
repayment'';
(G) by striking paragraph (9) (as so redesignated 
by subparagraph (C) of this paragraph) and inserting 
the following:
``(9) Limitations.--
``(A) Special advances.--All special advances shall 
be made under a loan described in paragraph (1) during 
the first 10 years of the term of the loan.
``(B) Replacement of manufactured housing units or 
large appliances.--Not more than 10 percent of the 
total annual amount of budget authority for loans 
described in paragraph (1) may be used for the 
replacement of manufactured housing units or large 
appliances.''; and
(H) by adding at the end the following:
``(11) Grants.--
``(A) In general.--At the election of an eligible 
entity that receives a loan under this subsection, the 
Secretary may provide to the eligible entity a grant to 
pay for a portion of the costs incurred in--
``(i) making repairs to the property of a 
qualified consumer that facilitates the energy 
efficiency measures for the property financed 
through a loan provided to the qualified 
consumer under subsection (d); or
``(ii) providing technical assistance, 
outreach, and training.
``(B) Amount.--
``(i) In general.--Except as provided in 
clause (ii), the amount of a grant provided to 
an eligible entity under this paragraph shall 
be equal to not more than 5 percent of the 
amount of the loan provided to the eligible 
entity under this subsection.
``(ii) Persistent poverty counties.--The 
amount of a grant provided under this paragraph 
to an eligible entity that will use the grant 
to make loans under subsection (d) to qualified 
consumers located in a persistent poverty 
county (as determined by the Secretary) shall 
be equal to 10 percent of the amount of the 
loan provided to the eligible entity under this 
subsection.'';
(3) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph 
(A), by inserting ``or grant'' before 
``funds''; and
(ii) by striking subparagraphs (B) and (C) 
and inserting the following:
``(B)(i) may have a term and amortization schedule 
the length of which is the useful life of the energy 
efficiency measures implemented using the loan, if the 
loan term does not exceed 20 years; and
``(ii) shall finance energy efficiency measures for 
the purpose of decreasing energy usage or costs of the 
qualified consumer by an amount that ensures, to the 
maximum extent practicable, that the applicable loan 
term described in clause (i) will not pose an undue 
financial burden on the qualified consumer, as 
determined by the eligible entity;
``(C) shall not be used to fund purchases of, or 
modifications to, personal property unless the personal 
property--
``(i) is a manufactured housing unit or 
large appliance described in subsection 
(b)(2)(B); or
``(ii) is or becomes attached to real 
property as a fixture;''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Clarification of eligibility.--Notwithstanding any 
other provision of law (including regulations), an eligible 
entity may make a loan under this subsection to any qualified 
consumer located within the service territory of the eligible 
entity, regardless of whether the qualified consumer is located 
in a rural area.'';
(4) in subsection (e)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by inserting 
``Outreach,'' before ``and Technical Assistance'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and 
technical assistance of the program'' and 
inserting ``outreach, and technical assistance 
relating to the program under this section''; 
and
(ii) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by inserting 
``, outreach,'' before ``and training''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Funding.--Not less than 3 but not more than 5 percent 
of amounts appropriated under subsection (i) may be used to 
provide outreach, training, and technical assistance under this 
subsection.''; and
(5) in subsection (i), by striking ``2014 through 2023'' 
and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

SEC. 6302. PROMOTING PRECISION AGRICULTURE.

(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Advanced wireless communications technology.--The term 
``advanced wireless communications technology'' means advanced 
technology that contributes to mobile (5G or beyond) networks, 
next-generation Wi-Fi networks, or other future networks using 
other technologies, regardless of whether the network is 
operating on an exclusive licensed, shared licensed, or 
unlicensed frequency band.
(2) Artificial intelligence.--The term ``artificial 
intelligence'' has the meaning given the term in section 238(g) 
of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 
4061).
(3) Foreign adversary.--The term ``foreign adversary'' 
means any foreign government or foreign nongovernment person 
engaged in a long-term pattern or serious instances of conduct 
significantly adverse to the national security of the United 
States, or security and safety of United States persons.
(4) Precision agriculture; precision agriculture 
technology.--The terms ``precision agriculture'' and 
``precision agriculture technology'' have the meanings given 
the terms in section 1201 of the Food Security Act of 1985.
(5) Trusted.--The term ``trusted'' means, with respect to a 
provider of advanced communications service or a supplier of 
communications equipment or service, that the Secretary has 
determined that the provider or supplier is not owned by, 
controlled by, or subject to the influence of, a foreign 
adversary.
(6) Voluntary consensus standards development 
organization.--The term ``voluntary consensus standards 
development organization'' means an organization that develops 
standards in a process that meets the principles for the 
development of voluntary consensus standards (as defined in the 
document of the Office of Management and Budget entitled 
``Federal Participation in the Development and Use of Voluntary 
Consensus Standards and in Conformity Assessment Activities'' 
(OMB Circular A-119)).
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
(1) to enhance the participation of precision agriculture 
in the United States; and
(2) to promote United States leadership in voluntary 
consensus standards development organizations that set 
standards for precision agriculture.
(c) Interconnectivity Standards for Precision Agriculture.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the 
Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology 
and the Federal Communications Commission, shall--
(A) develop voluntary, consensus-based, private 
sector-led interconnectivity standards, guidelines, and 
best practices for precision agriculture that will 
promote economies of scale and ease the burden of the 
adoption of precision agriculture; and
(B) in carrying out subparagraph (A)--
(i) coordinate with relevant public and 
trusted private sector stakeholders and other 
relevant industry organizations, including 
voluntary consensus standards development 
organizations; and
(ii) consult with sector-specific agencies, 
other appropriate agencies, and State and local 
governments.
(2) Considerations.--The Secretary, in carrying out 
paragraph (1), shall, in consultation with the Federal 
Communications Commission and the Director of the National 
Institute of Standards and Technology, consider--
(A) the evolving demands of precision agriculture;
(B) the connectivity needs of precision agriculture 
technology;
(C) the cybersecurity challenges facing precision 
agriculture, including cybersecurity threats for 
agriculture producers and agriculture supply chains;
(D) the impact of advanced wireless communications 
technology on precision agriculture; and
(E) the impact of artificial intelligence on 
precision agriculture.
(d) GAO Assessment of Precision Agriculture Standards.--
(1) Study.--Not later than 1 year after the Secretary 
develops standards under subsection (c), and every 2 years 
thereafter for the following 8 years, the Comptroller General 
of the United States shall conduct a study that assesses those 
standards, including the extent to which those standards, as 
applicable--
(A) are voluntary;
(B) were developed in coordination with relevant 
industry organizations, including voluntary consensus 
standards development organizations; and
(C) have successfully encouraged the adoption of 
precision agriculture.
(2) Report.--The Comptroller General of the United States 
shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on Science, Space, 
and Technology of the House of Representatives, the Committee 
on Agriculture of the House of Representatives, and the 
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate 
a report that summarizes the findings of each study conducted 
under paragraph (1).

SEC. 6303. FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN GUARANTEED LOANS.

Section 310B of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 1932) is amended by inserting after subsection (e) the 
following:
``(f) Food Supply Chain Capacity and Resilience Guaranteed Loans.--
``(1) Definition of food supply chain guaranteed loan.--In 
this subsection, the term `food supply chain guaranteed loan' 
means a business and industry guaranteed loan that is made or 
guaranteed by the Secretary under subsection (a)(2)(A), 
including a guarantee described in subsection (a)(3).
``(2) Purpose.--A food supply chain guaranteed loan may be 
made for the purpose of financing new investments in the start-
up or expansion of projects in the United States that will 
increase the capacity of the food supply chain in the United 
States to aggregate, process, manufacture, store, transport, 
wholesale, or distribute food, agricultural products, or 
agricultural inputs.
``(3) Limitations.--The maximum amount of a food supply 
chain guaranteed loan shall not exceed $40,000,000.
``(4) Loan guarantees in nonrural areas.--The Secretary may 
guarantee a food supply chain guaranteed loan to an eligible 
entity for a facility that is not located in a rural area if--
``(A) the primary purpose of the loan guarantee is 
for a facility to aggregate, process, manufacture, 
store, transport, wholesale, or distribute food 
agricultural products, or agricultural inputs for 
agricultural producers or processors that are located 
within 80 miles of the facility;
``(B) the applicant demonstrates to the Secretary 
that the primary benefit of the loan guarantee will be 
to provide employment for residents of a rural area; 
and
``(C) the total principal amount of food supply 
chain guaranteed loans guaranteed for a fiscal year 
under this paragraph does not exceed 10 percent of the 
total principal amount of food supply chain guaranteed 
loans made for the fiscal year under subsection 
(a)(2)(A).
``(5) Quarterly reports to congress.--Within 30 days after 
the end of each calendar quarter, the Secretary shall submit to 
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of 
the Senate a report that contains--
``(A) an evaluation of the outcomes achieved 
through use of the assistance, and the ability of the 
recipient of the assistance to meet performance goals;
``(B) a description of any debt recovery made with 
respect to a loan guaranteed under this subsection, and 
agency projections for activities for which the 
assistance is provided; and
``(C) any recommendations of the Secretary 
regarding the implementation of this subsection.
``(6) Reservation of funds.--
``(A) In general.--For each of fiscal years 2025 
through 2029, the Secretary shall reserve not more than 
5 percent of the funds made available to carry out 
subsection (a) to carry out this subsection.
``(B) Availability of funds.--Funds reserved under 
subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year shall be reserved 
until April 1 of the fiscal year.''.

SEC. 6304. NEW, MOBILE, AND EXPANDED MEAT PROCESSING AND RENDERING 
GRANTS.

(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
(A) a public, private, or cooperative organization 
organized on a for-profit or nonprofit basis, including 
a small establishment and very small establishment;
(B) an Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of the 
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act 
(25 U.S.C. 5304));
(C) a land-grant college or university (as defined 
in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, 
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 
3103));
(D) a non-land-grant college of agriculture (as 
defined in that section); and
(E) a State department of agriculture or other 
applicable State office with authority over meat and 
poultry processing and rendering.
(2) Small establishment; very small establishment.--The 
terms ``small establishment'' and ``very small establishment'' 
have the meanings given the terms ``smaller establishment'' and 
``very small establishment'', respectively, in the final rule 
entitled ``Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical 
Control Point (HACCP) Systems'' (61 Fed. Reg. 38806 (July 25, 
1996)) (or successor regulations).
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
(1) to create more resilient local and regional food 
systems;
(2) to expand, diversify, and increase resilience in meat 
and poultry processing and rendering activities;
(3) to increase farmer and rancher access to animal 
slaughter options;
(4) to improve compliance of processors with livestock and 
poultry processing statutes (including regulations), including 
the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) and the 
Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 451 et seq.);
(5) to reduce barriers to entry for new meat and poultry 
processors and renderers;
(6) to establish new, or update, expand, or otherwise 
improve existing, meat and poultry processing and rendering 
facilities; and
(7) to support the processing and slaughtering of niche 
production methods such as halal, kosher, and other specific 
cultural methods.
(c) Grants.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall award grants to 
eligible entities to use in accordance with subsection (d).
(2) Maximum amount.--The maximum amount of a grant awarded 
under paragraph (1) shall not exceed $500,000.
(3) Duration.--The term of a grant awarded under paragraph 
(1) shall not exceed 3 years.
(4) Priority.--In awarding grants under paragraph (1), the 
Secretary shall give priority to small establishments and very 
small establishments.
(d) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity receiving a grant under this 
section shall use the grant to carry out activities in support of the 
purposes described in subsection (b), including activities--
(1) to identify and analyze business opportunities, 
including feasibility studies required for credit worthiness;
(2) to achieve compliance with applicable Federal, State, 
or local regulations;
(3) to conduct regional, community, and local economic 
development planning and coordination and leadership 
development;
(4) to incentivize new, innovative, or mobile enterprises 
for increasing or improving local and regional meat or poultry 
processing and rendering;
(5) to implement humane handling infrastructure, including 
holding space for livestock prior to slaughter, shade 
structures, and structures and equipment for humane slaughter;
(6) to develop a feasibility study or business plan for, or 
carry out any other activity associated with, establishing or 
expanding a small meat or poultry slaughter, processing, or 
rendering facility;
(7) to purchase equipment that enables the further use or 
value-added sale of coproducts or byproducts; and
(8) to purchase cold storage and related equipment.
(e) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the activities carried out 
using a grant awarded under this section shall not exceed--
(1) 90 percent in the case of a grant in the amount of 
$100,000 or less; or
(2) 75 percent in the case of a grant in an amount greater 
than $100,000.
(f) Quarterly Reports to Congress.--Within 30 days after the end of 
each calendar quarter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on 
Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that 
contains--
(1) an evaluation of the outcomes achieved through use of 
the grant, and the ability of the grantee to meet performance 
goals;
(2) an evaluation of the compliance of the grantee with the 
terms and conditions of the grant;
(3) a determination as to whether the grant recipient 
maintains adequate financial capacity to carry out the 
activities for which the grant is provided; and
(4) any recommendations of the Secretary regarding the 
implementation of this section.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $3,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.

SEC. 6305. EXPANDING CHILDCARE IN RURAL AMERICA INITIATIVE.

(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Childcare.--
(A) In general.--The term ``childcare'' means any 
program that--
(i) provides quality care and early 
education for children who have not yet entered 
first grade; and
(ii) is operated by--
(I) an eligible childcare provider 
described in section 658P(6)(A) of the 
Child Care and Development Block Grant 
Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858n(6)(A)); or
(II) a childcare provider that, on 
the date of enactment of this Act--
(aa) is licensed, 
regulated, or registered in the 
State, territory, or Indian 
Tribe in which the provider is 
located; and
(bb) meets applicable 
State, Tribal, territorial, and 
local health and safety 
requirements.
(B) Inclusions.--The term ``childcare'' includes--
(i) a school-based program described in 
subparagraph (A);
(ii) a program described in subparagraph 
(A) that is a Head Start program, including a 
migrant and seasonal Head Start program, or an 
American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start 
program carried out under the Head Start Act 
(42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.);
(iii) a facility used for a program 
described in subparagraph (A); and
(iv) a service provided under a program 
described in subparagraph (A).
(2) Initiative.--The term ``Initiative'' means the 
Expanding Childcare in Rural America Initiative established 
under subsection (b).
(3) Rural area.--The term ``rural area'' has the meaning 
given the term in section 343(a)(13)(A) of the Consolidated 
Farm and Rural Development Act.
(b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish an initiative, to 
be known as the ``Expanding Childcare in Rural America Initiative'', 
under which the Secretary shall provide, for each of fiscal years 2027 
through 2029, priority in accordance with subsection (c) to address the 
availability, quality, and cost of childcare in rural areas.
(c) Childcare Priorities.--
(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
law, in selecting recipients of loans and grants under a 
program described in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall give 
priority to any qualified applicant that proposes to use the 
loan or grant to address the availability, quality, or cost of 
childcare.
(2) Description of programs.--The programs referred to in 
paragraph (1) are the following:
(A) The essential community facilities loan and 
grant programs authorized under section 306(a) of the 
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 
1926(a)).
(B) The business and industry direct and guaranteed 
loan program authorized under section 310B(g) of that 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(g)).
(C) The rural microentrepreneur assistance program 
authorized under section 379E of that Act (7 U.S.C. 
2008s).
(D) The intermediary relending program authorized 
under the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1936b).
(d) Requirements.--In providing funding in accordance with the 
Initiative, the Secretary shall ensure a balanced geographical 
distribution of the benefits under the Initiative.
(e) Evaluation; Report.--
(1) Evaluation.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a 
comprehensive quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the 
projects carried out using assistance provided under the 
Initiative, including--
(A) a description of--
(i) the types of projects carried out;
(ii) the communities in which the projects 
are carried out;
(iii) the organizations and entities 
participating in the projects; and
(iv) the types of partnerships developed to 
carry out the projects; and
(B) the economic and social impacts of the 
investments in the projects.
(2) Report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate 
and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
Representatives a report describing the evaluation conducted 
under paragraph (1), including a thorough analysis of the 
outcomes of the evaluation.

SEC. 6306. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR GEOGRAPHICALLY UNDERSERVED AND 
DISTRESSED AREAS.

(a) In General.--Within 1 year after the date of the enactment of 
this section, the Secretary shall directly, or through cooperative 
agreements, provide technical assistance and strengthen local capacity 
to improve access to rural development programs administered by the 
Secretary for local partners (including local governments, 
cooperatives, businesses, and community anchor institutions) in 
geographically underserved and distressed areas.
(b) Reports.--Beginning 1 year after the date of the enactment of 
this section, the Secretary shall annually publish, make available to 
the public, and submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
Forestry of the Senate a report on how the provision of technical 
assistance under subsection (a) has affected geographically underserved 
and distressed areas in the year covered by the report.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Geographically underserved and distressed area.--The 
term ``geographically underserved and distressed area'' means a 
rural area (as defined in section 343(a)(13)(A) of the 
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 
1991(a)(13)(A)))--
(A) in a socially vulnerable community (as 
determined by the Secretary);
(B) in a persistent poverty county (as determined 
by the Secretary);
(C) in an economically distressed area (as 
determined by the Secretary); or
(D) in a colonia.
(2) Community anchor institution.--The term ``community 
anchor institution'' means--
(A) a public library;
(B) an elementary or secondary school;
(C) an institution of higher education;
(D) a health care facility; or
(E) any other nonprofit or governmental community 
support organization.

SEC. 6307. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT INNOVATION CENTER.

Subtitle D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 1981 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 379J. RURAL DEVELOPMENT INNOVATION CENTER.

``(a) Definition of Rural Development Mission Areas.--In this 
section, the term `Rural Development Mission Areas' means the agencies 
under the Rural Development Agency at the Department of Agriculture, 
including the Rural Utilities Service, Rural Business-Cooperative 
Service, and the Rural Housing Service.
``(b) Establishment.--There is hereby established within the Rural 
Development Mission Areas a Rural Development Innovation Center (the 
`Innovation Center') to promote and facilitate innovation in the 
administration and implementation of rural development programs and 
initiatives.
``(c) Functions.--The Innovation Center shall--
``(1) review all processes for Rural Development Mission 
Area programs to identify inefficiencies, redundancies, and 
barriers to access, including--
``(A) unnecessary delays in loan and grant 
applications processing and approvals;
``(B) high application costs; and
``(C) deficiencies in technical assistance for 
programs;
``(2) establish and maintain an ongoing public process for 
public and private stakeholders to provide perspectives on the 
challenges faced when applying for, utilizing, or participating 
in Rural Development Mission Area programs;
``(3) identify and assess any innovative strategies and 
collaborative models to enhance the efficiency and 
effectiveness of rural development programs and initiatives;
``(4) foster and maintain partnerships with public and 
private stakeholders to leverage expertise and resources for 
the Rural Development Mission Areas;
``(5) promote cross-agency collaborations and identify best 
practices in rural economic development;
``(6) identify and implement technological solutions and 
software applications to improve the effectiveness and 
efficiency of Rural Development Mission Area programs, 
including enhancing data management systems;
``(7) conduct research, analysis, and evaluation to 
modernize, simplify, and improve Rural Development Mission Area 
programs, and ensure that the programs are accessible, 
transparent, and user-friendly; and
``(8) disseminate information, guidance, and training 
materials to Rural Development Mission Area personnel and 
stakeholders on innovative rural development practices and 
opportunities.
``(d) Modernization Plan.--The Innovation Center shall develop, and 
periodically update, a modernization plan to facilitate innovation in 
administering and implementing rural development programs and 
initiatives that--
``(1) outlines strategies aimed at harnessing the potential 
of emerging technologies for program delivery and overall 
service;
``(2) enhances program efficiencies by identifying and 
implementing measures to streamline program and administrative 
processes, reduce redundancies, and optimize resource 
allocation;
``(3) expands the availability and accessibility of digital 
services, leveraging digital platforms and tools to broaden the 
reach of the programs and improve the overall user experience 
for rural stakeholders;
``(4) integrates data-driven solutions to optimize program 
delivery and maximize impact and effectiveness of the efforts 
in rural development; and
``(5) establishes periodic milestones and goals to track 
the progress of the modernization plan.
``(e) Report.--The Secretary shall submit an annual report to the 
Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate on--
``(1) the activities and accomplishments of the Innovation 
Center, including progress in advancing rural development 
innovation and the outcome achieved;
``(2) a comprehensive working plan designed to actively 
engage public and private stakeholders, as described in 
subsection (c)(2); and
``(3) the progress on the modernization plan described in 
subsection (d).''.

SEC. 6308. RURAL HEALTH LIAISON REPORT.

Section 236 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 
1994 (7 U.S.C. 6946) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (8), by striking ``and'' at the 
end;
(B) in paragraph (9), by striking the period and 
inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(10) coordinate with the National Institute of Food and 
Agriculture in implementation of the Farm and Ranch Stress 
Assistance Network provided for in section 7522 of the Food, 
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 5936).''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Report.--The Rural Health Liaison shall submit an annual 
report to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate 
outlining the activities conducted under subsection (b).''.

Subtitle D--Additional Amendments to the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act

SEC. 6401. WATER, WASTE DISPOSAL, AND WASTEWATER FACILITY GRANTS.

Section 306(a)(2)(B)(vii) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(2)(B)(vii)) is amended by striking 
``2019 through 2023'' and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

SEC. 6402. RURAL WATER AND WASTEWATER CIRCUIT RIDER PROGRAM.

Section 306(a)(22) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(22)) is amended to read as follows:
``(22) Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program.--
``(A) Establishment.--The Secretary, through the 
Rural Utilities Service, shall continue a national 
rural water and wastewater circuit rider program that 
is consistent with the activities and results of the 
program conducted before the date of enactment of this 
Act, and with this section, as determined by the 
Secretary.
``(B) Purpose.--The Rural Water and Wastewater 
Circuit Rider Program shall provide a network of expert 
rural water Circuit Riders located in all 50 States, 
including United States territories and Freely 
Associated States, which work one-on-one with eligible 
rural water and wastewater systems in major assistance 
categories described in subparagraph (D). The program 
is intended to help rural water systems operate 
effectively and efficiently and achieve long-term 
sustainability and compliance with certain Federal laws 
and requirements, including the Safe Water Drinking Act 
(42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.) and the Clean Water Act (33 
U.S.C. 1251 et seq.).
``(C) Eligible entities.--In selecting recipients 
of grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements to be 
made available for activities listed under subparagraph 
(D), the Secretary shall select nonprofit organizations 
that have demonstrated experience providing technical 
assistance and disaster and recovery assistance for 
water and wastewater utilities nationwide. Awardees 
shall rely on personnel that possess active water and 
wastewater operators' licenses or overall knowledge of 
water utilities necessary to carry out eligible 
activities under subparagraph (D).
``(D) Eligible uses of funds.--An eligible entity 
shall use funds under the Rural Water and Wastewater 
Circuit Rider program for a rural water, wastewater, or 
wastewater disposal facility for--
``(i) technical assistance, including--
``(I) Board training;
``(II) managerial and financial 
operations with the effort to enhance 
the long-term sustainability of rural 
water and wastewater systems, including 
partnerships, consolidation, and 
regionalization;
``(III) physical operation and 
maintenance of rural water and 
wastewater infrastructure;
``(IV) water treatment;
``(V) regulatory compliance;
``(VI) facility security;
``(VII) loan application and 
reporting;
``(VIII) cybersecurity;
``(IX) implementation of 
cybersecurity plans, procedures, and 
technologies to protect against 
cyberthreats; or
``(X) other areas the Secretary 
deems appropriate;
``(ii) disaster and recovery assistance 
including--
``(I) direct on-site personnel and 
equipment to eligible utilities;
``(II) coordinating in statewide 
emergency response networks;
``(III) facilitating the 
development of action plans between 
utilities, local governments, the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency and 
the State emergency management 
agencies;
``(IV) resiliency and mitigation 
planning;
``(V) GIS mapping;
``(VI) updating vulnerability 
assessments, preparation of emergency 
response plans, communication 
protocols, hazard recognition and 
evaluation skills;
``(VII) conducting preliminary 
damage assessments of critical 
infrastructure;
``(VIII) addressing outstanding 
deficiencies focused on resolving 
health-based regulatory, operational, 
financial, and managerial deficiencies 
that impact the sustainability of the 
affected utilities;
``(IX) application and reporting 
assistance for Federal and State 
requirements including Federal 
Emergency Management Agency and 
insurance recovery claims;
``(X) providing for disaster 
readiness, support, and response 
activities targeted to disadvantaged 
communities that lack the financial 
resources and human capital necessary 
to adequately address significant 
health, safety, or sanitary concerns; 
and
``(XI) other areas the Secretary 
deems appropriate.
``(iii) Additional uses.--In response to 
activities under subparagraph (B) related to 
natural disasters and emergencies, not more 
than 5 percent of each award may be used to 
purchase or reimburse the rental costs of 
appropriate emergency equipment, as determined 
by the Secretary.
``(E) Eligible project areas.--To receive 
assistance under the Rural Water and Wastewater Circuit 
Rider Program and carry out activities, an eligible 
entity must serve--
``(i) an area with a population of--
``(I) 10,000 or fewer inhabitants 
for technical assistance under 
subparagraph (D)(i); or
``(II) 50,000 or fewer inhabitants 
for disaster and recovery assistance 
under subparagraph (D)(ii); and
``(ii) a public body, nonprofit 
corporation, or Indian tribe with legal 
authority to own and operate the water 
facility.
``(F) Authorization of appropriations.--There is 
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
paragraph $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 through 
fiscal year 2031.
``(G) Continuity of essential circuit rider 
activities.--Activities carried out under this 
subparagraph that are necessary to prevent imminent 
harm to life or property may continue during a lapse in 
appropriations, using unobligated balances previously 
appropriated under the heading `Rural Water and Waste 
Disposal Program Account'.''.

SEC. 6403. ZERO AND LOW INTEREST LOANS FOR DISTRESSED WATER SYSTEMS.

Section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
(7 U.S.C. 1926(a)) is amended by inserting after paragraph (22) the 
following:
``(23) Assistance for distressed water systems.--
``(A) To promote the long-term sustainability and 
financial viability of eligible rural community waste 
disposal and water facilities as described in 
subparagraph (B), for any entity described in 
subparagraph (C), the Secretary may--
``(i) make a zero percent interest loan or 
a 1 percent interest loan pursuant to paragraph 
(1);
``(ii) forgive the principal or interest, 
or modify any term or condition of a new or 
existing loan made pursuant to paragraph (1);
``(iii) refinance all or part of any other 
loan made for an eligible purpose under 
paragraph (1) of this subsection or section 
306C; or
``(iv) waive any fee required to insure or 
guarantee a loan pursuant to paragraph (1) or 
(24).
``(B) To promote the long-term sustainability and 
financial viability of the services provided by 
eligible entities, the Secretary shall--
``(i) provide assistance to an eligible 
entity for the purpose of--
``(I) ensuring the entity has 
necessary resources to maintain public 
health, safety, or order;
``(II) addressing financial 
hardships of the eligible entity, its 
customers, and the community it serves;
``(III) improving the financial 
stability of the eligible entity, 
including changes to--
``(aa) operational 
practices;
``(bb) revenue 
enhancements;
``(cc) policy revisions; 
and
``(dd) contract services; 
and
``(IV) supporting a partnership, 
regionalization, or consolidation of 
the entity with another water system; 
and
``(ii) require an applicant to--
``(I) receive financial planning 
assistance and prepare a long-term 
financial plan; or
``(II) partner, regionalize, or 
consolidate with another water system.
``(C) An entity shall be eligible for assistance 
under this paragraph if the entity--
``(i) is a rural water, wastewater, or 
wastewater disposal system with respect to 
which assistance may be provided under a water 
or wastewater, or waste disposal program under 
this subsection or section 306A, 306C, or 306D, 
and
``(ii) is--
``(I) located in a socially 
disadvantaged community, a persistent 
poverty county, colonia, or distressed 
tribal area, as determined by the 
Secretary; or
``(II) facing an economic hardship 
as defined by the Secretary.
``(D) An entity eligible under paragraph (1) or (2) 
of subsection (a) may designate a water and wastewater 
utility provider to apply for a loan under this 
paragraph and carry out the loan application on behalf 
of the eligible entity.
``(E)(i) The Secretary shall evaluate such a loan 
application on the basis of the needs of the eligible 
entity and the beneficiaries of the eligible entity 
rather than the needs of the applicant water and 
wastewater utility provider.
``(ii) A water and wastewater utility provider to 
whom a loan is made under this paragraph on the basis 
of an application submitted on behalf of an eligible 
entity may use the loan only for the benefit of the 
residents of the eligible area for which the loan is 
provided.''.

SEC. 6404. TRIBAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY 
FACILITIES.

Section 306(a)(25)(C) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(25)(C)) is amended by striking ``2008 
through 2023'' and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

SEC. 6405. EMERGENCY AND IMMINENT COMMUNITY WATER ASSISTANCE GRANT 
PROGRAM.

Section 306A(i)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1926a(i)(2)) is amended by striking ``2019 through 2023'' 
and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

SEC. 6406. WATER SYSTEMS FOR RURAL AND NATIVE VILLAGES IN ALASKA.

Section 306D(d)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1926d(d)(1)) is amended by striking ``2008 through 2023'' 
and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

SEC. 6407. RURAL DECENTRALIZED WATER SYSTEMS.

Section 306E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 1926e) is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 306E. RURAL DECENTRALIZED WATER SYSTEMS.

``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Eligible individual.--The term `eligible individual' 
means an individual who is a member of a household the members 
of which have a combined income (for the most recent 12-month 
period for which the information is available) that is not more 
than 80 percent of the median nonmetropolitan household income 
for the State or territory in which the individual resides, 
according to the most recent decennial census of the United 
States.
``(2) Eligible grant recipient.--The term `eligible grant 
recipient' means a private nonprofit organization that uses a 
grant provided under this section for the purposes described in 
subsection (b)(1).
``(3) Qualified water quality testing.--The term `qualified 
water quality testing' means a baseline analysis of the 
bacterial and chemical characteristics of concern from a 
drinking water sample collected at the point of consumption and 
tested by a laboratory certified to conduct water quality 
testing that is provided to--
``(A) the Secretary; and
``(B) the eligible grant recipient receiving a 
grant under this section and any eligible individual 
served by the eligible grant recipient.
``(b) Grants.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may make grants to an 
eligible grant recipient for the purpose of--
``(A) providing loans and subgrants to eligible 
individuals for--
``(i) the construction, refurbishing, and 
servicing of individual household water well 
systems and individually owned household 
decentralized wastewater systems in rural areas 
that are or will be owned by the eligible 
individuals; or
``(ii) in the event of ground well water 
contamination, the installation or replacement 
of water treatment, where needed as determined 
by a qualified water quality test or other 
third-party documentation to the satisfaction 
of the Secretary;
``(B) performing qualified water quality testing of 
individual household water well systems and 
individually utilized household decentralized 
wastewater systems in rural areas that are or will be 
utilized by the eligible individuals; or
``(C) providing technical assistance to eligible 
individuals for--
``(i) the installation or replacement of 
individual household water well systems and 
individually owned household decentralized 
wastewater systems in rural areas that are or 
will be owned by the eligible individuals;
``(ii) interpreting qualified water quality 
tests; or
``(iii) addressing ground well water 
contamination.
``(2) Terms and amounts for loans and subgrants.--
``(A) Terms of loans.--A loan made with grant funds 
under this section--
``(i) shall have an interest rate of 1 
percent; and
``(ii) shall have a term not to exceed 20 
years.
``(B) Amounts.--A loan or subgrant made with grant 
funds under this section shall not exceed $20,000 for 
each water well system or decentralized wastewater 
system described in paragraph (1).
``(3) Administrative expenses.--A recipient of a grant made 
under this section may use grant funds to pay administrative 
expenses associated with providing the assistance described in 
paragraph (1), as determined by the Secretary.
``(4) Water treatment standards.--Water treatment provided 
under this section shall--
``(A) incorporate components that are third-party 
certified as compliant with relevant consensus-based 
standards for drinking water treatment units or 
systems, as determined by the Secretary; and
``(B) be installed, according to the instructions 
of the manufacturer, by a qualified, certified, or 
licensed water treatment professional, including a 
professional credentialed through a manufacturer or 
third-party.
``(c) Priority in Awarding Grants.--In awarding grants under this 
section, the Secretary shall give priority to an applicant that has 
substantial expertise and experience in promoting the safe and 
effective use of individually owned household water well systems, 
individually owned household decentralized wastewater systems, and 
ground water.
``(d) Limitation.--An eligible grant recipient cannot use more than 
10 percent of a grant awarded under this section for the activities 
described under subparagraphs (B) and (C) of subsection (b)(1).
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2027 through 2031.''.

SEC. 6408. ASSISTANCE TO RURAL ENTITIES.

Section 310B(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
(7 U.S.C. 1932(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following:
``(C) Precision agriculture; precision agriculture 
technology.--The terms `precision agriculture' and 
`precision agriculture technology' have the meanings 
given those terms in section 1201 of the Food Security 
Act of 1985.''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph 
(C);
(B) by striking the period at the end of 
subparagraph (D) and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) expanding the adoption of precision 
agriculture practices, including by financing the 
acquisition of precision agriculture technology, in 
order to promote best practices, reduce costs, and 
improve the environment.''.

SEC. 6409. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT GRANTS.

Section 310B(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
(7 U.S.C. 1932(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``governments and related 
agencies'' and inserting ``governments, related agencies, and 
Indian tribes''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2014 through 2023'' and 
inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

SEC. 6410. RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.

Section 310B(c)(4)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(c)(4)(A)) is amended by striking ``2014 
through 2023'' and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

SEC. 6411. RURAL COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.

Section 310B(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
(7 U.S.C. 1932(e)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following:
``(C) Cooperative development.--The term 
`cooperative development' means activities including 
education, training, and technical assistance, to 
support the start-up, expansion, or ongoing 
sustainability of new and existing cooperatives.'';
(2) in paragraph (5)--
(A) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``underserved 
and economically distressed areas in rural areas of the 
United States'' and inserting ``socially vulnerable, 
underserved, or distressed communities''; and
(B) in subparagraph (F)--
(i) by inserting ``at least'' before ``a 25 
percent''; and
(ii) by inserting ``, and all applications 
that satisfy this subparagraph shall be given 
the same priority for the scoring criterion 
based on satisfying this subparagraph'' before 
the period;
(3) in paragraph (6), by striking subparagraph (B) and 
inserting the following:
``(B) Award renewals for qualified nonprofit 
institutions.--The Secretary shall award a grant under 
this subsection to a nonprofit institution on the same 
terms and for the establishment or operation of the 
same center or centers for cooperative development for 
which the nonprofit institution was awarded a grant in 
the current fiscal year, if the nonprofit institution--
``(i) is a recipient of an award under this 
subsection;
``(ii) requests a renewal under this 
subparagraph;
``(iii) has submitted a complete 
application under this subsection in the 
preceding 2 fiscal years; and
``(iv) has operated the center or centers 
for cooperative development in a manner which 
successfully meets the parameters described in 
paragraph (5), as determined by the 
Secretary.'';
(4) in paragraph (10), by adding at the end the following: 
``The Secretary shall analyze the data resulting from the 
research, and include the data and the analysis in the annual 
report submitted by the interagency working group under 
paragraph (12).'';
(5) in paragraph (12), by adding at the end the following: 
``Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
this sentence and annually thereafter, the interagency working 
group shall submit to the Congress a report describing the 
activities carried out by the working group.''; and
(6) in paragraph (13), by striking ``2014 through 2023'' 
and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

SEC. 6412. LENDER FEES IN GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAMS.

(a) In General.--Section 333 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1983) is 
amended--
(1) by inserting ``(a) In General.--'' before ``In 
connection'';
(2) in paragraph (5), by adding ``and'' at the end;
(3) in paragraph (6)(E), by striking ``; and'' and 
inserting a period;
(4) by striking paragraph (7); and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Fees.--
``(1) Initial guarantee fee.--The Secretary may assess an 
initial guarantee fee for any insured or guaranteed loan issued 
or modified under section 306(a) in an amount that does not 
exceed 3 percent of the guaranteed principal portion of the 
loan.
``(2) Periodic retention fee.--The Secretary may assess a 
periodic retention fee for any insured or guaranteed loan 
issued or modified under section 306(a) in an amount that does 
not exceed 0.75 percent of the outstanding principal of the 
guaranteed loan.
``(3) Disclosure.--In altering any fee charged for any 
insured or guaranteed loan issued or modified under section 
306(a), the Secretary, not less than 30 days in advance of any 
fee change, shall provide a public disclosure of the financial 
data, economic and behavioral assumptions, calculations, and 
other factors used to determine the new fee rates.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 310B(g)(5) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 
1932(g)(5)) is amended to read as follows:
``(5) Fees.--
``(A) Initial guarantee fee.--The Secretary may 
assess an initial guarantee fee for any guaranteed 
business and industry loan in an amount that does not 
exceed 3 percent of the guaranteed principal portion of 
the loan.
``(B) Periodic retention fee.--The Secretary may 
assess a periodic retention fee for any guaranteed 
business and industry loan in an amount that does not 
exceed 0.75 percent of the outstanding principal of the 
guaranteed loan.
``(C) Disclosure.--In altering any fee charged for 
any guaranteed business and industry loan, the 
Secretary, not less than 30 days in advance of any fee 
change, shall provide a public disclosure of the 
financial data, economic and behavioral assumptions, 
calculations, and other factors used to determine the 
new fee rates.''.

SEC. 6413. LOCALLY OR REGIONALLY PRODUCED AGRICULTURAL FOOD PRODUCTS.

Section 310B(g)(9)(B)(iv)(I) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(9)(B)(iv)(I)) is amended by striking 
``2008 through 2023'' and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

SEC. 6414. APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER FOR RURAL AREAS PROGRAM.

Section 310B(i) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
(7 U.S.C. 1932(i)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph 
(C);
(B) by striking the period at the end of 
subparagraph (D) and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) provides training opportunities and resources 
for veterans (as defined in section 101(2) of title 38, 
United States Code) who actively are or are seeking to 
become agricultural producers, which shall be known as 
the `Armed to Farm Initiative'.''; and
(2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``2008 through 2023.'' 
and inserting the following: ``2027 through 2031, of which--
``(A) $3,500,000 shall be made available for each 
fiscal year for activities described in subparagraphs 
(A) through (D) of paragraph (2); and
``(B) $1,500,000 shall be available for each fiscal 
year for activities described in paragraph (2)(E).''.

SEC. 6415. RURAL ECONOMIC AREA PARTNERSHIP ZONES.

Section 310B(j) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
(7 U.S.C. 1932(j)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
``2031''.

SEC. 6416. INTERMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM.

Section 310H(i) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
(7 U.S.C. 1936b(i)) is amended by striking ``2014 through 2023'' and 
inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

SEC. 6417. RURAL HEALTH CARE FACILITY ASSISTANCE.

(a) In General.--Section 342 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1990a) is amended--
(1) by striking ``Assistance'' and inserting the following:
``(a) Refinancing of Certain Rural Health Care Facility Debt.--
``(1) In general.--Assistance'';
(2) by striking ``rural hospital'' and inserting ``an 
eligible health care facility'';
(3) by striking ``a community'' and inserting ``an area'';
(4) by striking ``hospital,'' and inserting ``eligible 
health care facility,''; and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Requirements.--To promote the long-term 
sustainability and financial viability of an eligible health 
care facility, the Secretary shall--
``(A) provide assistance to an eligible health care 
facility for the purpose of--
``(i) ensuring the facility has necessary 
resources to maintain public health, safety, or 
order;
``(ii) addressing financial hardships of 
the facility, its patients, and the area it 
serves; and
``(iii) identifying the financial stability 
of the facility, including--
``(I) operational practices;
``(II) revenue enhancements;
``(III) policy revisions;
``(IV) partnerships, 
regionalization, or consolidation of 
rural health systems; and
``(V) contract services; and
``(B) require an applicant to--
``(i) receive financial planning 
assistance; and
``(ii) prepare a long-term financial plan.
``(3) Waiver.--In the case of an application for 
refinancing pursuant to this section, the Secretary may waive 
the requirement of section 302(a)(1)(D) if the eligible health 
care facility is insolvent.
``(b) Rural Health Care Facility Technical Assistance Program.--
``(1) In general.--In lieu of any other authority under 
which the Secretary may provide technical assistance to any 
eligible health care facility, the Secretary shall establish, 
and maintain, directly or by grant, contract, or cooperative 
agreement, a Rural Health Care Facility Technical Assistance 
Program (in this section referred to as the `Program') to 
provide technical assistance and training, tailored to the 
capacity and needs of each eligible health care facility, to 
help eligible health care facilities in rural areas--
``(A) identify development needs for maintaining 
essential health care services, and support action 
plans for operational and quality improvement projects 
to meet the development needs;
``(B) better manage their financial and business 
strategies, including providing financial planning 
assistance and preparing long-term financial plans; and
``(C) identify, and apply for assistance from, loan 
and grant programs of the Department of Agriculture for 
which the facilities are eligible.
``(2) Goals.--The goals of the Program shall be to--
``(A) improve the long-term financial position and 
operational efficiency of the eligible health care 
facilities;
``(B) prevent the closure of eligible health care 
facilities;
``(C) strengthen the delivery of health care in 
rural areas;
``(D) help eligible health care facilities better 
access and compete for loans and grants from programs 
administered by the Department of Agriculture; and
``(E) continue the activities of the Rural Hospital 
Technical Assistance Program in effect as of the date 
of the enactment of this subsection.
``(3) Program participation.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall engage in 
outreach and engagement strategies to encourage 
eligible health care facilities to participate in the 
Program.
``(B) Eligible health care facility selection.--In 
selecting eligible health care facilities to 
participate in the Program, the Secretary shall give 
priority to borrowers and grantees of the Rural Housing 
Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and Rural 
Utilities Service. The Secretary may also consider--
``(i) the age and physical state of the 
health care facility involved;
``(ii) the financial vulnerability of the 
eligible health care facility, and the ability 
of the eligible health care facility to meet 
debt obligations;
``(iii) the electronic health record 
implementation needs of the health care 
facility;
``(iv) whether the eligible health care 
facility is located in a health professional 
shortage area or a medically underserved area;
``(v) whether the eligible health care 
facility serves a medically underserved 
population; and
``(vi) such other criteria and priorities 
as are determined by the Secretary of 
Agriculture.
``(C) Reporting requirements.--Not later than 1 
year after the date of the enactment of this section, 
and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to 
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, 
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a written report 
describing the progress and results of the program 
conducted under this section, which should include--
``(i) a brief description of each project 
to provide technical assistance to an eligible 
health care facility under this section, 
including--
``(I) the name and location of the 
facility;
``(II) a description of the 
assistance provided;
``(III) a description of the 
outcomes for completed projects;
``(IV) the cost of the technical 
assistance; and
``(V) any other information the 
Secretary deems appropriate;
``(ii) a summary of the technical 
assistance projects completed;
``(iii) a summary of the outcomes of the 
technical assistance projects;
``(iv) an assessment of the effectiveness 
of the Program; and
``(v) recommendations for improving the 
Program.
``(D) Limitations on authorization of 
appropriations.--To carry out this section, there are 
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary not more 
than $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 
2031.
``(c) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Rural area.--The term `rural area' has the meaning 
given the term in section 343(a)(13)(A) of the Consolidated 
Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(A)).
``(2) Development needs.--The term `development needs' 
includes--
``(A) constructing, expanding, renovating or 
otherwise modernizing health care facilities;
``(B) increasing telehealth capabilities;
``(C) acquiring or upgrading health care 
information systems such as electronic health records;
``(D) providing financial planning assistance and 
preparing a long-term financial plan; and
``(E) such other needs as the Secretary deems 
critical to maintaining health care services in the 
community in which an eligible health care facility is 
located.
``(3) Eligible health care facility.--The term `eligible 
health care facility' means a facility that is located in a 
rural area and is--
``(A) a hospital (as defined in section 1861(e) of 
the Social Security Act;
``(B) a psychiatric hospital (as defined in section 
1861(f) of such Act);
``(C) a long-term care hospital (as defined in 
section 1861(ccc) of such Act);
``(D) a critical access hospital (as defined in 
section 1861(mm)(1) of such Act);
``(E) a rural health clinic (as defined in section 
1861(aa)(2) of such Act);
``(F) a religious nonmedical health care 
institution (as defined in section 1861(ss)(1) of such 
Act);
``(G) a sole community hospital (as defined in 
section 1886(d)(5)(C)(iii) of such Act);
``(H) a rural emergency hospital (as defined in 
section 1861(kkk)(2) of such Act);
``(I) a home health agency (as defined in section 
1861(o) of such Act); or
``(J) a community health center (as defined in 
section 330 of the Public Health Service Act).
``(4) Health professional shortage area.--The term `health 
professional shortage area' has the meaning given the term in 
section 332(a)(1)(A) of the Public Health Service Act.
``(5) Medically underserved area.--The term `medically 
underserved area' has the meaning given the term in section 
330I(a)(5) of the Public Health Service Act.
``(6) Medically underserved population.--The term 
`medically underserved population' has the meaning given the 
term in section 330(b)(3) of the Public Health Service Act.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect on the completion of a rulemaking carrying out such 
amendments.

SEC. 6418. PROHIBITION ON USE OF LOAN OR GRANT FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES.

Section 363 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 2006e) is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 363. PROHIBITION ON USE OF LOAN OR GRANT FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES.

``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall not approve any loan or 
grant under this title to drain, dredge, fill, or level, or otherwise 
manipulate a wetland (as defined in section 1201(a)(16) of the Food 
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3801(a)(16))), or to engage in any 
activity that results in impairing or reducing the flow, circulation, 
or reach of water, except in the case of activity related to the 
maintenance of previously converted wetlands, or in the case of such 
activity that commenced before November 29, 1990.
``(b) Exclusions.--
``(1) Utilities lines.--This section shall not apply to a 
loan made or guaranteed under this title for a utility line.
``(2) Permitted activities and projects.--This section 
shall not apply to a rural development loan made or guaranteed 
under section 306 or 306C of this Act for an activity or 
project for which the applicant or borrower has obtained or is 
required to obtain a permit from the Secretary of the Army, 
acting through the Chief of Engineers, under section 10 of the 
Act of March 3, 1899 (33 U.S.C. 403; 30 Stat. 1151, chapter 
425), or section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act 
(33 U.S.C. 1344).''.

SEC. 6419. RURAL BUSINESS-COOPERATIVE SERVICE PROGRAMS TECHNICAL 
ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING.

Section 368(d)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
Act (7 U.S.C. 2008c(d)(1)) is amended by striking ``2019 through 2023'' 
and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

SEC. 6420. NATIONAL RURAL DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP.

Section 378 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 2008m) is amended--
(1) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ``2008 through 2023'' 
and inserting ``2027 through 2031''; and
(2) in subsection (h), by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
``2031''.

SEC. 6421. GRANTS FOR NOAA WEATHER RADIO TRANSMITTERS.

Section 379B(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
(7 U.S.C. 2008p(d)) is amended by striking ``2014 through 2023'' and 
inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

SEC. 6422. RURAL MICROENTREPRENEUR ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

Section 379E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 2008s) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(4), by striking ``$50,000'' and 
inserting ``$75,000'';
(2) in subsection (c)(1)(A), by striking ``shall not exceed 
75 percent'' and inserting ``may be up to 100 percent, and a 
loan under this section for a project may be used to cover not 
more than 50 percent of any renovation, construction, or 
related costs of real estate improvements under the project'';
(3) in subsection (c)(1)(B), by inserting ``(or 5 percent, 
in the case of a microenterprise development organization 
serving a persistent poverty county, as determined by the 
Secretary)'' before ``of the total amount''; and
(4) in subsection (d), by striking ``2019 through 2023'' 
and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

SEC. 6423. HEALTH CARE SERVICES.

Section 379G(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
(7 U.S.C. 2008u(e)) is amended by striking ``2008 through 2023'' and 
inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

SEC. 6424. STRATEGIC ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

Section 379H(d)(4) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
Act (7 U.S.C. 2008v(d)(4)) is amended by striking ``2019 through 2023'' 
and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

SEC. 6425. RURAL INNOVATION STRONGER ECONOMY GRANT PROGRAM.

Section 379I of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 2008w) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A)--
(i) in clause (iii)--
(I) by striking subclause (I) and 
inserting the following:
``(I) an institution of higher 
education (as defined in section 101, 
and subparagraphs (A) and (B) of 
section 102(a)(1), of the Higher 
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001, 
1002(a)(1)));'';
(II) by redesignating subclauses 
(II) and (III) as subclauses (III) and 
(IV), respectively, and inserting after 
subclause (I) the following:
``(II) an area career and technical 
education school (as defined in section 
3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and 
Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 
U.S.C. 2302));''; and
(III) in subclause (IV) (as so 
redesignated by subclause (II) of this 
clause), by striking ``and'';
(ii) in clause (iv)--
(I) by striking subclause (IV) and 
inserting the following:
``(IV) an institution of higher 
education (as defined in section 101, 
and subparagraphs (A) and (B) of 
section 102(a)(1), of the Higher 
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001, 
1002(a)(1)));''; and
(II) by redesignating subclause (V) 
as subclause (VI) and inserting after 
subclause (IV) the following:
``(V) an area career and technical 
education school (as defined in section 
3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and 
Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 
U.S.C. 2302)); or''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(v) in the case of a career pathway 
program, includes 1 or more members of the 
local workforce development board established 
under section 107 of the Workforce Innovation 
and Opportunity Act and serving the region to 
ensure the program is integrated with the 
activities carried out by the local workforce 
development board; and''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Career pathway.--The term `career pathway' has the 
meaning given the term in section 3(7) of the Workforce 
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(7)).
``(7) Industry or sector partnership.--The term `industry 
or sector partnership' has the meaning given the term in 
section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 
U.S.C. 3102).'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph 
(A), by inserting ``or carry out career pathway 
training programs or industry or sector 
partnerships aligned with industry sectors in 
rural communities'' before ``, including'';
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking 
``and'' after the semicolon;
(iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the 
period and inserting a semicolon; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) address workforce challenges, including 
worker displacement, faced by specific industry sectors 
in rural communities; and
``(D) promote targeted skills development and 
training initiatives to stimulate innovation and 
enhance economic development in rural regions.'';
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) in clause (i), by inserting ``, 
career pathway programs, or industry or 
sector partnerships'' before the 
semicolon; and
(II) in clause (ii)--
(aa) by inserting ``, 
career pathway programs, or 
industry or sector 
partnerships'' before ``to 
provide''; and
(bb) by inserting 
``leadership development,'' 
before ``customized training'';
(ii) in subparagraph (F), by striking the 
period and inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(G) the ability of the eligible entity to carry 
out activities to address the issues of worker 
displacement, an aging workforce, and youth 
migration.''; and
(C) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the 
following:
``(5) Geographic distribution.--The Secretary shall ensure 
regional diversity of recipients of grants or participants in 
providing grants under paragraph (1) for jobs accelerators, 
career pathway programs, and related programming.'';
(3) in subsection (d)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (B)(xi), by striking the period 
and inserting ``; and''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) to support career pathway programs or 
industry or sector partnerships to be carried out 
within industries in rural communities, including--
``(i) telecommunications or broadband 
services;
``(ii) water, waste water, or disposal 
services;
``(iii) electric supply services;
``(iv) forestry and logging operations;
``(v) conservation practices and 
management;
``(vi) health care and child care;
``(vii) manufacturing;
``(viii) agribusiness related to 
production, processing, and distribution;
``(ix) veterinarian services; and
``(x) any other sectors identified by the 
local workforce development board serving the 
region to be an in-demand industry sector or 
occupation, as defined in section 3 of the 
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.'';
(4) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'';
(B) in paragraph (2)(B)--
(i) in clause (xvii), by striking ``or'';
(ii) by redesignating clause (xviii) as 
clause (xix) and inserting after clause (xvii) 
the following:
``(xviii) the number of individuals who have 
completed skills development, recognized postsecondary 
credentials, or gained specialized education through 
career pathways programs or industry or sector 
partnerships; or''; and
(iii) in clause (xix) (as so redesignated 
by subparagraph (B) of this paragraph), by 
striking the period and inserting ``; and''; 
and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) in the case of a career pathway program or industry 
or sector partnership, report to the Secretary the employment 
and earnings outcomes for individuals who participate in the 
program on the indicators described in subclauses (I) through 
(III) of section 116(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Workforce Innovation 
and Opportunity Act.''; and
(5) in subsection (f), by striking ``2019 through 2023'' 
and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

SEC. 6426. LIMITATION ON RURAL BUSINESS INVESTMENT COMPANIES CONTROLLED 
BY FARM CREDIT SYSTEM INSTITUTIONS.

Section 384J(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
(7 U.S.C. 2009cc-9(c)) is amended by striking ``50'' and inserting 
``75''.

SEC. 6427. RURAL BUSINESS INVESTMENT PROGRAM.

Section 384S of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 2009cc-18) is amended by striking ``2014 through 2023'' and 
inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

SEC. 6428. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

Each of the following provisions of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act are amended by striking ``urbanized'' and inserting 
``urban'':
(1) Section 343(a)(13)(A)(ii) (7 U.S.C. 
1991(a)(13)(A)(ii)).
(2) Section 343(a)(13)(D)(i)(I) (7 U.S.C. 
1991(a)(13)(D)(i)(I)), in the matter preceding item (aa).
(3) Section 343(a)(13)(D)(i)(I)(bb) (7 U.S.C. 
1991(a)(13)(D)(i)(I)(bb)).
(4) Section 343(a)(13)(D)(i)(II) (7 U.S.C. 
1991(a)(13)(D)(i)(II)).
(5) Section 343(a)(13)(E) (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(E)).
(6) Section 343(a)(13)(F)(i)(II) (7 U.S.C. 
1991(a)(13)(F)(i)(II)).
(7) Section 384I(c)(4)(C) (7 U.S.C. 2009cc-8(c)(4)(C)).

SEC. 6429. RURAL WATER AND WASTEWATER TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING 
PROGRAMS.

Section 306(a)(14) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(14)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) by striking ``technical assistance and training 
to--'' and inserting ``for--'';
(B) in clause (v), by striking the period and 
inserting ``; or''; and
(C) by redesignating clauses (i) through (v) as 
subclauses (I) through (V), respectively, and moving 
each such provision 2 ems to the right; and
(D) by inserting before the matter so redesignated 
the following:
``(i) technical assistance and training 
to--''; and
(E) by adding after and below the end the 
following:
``(ii) disaster and recovery assistance.''; 
and
(2) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``or disaster and 
recovery assistance'' before ``described''.

Subtitle E--Additional Amendments to the Rural Electrification Act of 
1936

SEC. 6501. GUARANTEES FOR BONDS AND NOTES ISSUED FOR UTILITY 
INFRASTRUCTURE PURPOSES.

Section 313A(f) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 
940c-1(f)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 6502. EXTENSION OF THE RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOAN AND GRANT 
PROGRAM.

Section 313B of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 
940c-2) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(b) Repayments.--
``(1) In general.--In the case of zero interest loans, the 
Secretary shall establish such reasonable repayment terms as 
will encourage borrower participation.
``(2) Letters of credit.--The Secretary shall not require a 
letter of credit or other similar guarantee from a recipient of 
a zero-interest loan under this section if the borrower assigns 
the Secretary a security interest in any collateral provided to 
secure a loan made with funds loaned under this section, or 
makes other similar arrangements to the satisfaction of the 
Secretary.''; and
(2) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``2019 through 2023'' 
and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.

SEC. 6503. EXPANSION OF 911 ACCESS.

Section 315(d) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 
940e(d)) is amended by striking ``2008 through 2023'' and inserting 
``2027 through 2031''.

TITLE VII--RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND RELATED MATTERS

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

SEC. 7101. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, EDUCATION, AND 
ECONOMICS ADVISORY BOARD.

Section 1408 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``15'' and 
inserting ``16'';
(B) in paragraph (3), by adding at the end the 
following:
``(E) 1 member representing the industry, consumer, 
or rural interests of insular areas.''; and
(C) in paragraph (5), by striking ``7'' and 
inserting ``3''; and
(2) in subsection (h), by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
``2031''.

SEC. 7102. SPECIALTY CROP COMMITTEE.

Section 1408A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Not later 
than'' and all that follows through ``initial members 
of'' and inserting ``The Secretary shall continue to 
implement, and appoint the members of''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (C), by adding a period 
at the end; and
(ii) in subparagraph (D), by striking 
``2023'' and inserting ``2031''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``executive 
committee'' and inserting ``Secretary''.

SEC. 7103. VETERINARY MEDICINE LOAN REPAYMENT.

Section 1415A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3151a) is amended--
(1) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
``(b) Determination of Veterinarian Shortage Situations.--In 
determining `veterinarian shortage situations', the Secretary--
``(1) may consider--
``(A) geographical areas that the Secretary 
determines have a shortage of veterinarians;
``(B) areas of veterinary practice that the 
Secretary determines have a shortage of veterinarians, 
such as food animal medicine, public health, 
epidemiology, and food safety; and
``(C) areas described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) 
identified by appropriate State agencies; and
``(2) shall--
``(A) develop quantitative mechanisms for 
predicting the emergence of new veterinarian shortage 
situations in the short-term and long-term; and
``(B) make available to State agencies described in 
paragraph (1)(C) the quantitative mechanisms developed 
under subparagraph (A).''; and
(2) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following:
``(9) Eligibility.--The Secretary shall not make a 
veterinarian ineligible for the program under this section 
based on a veterinarian's participation in a comparable 
Federal, State, or local program.
``(10) Application process.--Not later than 1 year after 
the date of the enactment of the Farm, Food, and National 
Security Act of 2026, the Secretary shall establish streamlined 
application procedures and guidelines for entering into 
agreements with veterinarians under this section.''.

SEC. 7104. VETERINARY SERVICES GRANT PROGRAM.

Section 1415B of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3151b) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A)(i), by striking ``, as 
defined in'' and all that follows through ``1991(a))''; 
and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Rural area.--The term ``rural area'' has the meaning 
given such term in section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and 
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)).'';
(2) in subsection (b)(2)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as 
subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the 
following:
``(B) expand, retain, or attract additional 
veterinary practices in rural areas;'';
(3) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Application process.--Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act 
of 2026 the Secretary shall establish a streamlined application 
process.''; and
(4) in subsection (d)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``To 
Relieve Veterinarian Shortage Situations and Support 
Veterinary Services''; and
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph 
(A), by striking ``situations and support'' and 
inserting ``situations, to expand, retain, or 
attract additional veterinary practices in 
rural areas, and to support''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(G) To cover expenses associated with starting a 
new veterinary practice or attracting new veterinarians 
to existing practices, including--
``(i) relocation expenses;
``(ii) the purchase of necessary startup 
equipment; and
``(iii) housing or living stipends for 
veterinary students, veterinary interns, 
externs, fellows, and residents, and veterinary 
technician students.''.

SEC. 7105. GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE SCIENCES 
EDUCATION.

Section 1417(m)(2) of the National Agricultural Research, 
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3152(m)(2)) is 
amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7106. AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD POLICY RESEARCH CENTERS.

Section 1419A(e) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, 
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3155(e)) is amended by 
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7107. EDUCATION GRANTS TO ALASKA NATIVE SERVING INSTITUTIONS AND 
NATIVE HAWAIIAN SERVING INSTITUTIONS.

Section 1419B of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3156) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the 
following: ``The term of such grants may be for a 
period of more than 1 year, but not more than 5 
years.''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the 
following: ``The term of such grants may be for a 
period of more than 1 year, but not more than 5 
years.''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7108. NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAM.

Section 1425(g) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, 
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3175(g)) is amended by 
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7109. CONTINUING ANIMAL HEALTH AND DISEASE RESEARCH PROGRAMS.

Section 1433 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3195) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Carryover.--The balance of any annual funds provided 
to an eligible institution for a fiscal year under this 
subsection that remains unexpended at the end of that fiscal 
year may be carried over for use during the following fiscal 
year.''; and
(2) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7110. EXTENSION AND AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AT 1890 LAND-GRANT 
COLLEGES, INCLUDING TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY.

(a) Extension.--Section 1444(a)(2) of the National Agricultural 
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 
3221(a)(2)) is amended by striking ``20 percent'' and inserting ``40 
percent''.
(b) Research.--Section 1445 of the National Agricultural Research, 
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``30 percent'' and 
inserting ``40 percent'';
(2) in subsection (c), by striking ``the research 
director'' each place it appears and inserting ``the 
agricultural research director''; and
(3) in subsection (d)--
(A) by striking ``a research director'' and 
inserting ``an agricultural research director''; and
(B) by striking ``or other officer''.

SEC. 7111. SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS AT 1890 INSTITUTIONS.

Section 1446 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222a) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by inserting ``(commonly known 
as the david a. scott scholarship program for students at 1890 
institutions)'' before the period at the end; and
(2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7112. GRANTS TO UPGRADE AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD SCIENCES FACILITIES 
AT 1890 LAND-GRANT COLLEGES, INCLUDING TUSKEGEE 
UNIVERSITY.

Section 1447(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, 
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222b(b)) is amended by 
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7113. GRANTS TO UPGRADE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SCIENCES FACILITIES 
AND EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORT TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL 
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AT INSULAR AREA LAND-GRANT COLLEGES 
AND UNIVERSITIES.

Section 1447B(d) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, 
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222b-2(d)) is amended by 
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7114. MATCHING FUNDS REQUIREMENT FOR RESEARCH AND EXTENSION 
ACTIVITIES AT ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS.

Section 1449 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222d) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``Not later than September 30, 
1999'' and inserting ``Beginning on September 30, 2026, 
and not later than September 30 of each fiscal year 
thereafter''; and
(B) by striking ``fiscal year 1999'' and inserting 
``the fiscal year ending on that September 30''; and
(2) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
``(c) State Matching Funds Requirement.--Notwithstanding any other 
provision of this subtitle, for each fiscal year, a State shall provide 
to each eligible institution located in the State matching funds from 
non-Federal sources in an amount equal to the amounts provided to the 
eligible institution under sections 1444 and 1445 for the purposes 
described in subsection (b)(1).''.

SEC. 7115. NEW BEGINNING FOR TRIBAL STUDENTS.

Section 1450 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222e) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (4), by striking ``land-grant 
college or university'' and inserting ``land-grant 
college or university (except for a 1994 Institution 
(as defined in section 532 of the Equity in Educational 
Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-382; 7 
U.S.C. 301 note)))''; and
(B) by striking paragraph (5); and
(2) in subsection (d), by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
``2031''.

SEC. 7116. EDUCATION GRANTS PROGRAMS FOR HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTIONS.

Section 1455(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, 
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3241(c)) is amended by 
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7117. BINATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

Section 1458(e) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, 
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3291(e)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``entered into'' and 
inserting ``, as entered into in 1977,'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``United States and 
Israel'' and inserting ``United States, Israel, or other 
signatories of the Abraham Accords Declaration''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) BARD fund accelerator.--The BARD Fund shall establish 
an accelerator program that supports mid-stage research, as 
determined by the technology readiness level, in priority areas 
established by the BARD Fund that--
``(A) fast-tracks cooperative research between 
scientists participating in activities described in 
paragraph (2);
``(B) accelerates the successful development of 
agricultural research through resources and services 
developed or orchestrated by the BARD Fund;
``(C) provides management guidance, technical 
assistance, and consulting to scientists participating 
in activities described in paragraph (2); or
``(D) advances cooperative agricultural research 
projects of mutual interest to the United States, 
Israel, or other signatories of the Abraham Accords 
Declaration.''.

SEC. 7118. GRANTS AND PARTNERSHIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL 
RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION.

(a) In General.--Section 1458A of the National Agricultural 
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3292) is 
amended--
(1) by amending the section heading to read as follows 
``grants and partnerships for international agricultural 
research, extension, and education'';
(2) by striking subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the 
following:
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Developing country.--The term `developing country' 
means a country that meets such criteria as determined by the 
Secretary, established using a gross national income per capita 
test selected by the Secretary.
``(2) Eligible institution.--The term `eligible 
institution' means--
``(A) a land-grant colleges or university;
``(B) a non-land-grant college of agriculture;
``(C) a Hispanic-serving agricultural college or 
university; and
``(D) a cooperating forestry school.
``(3) International partner institution.--The term 
`international partner institution' means a higher education 
institution in a developing country that is performing, or 
desiring to perform, activities similar to agricultural 
research, extension, and education activities carried out 
through eligible institutions in the United States.
``(b) Grants and Partnerships.--
``(1) Grants.--The Secretary may make competitive grants to 
eligible institutions in order to strengthen United States 
economic competitiveness and to promote international market 
development through--
``(A) enhancing the international content of the 
curricula in colleges and universities so as to ensure 
that United States students acquire an understanding of 
the international dimensions and trade implications of 
their studies;
``(B) ensuring that United States scientists, 
extension agents, and educators involved in 
agricultural research and development activities 
outside of the United States have the opportunity to 
convey the implications of their activities and 
findings to their peers and students in the United 
States and to the users of agricultural research, 
extension, and teaching;
``(C) enhancing the capabilities of colleges and 
universities to do collaborative research with other 
countries, in cooperation with other Federal agencies, 
on issues relevant to United States agricultural 
competitiveness;
``(D) enhancing the capabilities of colleges and 
universities to provide cooperative extension education 
to promote the application of new technology developed 
in foreign countries to United States agriculture; and
``(E) enhancing the capability of United States 
colleges and universities, in cooperation with other 
Federal agencies, to provide leadership and educational 
programs that will assist United States natural 
resources and food production, processing, and 
distribution businesses and industries to compete 
internationally, including through the use of product 
market identification, international policies limiting 
or enhancing market production, the development of new 
or enhancement of existing markets, and production 
efficiencies.
``(2) Partnerships.--The Secretary may promote cooperation 
and coordination between eligible institutions and 
international partner institutions through--
``(A) improving extension by--
``(i) encouraging the exchange of research 
materials and results between eligible 
institutions and international partner 
institutions;
``(ii) facilitating the broad dissemination 
of agricultural research through extension;
``(iii) assisting with efforts to plan and 
initiate extension services in developing 
countries; and
``(iv) developing self-sustaining regional 
agricultural markets and promoting the 
application of new agricultural technologies 
and techniques;
``(B) improving agricultural research by--
``(i) in partnership with international 
partner institutions, encouraging research that 
addresses problems affecting food production 
and security, human nutrition, agriculture, 
forestry, livestock, and fisheries, including 
local challenges; and
``(ii) supporting and strengthening 
national agricultural research systems in 
developing countries;
``(C) improving agricultural teaching and education 
by--
``(i) in partnership with international 
partner institutions, supporting education and 
teaching relating to food and agricultural 
sciences, including technical assistance, 
degree training, research collaborations, 
classroom instruction, workforce training, and 
education programs; and
``(ii) assisting with efforts to increase 
student capacity, including to encourage 
equitable access for women and other 
underserved populations, at international 
partner institutions by promoting partnerships 
with, and improving the capacity of, eligible 
institutions;
``(D) assisting eligible institutions in 
strengthening their capacity for food, agricultural, 
and related research, extension, and teaching programs 
relevant to agricultural development activities in 
developing countries to promote the application of new 
technology to improve education delivery;
``(E) providing support for the 
internationalization of resident instruction programs 
of eligible institutions;
``(F) establishing a program, to be coordinated by 
the Director of the National Institute of Food and 
Agriculture and the Administrator of the Foreign 
Agricultural Service, to place interns from eligible 
institutions in, or in service to benefit, developing 
countries; and
``(G) establishing a program to provide fellowships 
to students at eligible institutions to study at 
foreign agricultural colleges and universities.'';
(3) in subsection (c), in the matter preceding paragraph 
(1), by striking ``covered Institutions'' and inserting 
``eligible institutions''; and
(4) in subsection (d), by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
``2031''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1459A of the National 
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 
U.S.C. 3292b) is repealed.

SEC. 7119. RESEARCH EQUIPMENT GRANTS.

Section 1462A(e) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, 
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3310a(e)) is amended by 
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7120. UNIVERSITY RESEARCH.

Section 1463 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3311) is amended by striking 
``2023'' each place it appears in subsections (a) and (b) and inserting 
``2031''.

SEC. 7121. EXTENSION SERVICE.

Section 1464 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3312) is amended by striking 
``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7122. SUPPLEMENTAL AND ALTERNATIVE CROPS.

Section 1473D of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319d) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
``2031'';
(2) in subsection (c)(3)--
(A) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and'' at the 
end;
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as 
subparagraph (G); and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the 
following:
``(F) to examine potential benefits and opportunities for 
supplemental and alternative crops (including winter-planted 
rapeseed and winter-planted canola crops); and''; and
(3) in subsection (e)(3), by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7123. GRANTS FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGE AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL 
RESOURCES PROGRAMS.

Section 1473E of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, 
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319e) is amended--
(1) by amending the section heading to read as follows: 
``grants for community college agriculture and natural 
resources programs'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e);
(3) by striking subsections (a) through (c) and inserting 
the following:
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means--
``(A) a junior or community college (as defined in 
section 312 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
U.S.C. 1058)) supporting agriculture advancement;
``(B) a consortium or alliance of 2-year public 
colleges supporting agriculture advancement; or
``(C) an area career and technical education school 
(as defined in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career 
and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302)) 
that offers a program of study in agriculture.
``(2) Work-based learning.--The term `work-based learning' 
has the meaning given such term in section 3 of the Carl D. 
Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 
2302).
``(b) Competitive Grants.--The Secretary shall make competitive 
grants to eligible entities to conduct workforce training, education, 
research, and outreach activities relating to food and agricultural 
sciences.
``(c) Priority.--In making grants under subsection (b), the 
Secretary shall give priority to an eligible entity coordinating with a 
local agriculture industry operator or conservation district to provide 
work-based learning, experiential training, and other opportunities for 
students.
``(d) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under 
subsection (b) may use the funds made available through the grant--
``(1) to offer educational programming on agricultural 
industry jobs, including farm business management-related 
subjects, such as accounting, paralegal studies, finance, and 
soil, water, and related resource conservation;
``(2) to develop apprenticeships and other work-based 
learning opportunities; and
``(3) other services that would increase workforce 
training, education, research, and outreach activities relating 
to food and agricultural sciences, as determined by the 
Secretary.''; and
(4) in subsection (e), as so redesignated, by striking 
``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7124. CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS FOR NLGCA INSTITUTIONS.

Section 1473F(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, 
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319i(b)) is amended by 
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7125. AGRICULTURE ADVANCED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.

Section 1473H of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319k) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by inserting ``, including precision 
agriculture,'' after ``equipment''; and
(ii) by striking ``relating to the research 
and development of qualified products and 
projects'';
(B) in paragraph (5)--
(i) in the paragraph heading, by striking 
``Person'' and inserting ``Eligible entity'';
(ii) in the matter preceding subparagraph 
(A), by striking ``person'' and inserting 
``eligible entity'';
(iii) by striking subparagraph (E); and
(iv) by redesignating subparagraphs (F) 
through (H) as subparagraphs (E) through (G), 
respectively;
(C) in paragraph (6)--
(i) in subparagraph (B)(iii), by striking 
``and'' at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (C)(ii), by striking 
the period at the end and inserting ``; or''; 
and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) any other product or project, as determined 
by the Secretary.'';
(D) in paragraph (7), by striking ``that is 
developed to assist in the discovery, development, or 
manufacture of a qualified product or project''; and
(E) by adding at the end the following:
``(8) Precision agriculture.--The term `precision 
agriculture' means managing, tracking, or reducing crop or 
livestock production inputs (including seed, feed, fertilizer, 
chemicals, water, and time) at a heightened level of spatial 
and temporal granularity to improve efficiencies, reduce waste, 
and maintain environmental quality.'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as 
follows:
``(B) to overcome the long-term and high-risk 
technological barriers in the development of 
agricultural technologies, research tools, and 
qualified products and projects that enhance export 
competitiveness, environmental sustainability, water 
conservation, and resilience to extreme weather, 
drought, infectious diseases, plant and animal 
pathogens, and plant and animal pests;'';
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking 
``and'' at the end;
(iii) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as 
subparagraph (E); and
(iv) by inserting after subparagraph (C) 
the following:
``(D) to enhance the role of sustainable 
agriculture (as defined in section 1404) in innovative 
voluntary resilience solutions in the United States 
through the development of agricultural technologies 
that may address--
``(i) the impact of extreme weather on crop 
production;
``(ii) the effects of drought and the 
potential of building water holding capacity in 
soils on crop and rangelands;
``(iii) the expansion of the potential for 
long-term carbon storage through sustainable 
agriculture;
``(iv) increased economic and practical 
feasibility for sustainable energy, including 
conventional and advanced biofuels, on farms 
and in the agriculture industry;
``(v) increased voluntary adoption of 
conservation practices that sequester carbon 
and build on-farm climate resilience; and
``(vi) increased economic and practical 
feasibility for, and voluntary adoption of, 
precision agriculture technology; and'';
(B) in paragraph (4)--
(i) in subparagraph (C), by striking 
``persons'' and inserting ``eligible 
entities''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (G), by striking 
``persons'' and inserting ``eligible 
entities''; and
(C) in paragraph (7)(A)--
(i) by striking ``a person'' and inserting 
``an eligible entity''; and
(ii) by striking ``the person'' and 
inserting ``the eligible entity'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``persons'' and 
inserting ``eligible entities''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Use of strategic plan.--The Secretary shall use the 
strategic plan developed under paragraph (1) to inform the 
administration of AGARDA under this section.'';
(4) in subsection (d)(3), by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031''; and
(5) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``5 years'' and 
inserting ``13 years''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``5-year'' and 
inserting ``13-year''.

SEC. 7126. AQUACULTURE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.

(a) In General.--Section 1477(a)(2) of the National Agricultural 
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 
3324(a)(2)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and insert ``2031''.
(b) Study on Development of Aquaculture Businesses.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a study 
to identify locations in the United States Virgin Islands and 
Guam that are suitable for the development of aquaculture small 
businesses, including an assessment of water quality, coastal 
access, infrastructure needs, and applicable environmental and 
regulatory requirements.
(2) Consultation.--In conducting the study under paragraph 
(1), the Secretary shall consult with the Virgin Islands 
Department of Planning and Natural Resources and the Guam 
Department of Agriculture.

SEC. 7127. SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION FOR BIOSECURITY PLANNING AND RESPONSE.

Section 1484(a)(3) of the National Agricultural Research, 
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3351(a)(3)) is 
amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7128. AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROTECTION GRANT PROGRAM.

(a) In General.--Section 1485 of the National Agricultural 
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3352) is 
amended--
(1) by amending the section heading to read as follows: 
``agriculture and food protection grant program'';
(2) by striking subsections (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and 
(f) and inserting the following:
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a competitive 
grant program under which the Secretary will award grants to eligible 
entities to support research, extension, and education activities that 
improve the capability of the United States to protect the food and 
agricultural system from any chemical, biological, cybersecurity, or 
bioterrorism attack.
``(b) Use of Funds.--Grants made under this section shall be used 
to--
``(1) encourage basic and applied research and development 
of agricultural countermeasures;
``(2) promote the development and expansion of teaching 
programs in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and other 
disciplines closely allied to the food and agriculture system 
to increase the number of trained individuals with an expertise 
in agricultural biosecurity and cybersecurity;
``(3) expand or upgrade facilities to meet biosafety and 
biosecurity requirements necessary to protect facility staff, 
members of the public, and the food supply while carrying out 
agricultural biosecurity research;
``(4) costs associated with the acquisition of equipment 
and other capital costs related to expansion of food, 
agriculture, and veterinary medicine teaching programs in 
agricultural biosecurity and cybersecurity; or
``(5) otherwise improve the capacity of the United States 
to respond in a timely manner to emerging or existing threats.
``(c) Eligible Entities.--Entities eligible to receive a grant 
under this section include--
``(1) State agricultural experiment stations;
``(2) State departments of agriculture;
``(3) colleges and universities;
``(4) university research foundations;
``(5) other research institutions and organizations;
``(6) Federal agencies;
``(7) national laboratories; or
``(8) any group consisting of 2 or more of the entities 
described in paragraphs (1) through (7).'';
(3) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (d); and
(4) in subsection (d), as so redesignated, by striking 
``for each fiscal year.'' and inserting ``for each of fiscal 
years 2027 through 2031.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Chapters 1 and 2 of subtitle B of title 
XIV of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8912, 
8913, 8921, and 8922) are repealed.

SEC. 7129. DISTANCE EDUCATION GRANTS FOR INSULAR AREAS.

Section 1490(f)(2) of the National Agricultural Research, 
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3362(f)(2)) is 
amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7130. RESIDENT INSTRUCTION GRANTS FOR INSULAR AREAS.

Section 1491(c)(2) of the National Agricultural Research, 
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3363(c)(2)) is 
amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7131. REPEALS.

(a) Section 1410 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, 
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 ((7 U.S.C. 3125) is repealed.
(b) Section 1419C of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, 
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3158) is repealed.
(c) Section 1447A of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, 
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222b-1) is repealed.
(d) Subtitle M of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, 
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3331 et seq.) is repealed.

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

SEC. 7201. SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION.

Subtitle B of title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5801 et seq.) is amended by striking 
``2023'' each place it appears in sections 1624 (7 U.S.C. 5814), 
1627(d) (7 U.S.C. 5821(d)), 1628(f)(2) (7 U.S.C. 5831(f)(2)), and 
1629(i) (7 U.S.C. 5832(i)), and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7202. NATIONAL GENETICS RESOURCES PROGRAM.

Section 1635(b)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5844(b)(2)) is amended by striking ``2023'' 
and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7203. AGRICULTURAL GENOME TO PHENOME INITIATIVE.

Section 1671(g) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade 
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5924(g)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7204. HIGH-PRIORITY RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVES.

Section 1672 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act 
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925) is amended--
(1) in subsection (d)--
(A) by striking paragraphs (5), (6), (9), (10), 
(11), (13), and (18);
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (7), (8), (12), 
(14), (15), (16), (17), (19), and (20) as paragraphs 
(5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), and (13), 
respectively;
(C) in paragraph (11), as so redesignated, by 
inserting ``and harmful algal blooms'' after ``macro-
algae systems''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(14) Fertilizer and nutrient management initiative.--
Research and extension grants may be made under this section 
for the purposes of carrying out research to improve fertilizer 
use efficiency in crops and examining nutrient management based 
on the source, rate, timing, and placement of crop nutrients.
``(15) Tropical plant health initiative.--Research and 
extension grants may be made under this section for the 
purposes of--
``(A) developing and disseminating science-based 
tools and treatments to combat plant pests and noxious 
weeds (as those terms are defined in section 403 of the 
Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7702)) that impact 
tropical plants, including--
``(i) coffee plants;
``(ii) macadamia trees;
``(iii) cacao trees;
``(iv) plantains and bananas;
``(v) mangos;
``(vi) vanilla plants;
``(vii) tropical floriculture and nursery 
crops; and
``(viii) any other tropical plant as 
determined by the Secretary;
``(B) establishing an areawide integrated pest 
management program in areas affected by, or areas at 
risk of being affected by, plant pests or noxious 
weeds;
``(C) surveying and collecting data on tropical 
plant production and health;
``(D) investigating tropical plant biology, 
immunology, ecology, genomics, and bioinformatics; and
``(E) conducting research on various factors that 
may contribute to, or be associated with, tropical 
plant immune systems and other serious threats to 
tropical plants.
``(16) Biochar research.--Research and extension grants may 
be made under this section for the purpose of testing the full 
range of biochar types across soil types, soil health and soil 
management conditions, application methods, and climatic and 
agronomic regions, including through the establishment of a 
national biochar research network, to--
``(A) assess the soil carbon sequestration 
potential of various biochars and management systems 
integrating biochar use;
``(B) understand how to use biochar productively to 
contribute to climate mitigation, crop production, 
resilience to extreme weather events, ecosystem and 
soil health, natural resource conservation, and farm 
profitability; and
``(C) deliver science-based, region-specific, cost-
effective, and practical information to farmers, 
ranchers, foresters, land reclamation managers, urban 
land managers, and other land and natural resource 
managers and businesses on sustainable biochar 
production and application.
``(17) Wildfire smoke exposure research.--Research and 
extension grants may be made under this section for the 
purposes of studying the impact of wildfire smoke exposure on 
specialty crops, including wine grapes, hops, stone fruit, and 
apples, by--
``(A) conducting research--
``(i) to identify the compounds responsible 
for smoke exposure; and
``(ii) to establish standard methodologies 
for sampling and testing smoke-exposed 
specialty crops and smoke-affected products, 
including fast and inexpensive screening 
methods;
``(B) establishing a reliable database of 
background levels of smoke exposure compounds that 
occur naturally in specialty crops;
``(C) developing risk assessment tools or 
mitigation methods to reduce or eliminate smoke 
exposure; and
``(D) studying compounds that can act as a barrier 
between specialty crops and smoke compounds.
``(18) Invasive species research.--Research and extension 
grants may be made under this section for the purposes of 
developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments 
to manage or eradicate (including through methods of biocontrol 
and sterile insect techniques) invasive species of plants and 
animals, such as the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), 
navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella), and spotted wing 
drosophila (Drosophila suzukii).
``(19) Microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl 
substances on farmland.--Research and extension grants may be 
made under this section for the purposes of carrying out or 
enhancing research on the agricultural impacts of microplastics 
and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, including structural 
firefighting foam, in land-applied biosolids or compost on 
farmland, including by--
``(A) conducting surveys and collecting data on 
concentration, particle size, and chemical composition 
of such substances in land-applied biosolids on 
farmland;
``(B) the development or analysis of techniques, 
including wastewater treatment and composting, to 
filter out or biodegrade such substances from biosolids 
intended to be used for agricultural purposes;
``(C) conducting an analysis of the impact on 
agricultural crops and soil health of such substances 
in land-applied biosolids on farmland, including the 
uptake of such substances by various crops or 
livestock;
``(D) conducting research to better understand how 
wastewater processing impacts such substances;
``(E) conducting research to better understand the 
fate, residence time, and transport of such substances 
on farmland; and
``(F) conducting research on how to remediate soil 
and water systems contaminated with such substances.
``(20) Agricultural byproducts research.--Research and 
extension grants may be made under this section for the 
purposes of converting agricultural byproducts or forest 
residuals into valuable materials and products, including 
innovations in production processes for easily deployable 
refining facilities, developing alternatives to agricultural 
burning, and fostering energy production through recycling 
animal byproducts, wet waste, and plant-based waste.
``(21) Soil health research.--Research and extension grants 
may be made under this section for the purposes of--
``(A) developing management practices that improve 
soil health, including establishing tools that aid soil 
preservation or improve composition of soil organic 
compounds that are beneficial to soil quality and the 
environment; and
``(B) disseminating such practices through methods 
such as innovative coursework and work-based learning.
``(22) White oak research.--Research and extension grants 
may be made under this section for the purposes of white oak 
research, including conducting research on--
``(A) white oak genes with resistance and stress 
tolerance;
``(B) white oak trees that exhibit vigor for the 
purpose of increasing survival and growth;
``(C) establishing a diverse white oak seed bank 
capable of responding to stressors;
``(D) providing a sustainable supply of white oak 
seedlings and genetic resources;
``(E) reforestation of white oak through natural 
and artificial regeneration; and
``(F) the best methods for reforesting abandoned 
mine land sites.
``(23) Alternative growing media research.--Research and 
extension grants may be made under this section for the 
purposes of developing and enhancing research on the 
characterization, utilization, and evaluation of alternative 
growing media, including science-based techniques that maximize 
functions in the growth of plants and harvest yields.
``(24) Rangeland research.--Research and extension grants 
may be made under this section for the purposes of carrying out 
or enhancing research on the development of forage production 
and improved grazing and range management, including the 
adoption of virtual fencing technology that simultaneously 
enhance wildlife habitat, protect watersheds, and reduce 
hazards of erosion and flooding.
``(25) Specialty crop mechanization and automation 
research.--Research and extension grants may be made under this 
section for the purpose of developing and evaluating 
mechanization and automation technologies for specialty crops.
``(26) Biological pest control.--Research and extension 
grants may be made under this section for the purposes of 
supporting research, development, or education materials, 
information, and outreach programs regarding biological pest 
control to limit crop damage and food-borne illnesses.'';
(2) in subsection (e)(5), by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031'';
(3) in subsection (f)(5), by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031'';
(4) in subsection (g)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031'';
(B) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031''; and
(C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031'';
(5) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i);
(6) by inserting after subsection (g) the following:
``(h) Report.--Not later than February 1, 2028, and not less 
frequently than once every other year thereafter, the Secretary shall 
submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate 
a report describing how the Department carried out research and 
extension activities specified in subsections (d) through (f) for the 
previous two fiscal years, including the amount of funding allocated to 
each high-priority research and extension initiative, through--
``(1) amounts made available under appropriations Acts to 
the Agricultural Research Service;
``(2) amounts made available to the National Institute of 
Food and Agriculture under capacity and infrastructure programs 
(as defined in section 251 of the Department of Agriculture 
Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971));
``(3) amounts made available to the National Institute of 
Food and Agriculture under competitive programs (as defined in 
such section); and
``(4) amounts made available through other agencies within 
the Department.''; and
(7) in subsection (i) (as redesignated by paragraph (4)), 
by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7205. ORGANIC AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVE.

Section 1672B of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act 
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925b) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph 
(1), by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031'';
(2) by striking subsection (e);
(3) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (e); and
(4) in subsection (e), as so redesignated--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031''; and
(B) by striking paragraph (3).

SEC. 7206. FARM BUSINESS MANAGEMENT.

Section 1672D(d)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925f(d)(2)) is amended by striking 
``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7207. URBAN, INDOOR, AND OTHER EMERGING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION 
RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION INITIATIVE.

Section 1672E(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade 
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925g(a))--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``the Urban Agriculture and 
Innovative Production Advisory Committee established 
under section 222(b) of the Department of Agriculture 
Reorganization Act of 1994'' and inserting ``the Urban 
Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory 
Committee and the Office of Urban Agriculture and 
Innovative Production established under section 222 of 
the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 
1994 (7 U.S.C. 6923)''; and
(B) by striking ``emerging agricultural 
production'' and inserting ``emerging agricultural 
production practices (as described in subsection (a)(3) 
of such section)'';
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``emerging agricultural 
production'' and inserting ``emerging agricultural production 
practices'';
(3) in paragraph (7), by striking ``or'' at the end;
(4) in paragraph (8), by striking the period at the end and 
inserting a semicolon; and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(9) managing waste streams to improve the environmental 
footprint; or
``(10) advising land-grant colleges and universities (as 
defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, 
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)), 
minority-serving institutions (as described in section 371(a) 
of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a))), 
junior or community colleges (as defined in section 312(f) of 
such Act (20 U.S.C. 1058(f))), and vocational schools, with 
respect to career and technical education.''.

SEC. 7208. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE.

Section 1673 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act 
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5926) is amended--
(1) by striking subsections (a), (b), and (c) and inserting 
the following:
``(a) Centers of Excellence.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall 
establish at least one center of excellence for the purpose of 
carrying out research, extension, or education activities for 
each of the areas of focus described in paragraph (3).
``(2) Host institutions.--
``(A) In general.--Institutions eligible to host or 
co-host a center of excellence established under this 
subsection include--
``(i) 1862 Institutions, as defined in 
section 2 of the Agricultural Research, 
Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 
U.S.C. 7601);
``(ii) 1890 Institutions, as defined in 
section 2 of the Agricultural Research, 
Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 
U.S.C. 7601);
``(iii) 1994 Institutions, as defined in 
section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-
Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note);
``(iv) non-land-grant colleges of 
agriculture, as defined in section 1404 of the 
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103);
``(v) Hispanic-serving agricultural 
colleges or universities, as defined in section 
1404 of the National Agricultural Research, 
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 
U.S.C. 3103); and
``(vi) accredited schools of veterinary 
medicine.
``(B) Distribution.--To the maximum extent 
practicable, the Secretary shall ensure the geographic 
diversity of institutions selected to host or co-host a 
center of excellence established under this subsection.
``(C) Limitation.--An institution may host or co-
host only one center of excellence under this 
subsection at a time.
``(D) Duties.--The institution or institutions 
selected to host or co-host a center of excellence 
established under this subsection shall partner with 
the Agricultural Research Service, other Federal 
agencies, State governments, other institutions of 
higher education (as defined in section 101 of the 
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)), 
agricultural industry groups, or other relevant 
entities to--
``(i) reduce duplicative efforts and focus 
on filling gaps across research, extension, or 
education activities by enhancing coordination 
and improving cost-effectiveness;
``(ii) leverage available resources by 
using public-private partnerships;
``(iii) implement training and educational 
initiatives to increase awareness and 
effectively disseminate solutions to target 
audiences through extension activities;
``(iv) increase the economic returns to 
rural communities by identifying, attracting, 
and directing funds to high-priority 
agricultural issues;
``(v) rapidly respond to emerging issues 
that threaten any sector of the United States 
agricultural industry;
``(vi) focus on workforce development for 
employers to recruit and retain high-quality 
employees in rural areas; and
``(vii) engage in assistance for 
administrative management and education 
regarding potentially valuable intellectual 
property derived from federally-supported 
research, extension, or education activities.
``(3) Areas of focus.--
``(A) Aquaculture.--A center of excellence 
established under this subsection may engage in 
research, extension, or education activities focused on 
developing and applying aquaculture methods, including 
through the propagation and rearing of economically and 
ecologically valuable aquatic and marine species.
``(B) Beginning farmers and ranchers.--A center of 
excellence established under this subsection may engage 
in research, extension or education activities focused 
on training beginning farmers and ranchers, including 
farm and agribusiness management, mentoring and 
technical assistance, and access to capital.
``(C) Biosecurity and cybersecurity.--A center of 
excellence established under this subsection may engage 
in research, extension, or education activities focused 
on agricultural biosecurity and cybersecurity efforts 
to defend the United States food supply from any 
attacks.
``(D) Biosystems and agricultural engineering.--A 
center of excellence established under this subsection 
may engage in research, extension, or education 
activities focused on biosystems and agricultural 
engineering, including precision agriculture 
technologies and mechanization and automation 
technologies for specialty crops.
``(E) Biotechnology.--A center of excellence 
established under this subsection may engage in 
research, extension, or education activities focused on 
development of animal and plant biotechnologies that 
will increase agricultural productivity.
``(F) Crop production, protection, and 
resilience.--A center of excellence established under 
this subsection may engage in research, extension, or 
education activities focused on crop production and 
protection, including the development, manufacture, and 
use of fertilizer, crop protection tools, and adjuvants 
in increasing productivity and protecting crops from 
damaging pests and diseases.
``(G) Digital agriculture.--A center of excellence 
established under this subsection may engage in 
research, extension, or education activities focused on 
developing, evaluating, and deploying digital 
agriculture, including artificial intelligence and 
remote sensing systems.
``(H) Farm business and financial management.--A 
center of excellence established under this subsection 
may engage in research, extension, or education 
activities focused on farm business and financial 
management activities, including marketing plans, 
production diversification, and cash forward 
contracting.
``(I) Food quality.--A center of excellence 
established under this subsection may engage in 
research, extension, or education activities focused on 
improving food quality, including research on the 
uptake of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in food, 
the presence of microplastics in biosolids, and the 
efficacy and feasibility of reducing levels of 
inorganic arsenic, lead, cadmium, or mercury in food.
``(J) Foreign animal disease.--A center of 
excellence established under this subsection may engage 
in research, extension, or education activities focused 
on foreign animal diseases, including the ecology and 
etiology of emerging diseases, control methods, and 
implementation strategies to enhance preparedness and 
response efforts to protect the livestock and poultry 
industry.
``(K) Forestry.--A center of excellence established 
under this subsection may engage in research, 
extension, or education activities focused on forest 
productivity and forest health, including invasive 
species control, biochar and pyrolysis development and 
commercialization, reforestation and restoration of 
damaged landscapes, and new wood-based materials.
``(L) Invasive species.--A center of excellence 
established under this subsection may engage in 
research, extension, or education activities focused on 
the control and eradication of invasive species that 
pose a persistent and growing threat to United States 
agricultural production, forest resources, global food 
security, and rural economies.
``(M) Livestock and poultry.--A center of 
excellence established under this subsection may engage 
in research, extension, or education activities focused 
on issues impacting livestock (including equines) and 
poultry production in the United States, including 
economic research to understand policy implications for 
producers.
``(N) Veterinary medicine.--A center of excellence 
established under this subsection may engage in 
research, extension, or education activities focused on 
developing additional veterinarians, including large 
animal veterinarians, to address the veterinarian 
shortage in rural areas.
``(O) Water quality and quantity.--A center of 
excellence established under this subsection may engage 
in research, extension, or education activities focused 
on water quality and quantity efforts, including 
drought, water management, natural resource benefits, 
and the health and resilience of the water supply in 
the United States.
``(4) Terms.--
``(A) Duration.--The term of an award under this 
subsection shall be for a five-year period, and may be 
renewed for not more than one additional five-year 
period.
``(B) Construction prohibited.--Funds made 
available under this subsection shall not be used for 
the construction of a new building or facility or the 
acquisition, expansion, remodeling, or alteration of an 
existing building or facility (including site grading 
and improvement, and architect fees).
``(5) Annual report.--Not later than one year after the 
date of enactment of this subsection, and every year 
thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on 
Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report 
describing--
``(A) the projects initiated by each center of 
excellence established under this subsection in the 
preceding year;
``(B) the amount of funding for each such project 
and the funding source;
``(C) the institutions participating in each such 
project and their shares of the overall funding for 
each project;
``(D) the level of cost sharing for each such 
project;
``(E) any technology transfer and intellectual 
property management actions taken by each such center 
of excellence, such as the number of relevant invention 
disclosures, any provisional patents filed, any non-
provisional patents filed and issued, the number of 
licenses executed, and any start-up companies 
registered; and
``(F) any additional information deemed 
necessary.'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (b);
(3) in subsection (b), as so redesignated--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``The Secretary'' and 
inserting ``In addition to the centers of 
excellence established under subsection (a), 
the Secretary''; and
(ii) by striking ``not less than 3 centers 
of excellence'' and inserting ``not less than 8 
centers of excellence'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) in the subparagraph heading, by 
striking ``and workforce development'' 
and inserting ``, workforce 
development, and rural studies''; and
(II) by inserting ``economics, 
psychology, rural sociology, data 
sciences,'' after ``mathematics,'';
(ii) in subparagraph (E), by inserting 
``and nature-based solutions to improve the 
composition of soil organic compounds, 
including carbon, that are beneficial to soil 
quality and the environment'' before the period 
at the end; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(G) Forest health and conservation.--A center of 
excellence established under paragraph (1) may focus on 
forest health, sustainable forest management, 
agroforestry, enhancing forest resilience to 
catastrophic wildfire, supporting rural infrastructure, 
and urban and community forestry programs to promote 
healthy forest ecosystems and resilient communities.
``(H) Food safety, bioprocessing, and value-added 
agriculture.--A center of excellence established under 
paragraph (1) may focus on food safety, bioprocessing, 
value-added agriculture enterprise development, and 
innovative food and agriculture product development.''; 
and
(C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7209. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM FOR FARMERS WITH DISABILITIES.

Section 1680 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act 
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5933) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(3)--
(A) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' at the 
end;
(B) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at 
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(F) provide education and support to youth and 
young adults with disabilities interested in farming 
and farm-related occupations.''; and
(2) in subsection (c)(1)(B), by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7210. FARMING OPPORTUNITIES TRAINING AND OUTREACH.

Section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act 
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding 
subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``Secretary of 
Agriculture'' and inserting ``Secretary of 
Agriculture, acting through the Director of the 
National Institute of Food and Agriculture,''; 
and
(ii) by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
``2031''; and
(B) in paragraph (4)--
(i) in subparagraph (F), by inserting ``and 
organizations that provide training and 
technical assistance in budgeting, business 
planning, and similar financial and management 
skills that focus on the ongoing economic 
viability of beginning farm and ranch 
enterprises'' after ``veteran farmers and 
ranchers'';
(ii) in subparagraph (I)(ii), by striking 
``shall include a broad representation of peers 
of the eligible entity'' and inserting ``shall 
include a broad representation of individuals 
with demonstrated expertise in farm business 
management''; and
(iii) in subparagraph (J), by striking ``to 
the eligible entities providing that technical 
assistance'' and inserting ``to the needs of 
farmers and ranchers' ongoing economic 
viability'';
(2) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking subparagraph (J); and
(ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (K), 
(L), (M), (N), and (O) as subparagraphs (J), 
(K), (L), (M) and (N), respectively;
(C) in paragraph (8), by striking ``to partnerships 
and collaborations that are led by or include 
nongovernmental, community-based organizations and 
school-based educational organizations with expertise 
in new agricultural producer training and outreach'' 
and inserting ``to programs that provide training and 
technical assistance in budgeting, business planning, 
and similar financial and management skills that focus 
on the ongoing economic viability of beginning farm and 
ranch enterprises''; and
(D) in paragraph (12)(B), by striking ``a broad 
representation of peers of the applicant for the grant 
or cooperative agreement'' and inserting ``a broad 
representation of the United States agriculture 
industry and individuals with demonstrated expertise in 
farm business management''; and
(3) in subsection (l)(2), by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7211. NATIONAL RURAL INFORMATION CENTER CLEARINGHOUSE.

Section 2381(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade 
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 3125b(e)) is amended by striking ``2023'' and 
inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7212. REPEAL.

Subtitle D of title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5851 et seq.) is repealed.

SEC. 7213. RESEARCHING THE TRANSITION TO ORGANIC.

Title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 
1990 is amended by inserting after section 1673 (7 U.S.C. 5926) the 
following:

``SEC. 1674. RESEARCHING THE TRANSITION TO ORGANIC.

``(a) Competitive Specialized Research and Extension Grants 
Authorized.--The Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this section 
as the `Secretary'), in consultation with the National Agricultural 
Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board, may make 
competitive grants to support research, education, and extension 
activities relating to the transition of nonorganic production systems 
into organic agricultural production systems for the purposes of--
``(1) overcoming barriers to transitioning to organic 
agricultural production;
``(2) documenting and understanding the effects of organic 
practices on ecosystem services, including soil health and 
fertility, greenhouse gas mitigation and sequestration, water 
management, biodiversity-related services, and pest management; 
and
``(3) developing improved technologies, methods, models, 
and metrics to document, describe, and optimize ecosystem 
services of transitioning agricultural production into organic 
management.
``(b) Grant Administration.--Paragraphs (4), (7), (8), and (11)(B) 
of subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research 
Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 3157(b)) shall apply with respect to the making of 
grants under this section.
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section $7,500,000 for fiscal year 2027 
and each fiscal year thereafter.''.

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

SEC. 7301. NATIONAL FOOD SAFETY TRAINING, EDUCATION, EXTENSION, 
OUTREACH, AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

Section 405 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education 
Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7625) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (d);
(2) by redesignating subsections (e) through (j) as 
subsections (d) through (i), respectively; and
(3) in subsection (i), as so redesignated, by striking 
``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7302. INTEGRATED RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION COMPETITIVE 
GRANTS PROGRAM.

Section 406(f) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7626(f)) is amended by striking 
``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7303. SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH REGARDING DISEASES OF WHEAT, TRITICALE, 
AND BARLEY CAUSED BY FUSARIUM GRAMINEARUM OR BY TILLETIA 
INDICA.

Section 408(e)(3) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7628(e)(3)) is amended by 
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7304. GRANTS FOR YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS.

Section 410(d)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7630(d)(2)) is amended by 
striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2031''.

SEC. 7305. SPECIALTY CROP RESEARCH INITIATIVE.

Section 412 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education 
Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7632) is amended--
(1) in subsection (f)(3), by striking ``subsection (d) and 
(j)'' and inserting ``subsections (d), (j), and (k)'';
(2) in subsection (g)(3), by adding at the end the 
following:
``(C) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the matching 
funds requirement under subparagraph (A) with respect 
to a grant if the Secretary determines that--
``(i) the results of the grant are of a 
particular benefit to a specific specialty 
crop, but such results are likely to be 
applicable to specialty crops or agricultural 
commodities, generally; or
``(ii)(I) the grant--
``(aa) involves a minor commodity; 
and
``(bb) deals with scientifically 
important research; and
``(II) the recipient is unable to satisfy 
the matching funds requirement.'';
(3) in subsection (j)(5), by striking ``subsection 
(k)(1)(C)'' and inserting ``subsection (l)(1)(C)'';
(4) by redesignating subsection (k) as subsection (l);
(5) by inserting after subsection (j) the following:
``(k) Specialty Crop Mechanization and Automation Research and 
Extension Program.--The Secretary shall establish a competitive 
research and extension grant program to award grants to eligible 
entities to increase the competitiveness of specialty crops in the 
United States through the advancement and acceleration of mechanization 
and automation, including projects that--
``(1) create or improve cost-effective mechanization and 
automation technologies to--
``(A) reduce the manual labor requirements of a 
specialty crop grower; or
``(B) increase the efficiency of--
``(i) crop production;
``(ii) resource management;
``(iii) harvesting;
``(iv) processing;
``(v) post-harvest technologies; or
``(vi) packing;
``(2) increase adoption of mechanization and automation 
technologies by--
``(A) emphasizing adoption drivers, including--
``(i) connectivity;
``(ii) autonomy;
``(iii) reliability;
``(iv) durability;
``(v) in-field validation; or
``(vi) cost-effectiveness; or
``(B) investing in, and developing human capital 
to, increase the capacity to--
``(i) utilize new technologies; or
``(ii) manage a more tech-focused farm 
workforce; or
``(3) accelerate automation and mechanization through--
``(A) prototype development;
``(B) in-field trial testing;
``(C) ongoing industry engagement; or
``(D) rapid commercialization.''; and
(6) in subsection (l), as redesignated by paragraph (4)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by amending subparagraph (C) to read as 
follows:
``(C) Reservation for specialty crop mechanization 
and automation research and extension program.--For 
each of fiscal y

[Text truncated for length — see the official source above for the complete bill.]