Summary: Assured Food Safety Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to jointly establish a program to require all food items imported into the United States to bear a certificate of assured safety issued by the government of the country from which the item is imported. Directs the Secretary and the Commissioner to: (1) establish certificate requirements; and (2) prohibit a food item that does not bear such certificate from being imported into the United States. Authorizes specified exemptions. Directs the Secretary and the Commissioner, upon a food item's failure to provide the assured safety level, to prohibit the importation of any similar food item produced by the same person in the same country until the Secretary or the Commissioner inspects the production place and determines that sufficient corrective steps have been taken. Requires: (1) heightened inspections for three years following the removal of a food item's import prohibition; and (2) inspection-related user fees on foods imported into the United States. Authorizes fee waiver or reduction. Provides: (1) a private right of action against an importer; and (2) criminal penalties against an importer who knowingly imports a non-complying food item.

assured food safety act directs secretary agriculture commissioner food_and_drugs jointly establish program require food items imported united_states bear certificate assured safety issued government country item imported directs secretary commissioner establish certificate requirements prohibit food item bear certificate imported united_states authorizes specified exemptions directs secretary commissioner food item failure provide assured safety level prohibit importation similar food item produced person country secretary commissioner production place determines sufficient corrective steps taken requires heightened inspections years following removal food item import prohibition inspection related user fees foods imported united_states authorizes fee waiver reduction provides private right action importer criminal penalties importer knowingly imports non complying food item


Summary: Ginseng Harvest Labeling Act of 2007 - Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to require: (1) the labeling of raw ginseng offered for sale as food or a dietary supplement to contain country of harvest information; (2) ginseng importers to disclose country of harvest information at the point of U.S. entry. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to impose civil monetary penalties for failure to make such disclosures.

harvest labeling act amends agricultural_marketing_act require labeling raw offered sale food dietary supplement contain country harvest information importers disclose country harvest information point entry authorizes secretary agriculture impose civil monetary penalties failure disclosures


Summary: Food Import Safety Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prohibit the importation of food from a particular country if there is a pattern of FFDCA violations.Requires the Secretary to establish a certification program to ensure that imported food meets U.S. food safety standards. Prohibits food from being imported unless there are facility and country certifications in effect.Directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs and other appropriate federal agencies to work with foreign countries that are major U.S. trading partners to establish certification programs.Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to assist small businesses in developing countries in complying with this Act.Requires a person that has reason to believe that any food introduced into interstate commerce may be in violation of the FFDCA to immediately notify the Secretary of the identity and location of the food.Requires the Secretary, upon a determination that such food is in violation of the FFDCA and that there is a reasonable probability that the food, if consumed, would present a threat to the public health, to give appropriate persons an opportunity to: (1) cease distribution of the food; (2) notify all relevant persons to cease distribution of the food; (3) recall the food; and (4) provide notice to consumers and public health officials. Authorizes the Secretary to control and possess the food and to order the person to immediately cease distribution of the food if the person refuses or does not adequately carry out such actions.

food import safety act amends federal food drug cosmetic act ffdca authorize secretary health_and_human_services prohibit importation food particular country pattern ffdca violations requires secretary establish certification program ensure imported food meets food safety standards prohibits food imported facility country certifications effect directs commissioner food_and_drugs appropriate federal agencies work foreign countries major trading partners establish certification programs authorizes secretary provide technical assistance assist small businesses developing countries complying act requires person reason believe food introduced interstate commerce violation ffdca immediately notify secretary identity location food requires secretary determination food violation ffdca reasonable probability food consumed present threat public health appropriate persons opportunity cease distribution food notify relevant persons cease distribution food recall food provide notice consumers public health officials authorizes secretary control possess food order person immediately cease distribution food person refuses adequately carry actions


Summary: Foot and Mouth Disease Prevention Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to prohibit the importation into the United States of any ruminant or swine, or any fresh (including chilled or frozen) meat or product of any ruminant or swine, that is born, raised, or slaughtered in Argentina until the Secretary certifies to Congress that every region of Argentina is free of foot and mouth disease without vaccination.

foot mouth disease prevention act directs secretary agriculture prohibit importation united_states swine fresh including frozen meat product swine born raised slaughtered secretary certifies congress region free foot mouth disease vaccination


Summary: Appropriates funds to the Secretary of Agriculture for payments to growers and first handlers of fresh tomatoes that experienced crop and/or market losses resulting from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Public Health Advisory issued on June 7, 2008. Limits payments to not more than 75% of the greater of: (1) the value of the unmarketed tomatoes; and (2) the actual loss incurred by the grower or handler.

appropriates funds secretary agriculture payments growers handlers fresh experienced crop market losses resulting food_and_drug_administration fda public health advisory issued june limits payments greater value actual loss incurred handler


Summary: Fair Contracts for Growers Act of 2007 - Amends federal law provisions concerning arbitration to define "livestock," "livestock or poultry contract," "livestock or poultry grower," and "poultry." Allows the use of arbitration to resolve a controversy as provided for under a livestock or poultry contract only if, after the controversy arises, both parties consent in writing to use arbitration. Directs the arbitrator to provide to the parties to the contract a written explanation of the factual and legal basis for an award.

fair contracts growers act amends federal law provisions concerning arbitration define livestock livestock poultry contract livestock poultry poultry allows use arbitration resolve controversy provided livestock poultry contract controversy arises parties consent writing use arbitration directs arbitrator provide parties contract written explanation factual legal basis award


Summary: Quality Cheese Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration from using federal funds to amend specified regulations to include dry ultra-filtered milk, milk protein concentrate, or casein in the definition of "milk" or "nonfat milk" as specified in the domestic natural standards for cheese and cheese products.

quality cheese act amends federal food drug cosmetic act prohibit commissioner food_and_drug_administration federal funds amend specified regulations include dry ultra milk milk protein concentrate definition milk nonfat milk specified domestic natural standards cheese cheese products


Summary: Deepwater Accountability Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, after reaching the end of the period of performance currently under contract with Integrated Coast Guard Systems (ICGS) under the Deepwater program of the Coast Guard, to acquire all assets under that contract through new competitive contracts, subject to exception.

deepwater accountability act_-_directs secretary homeland_security reaching end period performance currently contract integrated coast_guard systems deepwater program coast_guard acquire assets contract new competitive contracts subject exception


Summary: Specialty Crops Competition Act of 2007 - Defines "specialty crop" as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, nursery crops, floriculture, and horticulture. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act to provide for marketing order specialty crop food safety programs. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) carry out fruit and vegetable market news activities; (2) make grants to states to enhance specialty crop competitiveness; (3) prepare a foreign market access strategy plan; (4) establish in the Department of Agriculture an office for the protection of intellectual property rights in plants and plant-derived materials; (5) make grants for market analysis of antidumping and countervailing duty cases; (6) establish a program of specialty crop research and grants; (7) establish an invasive pest threat identification and mitigation program; (8) establish the national clean plant network to provide diagnostic and pathogen elimination services; (9) establish the nutrition education program review committee; (10) carry out an integrated pest management initiative; and (11) carry out a specialty crop census every five years. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to obligate funds for specialty crop operating loans. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to: (1) increase and extend specialty crop technical assistance; (2) make nursery tree growers eligible for tree program assistance; (3) provide for increased fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop purchases; and (4) remove the income limitation from the environmental quality incentives program. Amends the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 to increase and extend funding for value-added agricultural market development grants. Revises specified plant patent provisions. Amends the Plant Protection Act to revise compensation provisions. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to restore import and entry agricultural inspection functions to the Department of Agriculture. Establishes the international agricultural inspection program within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Amends the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 to direct the Secretary to provide emergency assistance to specialty crop producers who suffer qualifying losses in disaster-designated counties. Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to expand the fresh fruit and vegetable program. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to include food stamp nutrition education (as defined by this Act) within the scope of the food stamp program. Establishes a food stamp fruit and vegetable electronic benefit transfer pilot program. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make transportation infrastructure grants to eligible state and local governments, shippers, and specialty crop producers; and (2) carry out food safety initiatives. Establishes in the Department an Office of Pest Management Policy. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to provide loans and grants for housing farm laborers admitted for temporary residence (H-2A visas).

specialty crops competition act defines specialty crop fruits vegetables tree nuts dried fruits nursery crops horticulture amends agricultural adjustment act provide marketing order specialty crop food safety programs directs secretary agriculture carry fruit vegetable market news activities grants states enhance specialty crop competitiveness prepare foreign market access strategy plan establish department_of_agriculture office protection intellectual property rights plants plant derived materials grants market analysis antidumping countervailing duty cases establish program specialty crop research grants establish invasive pest threat identification mitigation program establish national clean plant network provide diagnostic pathogen elimination services establish nutrition education program review committee carry integrated pest management initiative carry specialty crop census years amends consolidated_farm rural_development act obligate funds specialty crop operating loans amends farm_security rural investment act increase extend specialty crop technical assistance nursery tree growers eligible tree program assistance provide increased fruit vegetable specialty crop purchases remove income limitation environmental quality incentives program amends agricultural_risk_protection_act increase extend funding value added agricultural market development grants revises specified plant patent provisions amends plant_protection_act revise compensation provisions amends homeland_security act restore import entry agricultural inspection functions department_of_agriculture establishes international agricultural inspection program animal plant_health_inspection_service amends specialty crops competitiveness act direct secretary provide emergency assistance specialty crop producers suffer qualifying losses disaster designated counties amends richard national school lunch act expand fresh fruit vegetable program amends food_stamp_act include food stamp nutrition education defined act scope food stamp program establishes food stamp fruit vegetable electronic benefit transfer pilot program authorizes secretary transportation infrastructure grants eligible state local governments shippers specialty crop producers carry food safety initiatives establishes department office pest management policy amends housing act provide loans grants housing farm laborers admitted temporary residence h-2a visas


Summary: Hass Avocado Quality Assurance Act of 2007 - Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to provide for mandatory minimum maturity standards for all domestic and imported Hass avocados sold to consumers in California. Provides exceptions for commercial processing and charitable and relief uses. Sets forth penalty provisions.

quality assurance act amends agricultural_marketing_act direct secretary agriculture provide mandatory minimum maturity standards domestic imported sold consumers california provides exceptions commercial processing charitable relief uses sets forth penalty provisions


Summary: Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from permitting the import of live Canadian cattle (or beef from such cattle) over 30 months of age until certain country of origin labeling requirements become effective.

prohibits secretary agriculture permitting import live canadian cattle beef cattle months age certain country origin labeling requirements effective


Summary: Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to extend additional Commodity Credit Corporation authority for the use of funding and/or commodities for the: (1) market access program; and (2) foreign market development cooperator program.

amends agricultural trade act extend additional commodity_credit_corporation authority use funding commodities market access program foreign market development cooperator program


Summary: Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act, reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to subject imported clementines to applicable domestic grade, size, quality, or maturity requirements.

amends agricultural adjustment act reenacted amendments agricultural_marketing_agreement_act subject imported applicable domestic grade size quality maturity requirements


Summary: Milk Import Tariff Equity Act - Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to impose tariff-rate quotas (quantitative import limits) and provide various duty rates on certain casein, caseinates, milk protein concentrate, and other casein derivatives and glues imported into the United States (except imports from Mexico). Authorizes the President to: (1) enter into a trade agreement with a foreign country to grant new concessions as compensation in order to maintain the general level of reciprocal and mutually advantageous concessions; and (2) proclaim any necessary modification or continuance of any existing duty, or continuance of existing duty-free or excise treatment, or any quantitative limitation. Sets forth certain limits on the reduction of duties on such products.

milk import tariff equity act_-_amends harmonized_tariff schedule united_states impose tariff rate quotas quantitative import limits provide duty rates certain milk protein concentrate derivatives imported united_states imports mexico authorizes president enter trade agreement foreign country grant new concessions compensation order maintain general level reciprocal mutually advantageous concessions proclaim necessary modification continuance existing duty continuance existing duty free excise treatment quantitative limitation sets forth certain limits reduction duties products


Summary: Pollinator Habitat Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to include pollinators and pollinator habitat protection within the conservation reserve, conservation security, and environmental quality incentives programs.

pollinator habitat protection act amends food security act include pollinators pollinator habitat protection conservation reserve conservation security environmental quality incentives programs


Summary: Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to require country of origin labeling for processed food items. (Includes as a covered item under such Act.)

amends agricultural_marketing_act require country origin labeling processed food items includes covered item act


Summary: Ending Agricultural Threats: Safeguarding America's Food for Everyone (EAT SAFE) Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) establish food safety and agroterrorism training programs for appropriate federal employees and border patrol agents; (2) hire additional Food Safety and Inspection Service personnel; (3) provide notification of smuggled food products to the public and to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); and (4) provide the public with notification of recalled food products. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide notification of smuggled food products to the public and to DHS. Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to establish civil penalties for illegally imported meat and poultry products. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require federal certification of food safety labs. Amends the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to direct the Secretary, through the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, to establish a foodborne illness education and outreach grant program.

ending agricultural threats safeguarding_america food eat safe act directs secretary agriculture establish food safety training programs appropriate federal employees border_patrol agents hire additional food_safety_and_inspection_service personnel provide notification smuggled food products public department_of_homeland_security dhs provide public notification recalled food products directs secretary health_and_human_services provide notification smuggled food products public dhs amends federal_meat_inspection_act poultry_products_inspection_act establish civil penalties illegally imported meat poultry products amends federal food drug cosmetic act require federal certification food safety labs amends agricultural research extension education reform_act direct secretary cooperative state research education extension_service establish foodborne illness education outreach grant program


Summary: Beef Checkoff Modernization Act of 2008 - Amends the Beef Research and Information Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish and maintain (as a subcommittee of the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board) an importers qualified beef council to promote nondomestic beef or to pursue any other authorized purpose of a qualified beef council.Replaces the definition of "qualified state beef council" with a definition of "qualified beef council" that includes an importers qualified beef council.Requires a beef promotion and research order to provide that: (1) at least 30% of U.S. producer assessments be made available to promote and market products derived from cattle born and raised in the United States; and (2) the importers qualified beef council reserve a percentage of its funds to promote products derived from cattle not born and raised in the United States, or for any other purpose allowed under this Act for any other qualified beef council.Requires the Secretary, beginning in 2010 and at least every seven years thereafter, upon receipt of a petition of a group comprising 10% or more of cattle producers, to conduct a referendum to: (1) determine whether cattle producers favor the termination or suspension of the order; and (2) vote on any other amendments to the order.

beef checkoff modernization act amends beef research information act direct secretary agriculture establish maintain subcommittee beef promotion research board importers qualified beef council promote nondomestic beef pursue authorized purpose qualified beef council replaces definition qualified state beef council definition qualified beef council includes importers qualified beef council requires beef promotion research order provide producer assessments available promote market products derived cattle born raised united_states importers qualified beef council reserve percentage funds promote products derived cattle born raised united_states purpose allowed act qualified beef council requires secretary beginning seven years receipt petition group comprising cattle producers conduct referendum determine cattle producers favor termination suspension order vote amendments order


Summary: Foot and Mouth Disease Prevention Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to prohibit the importation into the United States of any ruminant or swine, or any fresh (including chilled or frozen) meat or product of any ruminant or swine, that is born, raised, or slaughtered in Argentina until the Secretary certifies to Congress that every region of Argentina is free of foot and mouth disease without vaccination.


Summary: Promoting American Agricultural and Medical Exports to Cuba Act of 2009 - Prohibits the President from restricting direct transfers from a Cuban depository institution to a U.S. depository institution in payment for a product authorized for sale under the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide information and technical assistance to U.S. agricultural producers, cooperative organizations, or state agencies to promote U.S. agricultural exports products to Cuba. Authorizes the issuance of temporary entry visas to Cuban nationals to facilitate purchase of U.S. agricultural products. Amends the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 to repeal the prohibition on enforcement of rights to certain U.S. intellectual properties and such properties' transfer. Prohibits the President from regulating or prohibiting travel to or from Cuba by U.S. citizens or legal residents, or any of the transactions ordinarily incident to such travel, and any regulation restricting or prohibiting such travel shall have no effect, relating to: (1) accompanied personal baggage; (2) payment of living expenses and the acquisition of personal-use goods or services; (3) travel arrangements; (4) nonscheduled air, sea, or land voyage transactions, (such provision does not permit the carriage of articles other than accompanied baggage into Cuba or the United States); and (5) normal banking transactions. States that such provision shall not apply in time of war or armed hostilities between the United States and Cuba, or of imminent danger to the public health or the physical safety of U.S. travelers. Amends the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 to repeal the requirement for onsite verification of certain medical exports to Cuba. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the airport ticket tax for transportation between the United States and Cuba by $1; and (2) establish in the Treasury the Agricultural Export Promotion Trust Fund.

promoting american agricultural medical exports cuba_act prohibits president restricting direct transfers cuban depository institution depository institution payment product authorized sale trade sanctions reform export enhancement_act directs secretary agriculture provide information technical assistance agricultural producers cooperative organizations state agencies promote agricultural exports products cuba authorizes issuance temporary entry visas cuban nationals facilitate purchase agricultural products amends department_of_commerce_and_related_agencies_appropriations_act repeal prohibition enforcement rights certain intellectual properties properties transfer prohibits president regulating prohibiting travel cuba citizens legal residents transactions ordinarily incident travel regulation restricting prohibiting travel shall effect relating accompanied personal baggage payment living expenses acquisition personal use goods services travel arrangements nonscheduled air sea land voyage transactions provision permit carriage articles accompanied baggage cuba united_states normal banking transactions states provision shall apply time war armed hostilities united_states cuba imminent danger public health physical safety travelers amends cuban democracy act repeal requirement onsite verification certain medical exports cuba amends_the_internal_revenue_code increase airport ticket tax transportation united_states cuba establish treasury agricultural export promotion trust_fund


Summary: Agricultural Export Facilitation Act of 2009 - Amends the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 to require the Secretary of the Treasury to authorize under a specific or general license certain travel-related transactions for travel to, from, or within Cuba in connection with: (1) commercial export sales and transportation of agricultural commodities, medicine, and medical devices; and (2) sales and marketing activities of such articles. Authorizes a consular official to issue a temporary tourist/business visa to a Cuban national (who is not otherwise inadmissible) whose itinerary documents an intent to conduct activities, including phytosanitary inspections, related to purchasing U.S. agricultural goods under the provisions of the Act. Amends the Act to define "payment in cash in advance" as the payment by the purchaser of an agricultural commodity or product and the receipt of payment by the seller prior to the transfer of title and release of control of the commodity or product to the purchaser. Prohibits the President from restricting direct transfers from a Cuban financial institution to a U.S. financial institution executed in payment for a product authorized for sale under the Act.

agricultural export facilitation act amends trade sanctions reform export enhancement_act require secretary treasury authorize specific general license certain travel related transactions travel cuba connection commercial export sales transportation agricultural commodities medicine medical devices sales marketing activities articles authorizes consular official issue temporary tourist business visa cuban national inadmissible itinerary documents intent conduct activities including inspections related purchasing agricultural goods provisions act amends act define payment cash advance payment purchaser agricultural commodity product receipt payment seller prior transfer title release control commodity product purchaser prohibits president restricting direct transfers cuban financial institution financial institution executed payment product authorized sale act


Summary: Imported Food Safety Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to refuse admission into the United States of any food (or any type of food) from a country, growing area, producer, manufacturer, or shipper if the Secretary determines that such food: (1) has been associated with repeated and separate outbreaks of foodborne disease or has been repeatedly determined to be adulterated; (2) presents a reasonable probability of causing significant adverse health consequences or death; and (3) is likely, without systemic intervention or changes, to cause disease or be adulterated again. Directs the Secretary to rescind such a determination if it is no longer justified because of remedial action or other circumstances. Sets forth procedures for review of such determinations.Authorizes the Secretary to make an emergency determination to refuse admission to food that has been strongly associated with a single outbreak of foodborne disease that has caused serious adverse health consequences or death. Requires that any refusal to admit food under this Act be done in a manner consistent with bilateral, regional, and multilateral trade agreements. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be interpreted to diminish the authority of the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (FDA) to ensure the safety of food.

imported food safety improvement act amends federal food drug cosmetic act authorize secretary health_and_human_services refuse admission united_states food type food country growing area producer manufacturer shipper secretary determines food associated repeated separate outbreaks foodborne disease repeatedly determined adulterated presents reasonable probability causing significant adverse health consequences death likely systemic intervention changes cause disease adulterated directs secretary rescind determination longer justified remedial action circumstances sets forth procedures review determinations authorizes secretary emergency determination refuse admission food strongly associated single outbreak foodborne disease caused adverse health consequences death requires refusal admit food act manner consistent bilateral regional multilateral trade agreements provides act shall interpreted diminish authority commissioner food_and_drugs fda ensure safety food


Summary: Seed Availability and Competition Act of 2009 - Permits a person who plants patented seed or seed derived from patented seed to retain harvested seed for replanting by such person if that person: (1) notifies the Secretary of Agriculture of the type and quantity of seed to be retained; and (2) pays the appropriate fee established by the Secretary. Establishes the Patented Seed Fund in the Treasury into which such fees shall be deposited and from which the Secretary shall pay appropriate fees to patent holders. Imposes an additional duty on the imported product of exported genetically modified seed on which royalties or other fees are charged by the patent owner to purchasers of the seed in the United States and on which no fees or lesser fees are charged to purchasers of the exported seed in a foreign country. Requires that such duties be deposited in the Fund for distribution to the appropriate patent holders.

seed availability competition act permits person plants patented seed seed derived patented seed retain harvested seed replanting person person notifies secretary agriculture type quantity seed retained pays appropriate fee established secretary establishes patented seed fund treasury fees shall deposited secretary shall pay appropriate fees patent holders imposes additional duty imported product exported genetically modified seed royalties fees charged patent owner purchasers seed united_states fees lesser fees charged purchasers exported seed foreign country requires duties deposited fund distribution appropriate patent holders


Summary: Family Dairy Preservation Act of 2009 - Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to increase milk income loss contract payments for the period March 1, 2009-November 30, 2009. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) determine the number of dairy cows to be removed from production to bring national milk supply and demand in line; and (2) contract with a producer association or other third party to encourage dairy producers to remove dairy cows from production.

family dairy preservation act amends food conservation energy act increase milk income loss contract payments period march november directs secretary agriculture determine number dairy removed production bring national milk supply demand line contract producer association party encourage dairy producers remove dairy production


Summary: Authorizes a state to allow, by special permit, the operation of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of up to 95,000 pounds for the hauling of livestock. Limits the cost of a special permit for a livestock trailer to no more than $200 per year.

authorizes state allow special permit operation vehicles gross vehicle weight pounds hauling livestock limits cost special permit livestock trailer year


Summary: Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act - Prohibits the President from regulating or prohibiting travel to or from Cuba by U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents or any transactions incident to such travel. States that: (1) any regulation restricting or prohibiting such Cuban travel shall have no effect; and (2) such prohibition shall not apply in time of war or armed hostilities between the United States and Cuba, or of imminent danger to the public health or the physical safety of U.S. citizens or legal residents. Makes such provisions applicable notwithstanding specified sections of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 and the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000. Amends the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 to define "payment of cash in advance" as the payment by the purchaser of an agricultural commodity or product and the receipt of such payment by the seller prior to: (1) the transfer of title of such commodity or product to the purchaser; and (2) the release of control of such commodity or product to the purchaser. Prohibits the President from restricting direct transfers from a Cuban financial institution to a U.S. financial institution executed in payment for a product authorized for sale under the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000.

travel restriction reform export enhancement_act prohibits president regulating prohibiting travel cuba citizens lawful permanent residents transactions incident travel states regulation restricting prohibiting cuban travel shall effect prohibition shall apply time war armed hostilities united_states cuba imminent danger public health physical safety citizens legal residents makes provisions applicable notwithstanding specified sections cuban_liberty democratic_solidarity libertad act trade sanctions reform export enhancement_act amends trade sanctions reform export enhancement_act define payment cash advance payment purchaser agricultural commodity product receipt payment seller prior transfer title commodity product purchaser release control commodity product purchaser prohibits president restricting direct transfers cuban financial institution financial institution executed payment product authorized sale trade sanctions reform export enhancement_act


Summary: Scrap the MAP Act - Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to repeal the Market Access Program (MAP) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA). (MAP is a program that uses funds from the USDA's Commodity Credit Corporation [CCC] to aid in the creation, expansion, and maintenance of foreign markets for U.S. agricultural products.)

map act_-_amends agricultural trade act repeal market access program map department_of_agriculture usda map program uses funds usda commodity_credit_corporation ccc aid creation expansion maintenance foreign markets agricultural products


Summary: Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act - Declares that it is U.S. policy that the raising of livestock for food production shall be consistent with the basic principles of animal welfare. Prohibits a federal agency from purchasing any food product derived from a pig during pregnancy, a calf raised for veal, or an egg-laying hen used or intended for use in food production (covered animal) unless that animal, during the entire period covered by that definition, was provided adequate space to stand up, lie down, turn around freely, and fully extend all limbs. Exempts a covered animal: (1) during lawful transport; (2) during the slaughter of the animal in compliance with the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1958 and other applicable law and regulations; (3) in lawful rodeo exhibitions, state or county fair exhibitions, or other similar exhibitions; (4) in lawful scientific or agricultural research; (5) while undergoing an examination, test, treatment, or operation for individualized veterinary purposes to improve the animal's well-being; or (6) in the case of a pig during pregnancy, during the seven-day period immediately before the date the pig is expected to give birth. Provides that nothing in this Act shall modify, limit, or repeal any law or preempt any state or local law.

prevention farm animal cruelty act declares policy raising livestock food production shall consistent basic principles animal welfare prohibits federal agency purchasing food product derived pig pregnancy raised egg laying intended use food production covered animal animal entire period covered definition provided adequate space stand lie turn freely fully extend exempts covered animal lawful transport slaughter animal compliance humane methods slaughter act applicable law regulations lawful exhibitions state county fair exhibitions similar exhibitions lawful scientific agricultural research undergoing examination test treatment operation individualized veterinary purposes improve animal case pig pregnancy seven day period immediately date pig expected birth provides act shall modify limit repeal law preempt state local law


Summary: Ending Agricultural Threats: Safeguarding America's Food for Everyone (EAT SAFE) Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) establish food safety and agroterrorism training programs for appropriate federal employees and border patrol agents; (2) hire additional Food Safety and Inspection Service personnel; (3) provide notification of smuggled food products to the public and to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); and (4) provide the public with notification of recalled food products.Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide notification of smuggled food products to the public and to DHS.Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to establish civil penalties for failure to present imported meat and poultry products for inspection.Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require federal certification of food safety labs.Amends the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to direct the Secretary, through the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, to establish a foodborne illness education and outreach grant program.

ending agricultural threats safeguarding_america food eat safe act directs secretary agriculture establish food safety training programs appropriate federal employees border_patrol agents hire additional food_safety_and_inspection_service personnel provide notification smuggled food products public department_of_homeland_security dhs provide public notification recalled food products directs secretary health_and_human_services provide notification smuggled food products public federal_meat_inspection_act poultry_products_inspection_act establish civil penalties failure present imported meat poultry products inspection amends federal food drug cosmetic act require federal certification food safety labs amends agricultural research extension education reform_act direct secretary cooperative state research education extension_service establish foodborne illness education outreach grant program


Summary: Agriculture Smart Trade Act - Requires the President, before initiating negotiations to enter into a free trade agreement with a foreign country, to report to Congress on: (1) invasive agricultural pests or diseases in that country; and (2) sanitary or phytosanitary measures imposed by the country's government on goods the country imports.

agriculture smart trade act_-_requires president initiating negotiations enter free trade agreement foreign country report congress invasive agricultural pests diseases country sanitary measures imposed country government goods country imports


Summary: Promoting American Agricultural and Medical Exports to Cuba Act of 2009 - Prohibits the President from restricting direct transfers from a Cuban depository institution to a U.S. depository institution in payment for a product or agricultural commodity authorized for sale under the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide information and technical assistance to U.S. agricultural producers, cooperative organizations, or state agencies to promote U.S. agricultural exports products to Cuba. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the airport ticket tax for transportation between the United States and Cuba by $1; and (2) establish in the Treasury the Agricultural Export Promotion Trust Fund. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State should issue temporary entry visas to Cuban nationals whose itinerary documents an intent to conduct activities, including phytosanitary inspections, relating to the purchase of U.S. agricultural commodities or products. Amends the Democracy Act of 1992 to repeal the requirement for onsite verification of certain medical exports to Cuba. Prohibits the President from regulating or prohibiting travel to or from Cuba by U.S. citizens or legal residents, or any of the transactions incident to such travel. States that: (1) any regulation restricting or prohibiting such travel shall have no effect; and (2) such prohibition shall not apply in time of war or armed hostilities between the United States and Cuba, or of imminent danger to the public health or the physical safety of U.S. citizens or legal residents. Amends the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 to repeal the prohibition on enforcement of rights to certain U.S. intellectual properties and such properties' transfer.

promoting american agricultural medical exports cuba_act prohibits president restricting direct transfers cuban depository institution depository institution payment product agricultural commodity authorized sale trade sanctions reform export enhancement_act directs secretary agriculture provide information technical assistance agricultural producers cooperative organizations state agencies promote agricultural exports products cuba amends_the_internal_revenue_code increase airport ticket tax transportation united_states cuba establish treasury agricultural export promotion trust_fund expresses sense congress secretary state issue temporary entry visas cuban nationals itinerary documents intent conduct activities including inspections relating purchase agricultural commodities products amends democracy act repeal requirement onsite verification certain medical exports cuba prohibits president regulating prohibiting travel cuba citizens legal residents transactions incident travel states regulation restricting prohibiting travel shall effect prohibition shall apply time war armed hostilities united_states cuba imminent danger public health physical safety citizens legal residents amends department_of_commerce_and_related_agencies_appropriations_act repeal prohibition enforcement rights certain intellectual properties properties transfer


Summary: Milk Import Tariff Equity Act - Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to impose tariff-rate quotas (quantitative import limits) and provide various duty rates on certain casein, caseinates, milk protein concentrate, and other casein derivatives and glues imported into the United States (except imports from Mexico). Authorizes the President to: (1) enter into a trade agreement with a foreign country to grant new concessions as compensation in order to maintain the general level of reciprocal and mutually advantageous concessions; and (2) proclaim any necessary modification or continuance of any existing duty, or continuance of existing duty-free or excise treatment, or any quantitative limitation. Sets forth certain limits on the reduction of duties on such products.

milk import tariff equity act_-_amends harmonized_tariff schedule united_states impose tariff rate quotas quantitative import limits provide duty rates certain milk protein concentrate derivatives imported united_states imports mexico authorizes president enter trade agreement foreign country grant new concessions compensation order maintain general level reciprocal mutually advantageous concessions proclaim necessary modification continuance existing duty continuance existing duty free excise treatment quantitative limitation sets forth certain limits reduction duties products


Summary: Dairy COOL Act of 2009 - Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to extend mandatory country of origin labeling to dairy products (fluid milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, butter, and other dairy products). Requires a dairy product retailer to designate the product's origin as: (1) each country in which or from the one or more dairy ingredients were produced or originated, and each country in which the product was processed; and (2) if a U.S.-produced dairy product, the state, region, or locality where the product was produced.

dairy cool act amends agricultural_marketing_act extend mandatory country origin labeling dairy products fluid milk cheese ice dairy products requires dairy product retailer designate product origin country dairy ingredients produced originated country product processed dairy product state region locality product produced


Summary: Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend and decrease the temporary reduction of duty on artichokes, prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid, not frozen.

amends harmonized_tariff schedule united_states extend decrease temporary reduction duty artichokes prepared preserved vinegar acetic acid frozen


Summary: Imported Seafood Safety Standards Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the importation of any seafood from a foreign country unless the country complies with U.S. standards for seafood manufacturing, processing, and holding. Requires an annual inspection of each foreign facility that exports seafood to the United States to ensure compliance with such standards. Requires periodic follow-up inspections of such foreign facilities as determined necessary by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Requires the Secretary to inspect and test: (1) not less than 20% of all imported seafood each year; and (2) the first 15 shipments of seafood imported or offered for import into the United States from an exporter. Sets forth inspection and test requirements that apply with respect to exporters that fail to meet inspection or test requirements. Directs the Secretary to: (1) refuse entry of all seafood shipments from a country that repeatedly fails to meet inspection or testing requirements; and (2) establish exporter fees as necessary. Requires the detention or destruction of imported seafood that fails to meet safety standards unless the shipment meets criteria for re-export. Allows importation of seafood at only those U.S. ports of entry that have the personnel trained to conduct the applicable testing and inspections. Prohibits: (1) making a knowingly false statement with respect to a test or inspection under this Act; or (2) knowingly misbranding any seafood imported under this Act. Establishes a civil penalty for violations. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program under which a state may conduct inspection, testing, and certification of U.S. seafood imports.

imported seafood safety standards act_-_amends federal food drug cosmetic act prohibit importation seafood foreign country country complies standards seafood manufacturing processing holding requires annual inspection foreign facility exports seafood united_states ensure compliance standards requires periodic follow inspections foreign facilities determined necessary secretary health_and_human_services hhs requires secretary inspect test imported seafood year shipments seafood imported offered import united_states exporter sets forth inspection test requirements apply respect exporters fail meet inspection test requirements directs secretary refuse entry seafood shipments country repeatedly fails meet inspection testing requirements establish exporter fees necessary requires detention destruction imported seafood fails meet safety standards shipment meets criteria export allows importation seafood ports entry personnel trained conduct applicable testing inspections prohibits making knowingly false statement respect test inspection act knowingly misbranding seafood imported act establishes civil penalty violations authorizes secretary establish program state conduct inspection testing certification seafood imports


Summary: Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act - Prohibits the President from: (1) regulating or prohibiting travel to or from Cuba by U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents or any transactions incident to such travel; and (2) restricting direct transfers from a Cuban financial institution to a U.S. financial institution executed in payment for a product authorized for sale under the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000. States that: (1) any regulation restricting or prohibiting such Cuban travel shall have no effect; and (2) such prohibition shall not apply in time of war or armed hostilities between the United States and Cuba, or of imminent danger to the public health or the physical safety of U.S. citizens or legal residents. Amends the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 to define "payment of cash in advance" as the payment by the purchaser of an agricultural commodity or product and the receipt of such payment by the seller prior to: (1) the transfer of title of such commodity or product to the purchaser; and (2) the release of control of such commodity or product to the purchaser.

travel restriction reform export enhancement_act prohibits president regulating prohibiting travel cuba citizens lawful permanent residents transactions incident travel restricting direct transfers cuban financial institution financial institution executed payment product authorized sale trade sanctions reform export enhancement_act states regulation restricting prohibiting cuban travel shall effect prohibition shall apply time war armed hostilities united_states cuba imminent danger public health physical safety citizens legal residents amends trade sanctions reform export enhancement_act define payment cash advance payment purchaser agricultural commodity product receipt payment seller prior transfer title commodity product purchaser release control commodity product purchaser


Summary: Dairy Market Stabilization Act of 2010 - Amends the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to publish in the Federal Register a proposed order to establish the dairy market stabilization program that shall apply to all dairy facilities within the contiguous United States that produce milk for sale commercially. Sets forth program provisions.

dairy market stabilization act amends dairy production stabilization act direct secretary agriculture usda publish federal_register proposed order establish dairy market stabilization program shall apply dairy facilities contiguous united_states produce milk sale commercially sets forth program provisions


Summary: Family Farm Preservation and Conservation Estate Tax Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exclude from the gross estate the value of property used by a decedent and the decedent's family as a farm for farming purposes and certain qualified conservation easements; and (2) impose a recapture tax if such farmland is sold outside the decedent's family or is no longer used for farming purposes or if a qualified conservation easement is likewise sold or used in violation of the terms of such easement.

family farm preservation conservation estate tax act amends_the_internal_revenue_code exclude gross estate value property decedent decedent family farm farming purposes certain qualified conservation easements impose recapture tax farmland sold outside decedent family longer farming purposes qualified conservation easement likewise sold violation terms easement


Summary: Shellfish Marketing Assistance Fairness Act - Amends the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 to include farmed shellfish as a specialty crop.

shellfish marketing assistance fairness act_-_amends specialty crops competitiveness act include shellfish specialty crop


Summary: Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to exempt traditional large and premium cigars from regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and from user fees assessed on tobacco products by the FDA.

traditional manufacturing small business jobs preservation act amends federal food drug cosmetic act exempt traditional large premium cigars regulation food_and_drug_administration fda user fees assessed tobacco products fda


Summary: Amends the Trade Act of 1974 and certain other Acts to repeal authority for trade adjustment assistance (TAA) programs.

amends trade act certain acts repeal authority trade adjustment assistance taa programs


Summary: Farming Flexibility Act of 2011 - Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to consider mung beans and pulse crops as covered commodities whose planting on base acres is prohibited unless the commodity, if planted, is destroyed before harvest. Provides that: (1) as of crop year 2012 producers on a farm may reduce the base acres for any covered commodity for a crop year by one acre for each acre used for the production of fruits or vegetables (other than potatoes) for processing; (2) such acres devoted to fruits or vegetables shall be included in base acres for the covered commodity for the subsequent crop year unless the producers on the farm make the election to produce fruits and vegetables for the subsequent crop year; and (3) if a farm's base acres are recalculated the production of fruits or vegetables shall be considered to be the same as the planting, prevented planting, or production of a covered commodity. Requires producers to: (1) demonstrate that they have entered into a contract to produce a fruit or vegetable crop for processing, (2) produce such crop as part of a crop rotation program to achieve agronomic and pest and disease management benefits, and (3) provide evidence of the crop's disposition.

farming flexibility act amends food conservation energy act consider mung beans pulse crops covered commodities planting base acres prohibited commodity planted destroyed harvest provides crop year producers farm reduce base acres covered commodity crop year acre acre production fruits vegetables processing acres devoted fruits vegetables shall included base acres covered commodity subsequent crop year producers farm election produce fruits vegetables subsequent crop year farm base acres recalculated production fruits vegetables shall considered planting prevented planting production covered commodity requires producers demonstrate entered contract produce fruit vegetable crop processing produce crop crop rotation program achieve pest disease management benefits provide evidence crop disposition


Summary: Agricultural Trade Facilitation Act - States that the overall trade negotiating objective of the United States with respect to the application of sanitary and phytosanitary measures to agricultural products for trade agreements between the United States and foreign countries is to secure more open and reciprocal market access by strengthening the rules governing such measures' application to agricultural products. States that the principal trade negotiating objectives of the United States with respect to the application of sanitary and phytosanitary measures to agricultural products are to: (1) strengthen the requirement that the application of such measures is based on scientific evidence, (2) encourage parties to an agreement to participate actively in the development of international standards relating to such measures' application, (3) improve regulatory coherence and increase the use of systems-based approaches, (4) require greater transparency in such measures' development and implementation, (5) require parties to an agreement to carry out risk analysis in a timely manner consistent with international guidelines, (6) improve rules governing the testing of imported products, (7) promote harmonization of export certification requirements, and (8) ensure that new sanitary and phytosanitary trade obligations are fully enforceable through an effective dispute settlement process. Makes this Act inapplicable to negotiations for: (1) The United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, (2) The United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement, (3) The United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement, and (4) The Doha Development Round of the World Trade Organization.

agricultural trade facilitation act states overall trade negotiating objective united_states respect application sanitary measures agricultural products trade agreements united_states foreign countries secure open reciprocal market access strengthening rules governing measures application agricultural products states principal trade negotiating objectives united_states respect application sanitary measures agricultural products strengthen requirement application measures based scientific evidence encourage parties agreement participate actively development international standards relating measures application improve regulatory increase use systems based approaches require greater transparency measures development implementation require parties agreement carry risk analysis timely manner consistent international guidelines improve rules governing testing imported products promote harmonization export certification requirements ensure new sanitary trade obligations fully enforceable effective dispute settlement process makes act inapplicable negotiations united_states colombia trade promotion agreement united_states korea free trade agreement united_states panama trade promotion agreement development round world_trade_organization


Summary: American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act of 2011 - Amends the Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses and other equines to be slaughtered for human consumption. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to detain for examination, testing, or the taking of evidence: (1) any horse at any horse show, horse exhibition, or horse sale or auction that is sore or which the Secretary has probable cause to believe is sore; and (2) any horse or other equine that the Secretary has probable cause to believe is being shipped, transported, moved, delivered, received, possessed, purchased, sold, or donated in violation of such prohibition. Increases the cap on the amount of appropriations that may be used to carry out such Act.

american horse slaughter prevention act amends horse_protection_act prohibit shipping transporting moving delivering receiving possessing purchasing selling donation horses equines slaughtered human consumption authorizes secretary agriculture detain examination testing taking evidence horse horse horse exhibition horse sale auction sore secretary probable cause believe sore horse equine secretary probable cause believe shipped transported moved delivered received possessed purchased sold donated violation prohibition increases cap appropriations carry act


Summary: Amends the Export Apple Act to permit apples to be exported to Canada in bulk bins (a quantity of apples weighing more than 100 pounds) without complying with certain inspection and certification requirements.

amends export apple act permit apples exported canada bulk quantity apples weighing pounds complying certain inspection certification requirements


Summary: Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) from making payments, either directly or through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), to the Brazilian Cotton Institute.

prohibits secretary agriculture usda making payments directly commodity_credit_corporation ccc brazilian cotton institute


Summary: Saving Essential American Sailors Act or SEAS Act - Amends the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) to repeal the Act's repeal of the agricultural export requirements that: (1) 25% of the gross tonnage of certain agricultural commodities or their products exported each fiscal year be transported on U.S. commercial vessels, and (2) the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) finance any increased ocean freight charges incurred in the transportation of such items. Revives and reinstates those repealed requirements to read as if they were never repealed.

saving essential american act seas act_-_amends moving ahead progress 21st century act repeal act repeal agricultural export requirements gross tonnage certain agricultural commodities products exported fiscal year transported commercial vessels secretary transportation dot finance increased ocean freight charges incurred transportation items revives reinstates repealed requirements read repealed


Summary: U.S. Agricultural Sector Relief Act of 2012 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), pursuant to an application submitted by any person, to seek a critical use exemption under the Montreal Protocol to allow the production, importation, and consumption of methyl bromide: (1) for any approved critical use that is determined by the Administrator to be a critical use for the applicant, and (2) in the amount necessary for such use. Prohibits the Administrator from denying such an application or reducing the amount requested unless the Administrator: (1) has substantial evidence that there is a technically and economically feasible alternative available to the applicant for such use of methyl bromide, and (2) provides such evidence to the applicant in writing. Requires the Administrator, when evaluating the technical and economic feasibility of any alternative, to consider: (1) cost and commercial availability of the alternative, (2) demonstrated effectiveness of the alternative for the applicant's specific intended use, (3) demonstrated effectiveness of the alternative in the geographic region of the applicant's intended use, and (4) state or local regulations that may restrict use of the alternative for the applicant's intended use. Requires the Administrator, pursuant to an application, to allow the production, importation, and consumption of methyl bromide for any approved critical use in response to an emergency event, in an amount necessary for such use, not to exceed: (1) per emergency event at a specific location, 20 metric tons, or (2) in the aggregate for emergency use in the United Sates in a year, the total amount authorized pursuant to the Montreal Protocol process for critical uses in the United States in calendar year 2011. Requires the Administrator to ensure that sufficient quantities of methyl bromide are available for research on methyl bromide alternatives for the agricultural sector. Requires the Administrator to review and adjust as appropriate, any critical use nomination for production, importation, or consumption of methyl bromide in the United States that has been submitted to the Parties to the Montreal Protocol if: (1) a methyl bromide alternative is removed from the U.S. market; and (2) on the basis of the availability of such alternative, the Administrator denied, or reduced the amount requested under, any application for production, importation, or consumption of methyl bromide for the year covered by such nomination.

agricultural sector relief_act amends clean_air act require administrator environmental_protection_agency epa pursuant application submitted person seek critical use exemption montreal protocol allow production importation consumption methyl bromide approved critical use determined administrator critical use applicant necessary use prohibits administrator denying application reducing requested administrator substantial evidence technically economically feasible alternative available applicant use methyl bromide provides evidence applicant writing requires administrator evaluating technical economic feasibility alternative consider cost commercial availability alternative demonstrated effectiveness alternative applicant specific intended use demonstrated effectiveness alternative geographic region applicant intended use state local regulations restrict use alternative applicant intended use requires administrator pursuant application allow production importation consumption methyl bromide approved critical use response emergency event necessary use exceed emergency event specific location metric tons aggregate emergency use united year total authorized pursuant montreal protocol process critical uses united_states calendar year requires administrator ensure sufficient quantities methyl bromide available research methyl bromide alternatives agricultural sector requires administrator review adjust appropriate critical use nomination production importation consumption methyl bromide united_states submitted parties montreal protocol methyl bromide alternative removed market basis availability alternative administrator denied reduced requested application production importation consumption methyl bromide year covered nomination


Summary: Dairy COOL Act of 2011 - Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to extend mandatory country of origin labeling to dairy products (fluid milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, butter, and other dairy products). Requires a dairy product retailer to designate the product's origin as: (1) each country in which or from the one or more dairy ingredients were produced or originated, and each country in which the product was processed; and (2) if a U.S.-produced dairy product, the state, region, or locality where the product was produced.


Summary: Rural America Preservation Act of 2011 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to cap maximum annual direct and counter-cyclical payments to an individual (for covered commodities and peanuts) at $20,000 and $30,000, respectively. Revises limitation provisions for marketing loan gains, loan deficiency payments, and commodity certificate transactions, and establishes an annual combined limitation of $75,000 for such payments. Doubles payment limitations for single farming operations. Limits an individual or a legal entity to a combined annual payment of $250,000. Revises provisions respecting limitation of benefits to active farmers. Makes foreign individuals and foreign entities ineligible for agricultural program benefits.

rural america preservation act amends food security act cap maximum annual direct counter cyclical payments individual covered commodities peanuts respectively revises limitation provisions marketing loan gains loan deficiency payments commodity certificate transactions establishes annual combined limitation payments doubles payment limitations single farming operations limits individual legal entity combined annual payment revises provisions respecting limitation benefits active farmers makes foreign individuals foreign entities ineligible agricultural program benefits


Summary: Revenue Loss Assistance and Crop Insurance Enhancement Act of 2012 - Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a revenue loss assistance program (program) beginning with crop year 2013 in lieu of the supplemental revenue assistance payments (SURE) and the average crop revenue election programs (ACRE). (Extends the SURE program for crop year 2012.) Provides producers with program assistance for losses between 12% and 25 % of their historic revenue. Provides counter-cyclical payments for each covered commodity through crop year 2017 on farms for which payment yields and base acres are established if the effective price for the covered commodity is less than its target price. Sets forth 2013-2017 target prices, payment rates, and payment amounts for covered commodities. Provides a special payment calculation rule for long grain and medium grain rice, and a specified four-year alternative election. Sets forth 2013-2017 commodity marketing assistance loan rates. Extends specified agricultural and livestock assistance programs. Repeals the direct payment and ACRE programs. Limits the total revenue loss assistance payments and countercyclical payments that a person or entity may receive in a crop year. Reduces the catastrophic risk protection coverage premium. Authorizes agricultural producers to purchase supplemental crop insurance coverage based on: (1) an individual yield and loss basis, or an area yield and loss basis; or (2) an individual yield and loss basis, supplemented with coverage based on an area yield and loss basis to cover a part of the deductible under the individual yield and loss policy.

revenue loss assistance crop insurance enhancement_act amends food conservation energy act direct secretary agriculture usda establish revenue loss assistance program program beginning crop year lieu supplemental revenue assistance payments sure average crop revenue election programs acre extends sure program crop year provides producers program assistance losses historic revenue provides counter cyclical payments covered commodity crop year farms payment yields base acres established effective price covered commodity target price sets forth target prices payment rates payment amounts covered commodities provides special payment calculation rule long grain medium grain specified year alternative election sets forth commodity marketing assistance loan rates extends specified agricultural livestock assistance programs repeals direct payment acre programs limits total revenue loss assistance payments countercyclical payments person entity receive crop year reduces catastrophic risk protection coverage premium authorizes agricultural producers purchase supplemental crop insurance coverage based individual yield loss basis area yield loss basis individual yield loss basis coverage based area yield loss basis cover deductible individual yield loss policy


Summary: Eliminate the MAP Act - Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to repeal the Market Access Program (MAP) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA). (MAP is a program that uses funds from the USDA's Commodity Credit Corporation to aid in the creation, expansion, and maintenance of foreign markets for U.S. agricultural products.)

eliminate map act_-_amends agricultural trade act repeal market access program map department_of_agriculture usda map program uses funds usda commodity_credit_corporation aid creation expansion maintenance foreign markets agricultural products


Summary: Lacey Act Clarifying Amendments Act of 2013 - Amends the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to prohibit such Act from applying to: (1) any plant that was imported into the United States before May 22, 2008, or (2) any finished plant product the assembly and processing of which was completed before May 22, 2008.

lacey_act clarifying amendments act amends lacey_act amendments prohibit act applying plant imported united_states finished plant product assembly processing completed


Summary:
Lacey Act Paperwork Reduction Act - Amends the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to require any person, upon importation of any plant, to possess and have available for inspection by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) a declaration that contains: (1) the scientific name of any plant (including the genus and species of the plant) contained in the importation; and (2) a description of the declared value of the plant or the merchandise containing the plant, the quantity of the plant, and the name of the country from which the plant was taken. (Currently, a person is required to file such a declaration that describes the value of the importation.)

Revises the rulemaking procedure applicable to such importation to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the USFWS and in consultation with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, to issue such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) distinguish among different species; and (2) limit the applicability of the Act to a particular class or type of species if the Secretary determines that application of this Act would not be feasible, practicable, or effective.

lacey_act paperwork reduction act_-_amends lacey_act amendments require person importation plant possess available inspection fish_and_wildlife_service usfws declaration contains scientific plant including genus species plant contained importation description declared value plant merchandise containing plant quantity plant country plant taken currently person required file declaration describes value importation revises rulemaking procedure applicable importation authorize secretary interior acting usfws consultation animal plant_health_inspection_service issue regulations necessary carry act authorizes secretary distinguish different species limit applicability act particular class type species secretary determines application act feasible practicable effective


Summary:
Dairy COOL Act of 2014 - Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to define dairy product for country of origin purposes.

Requires a retailer of a covered commodity that is a dairy product to designate the origin of the covered commodity as: (1) each country in which or from which the one or more dairy ingredients or dairy components of the covered commodity were produced, originated, or sourced; and (2) each country in which the covered commodity was processed.

Declares that, with respect to a dairy product produced exclusively in the United States, designation by a retailer of the state, region, or locality of production shall be sufficient to identify the United States as the country of origin.

dairy cool act amends agricultural_marketing_act define dairy product country origin purposes requires retailer covered commodity dairy product designate origin covered commodity country dairy ingredients dairy components covered commodity produced originated sourced country covered commodity processed declares respect dairy product produced exclusively united_states designation retailer state region locality production shall sufficient identify united_states country origin


Summary: Shellfish Marketing Assistance Fairness Act - Amends the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 to include farmed shellfish as a specialty crop.


Summary:
American Livestock Protection and Ranching Opportunity Act of 2014 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: the majority of consumers in the United States want to know where animals used to produce the meat eaten are born, raised, and slaughtered; country-of-origin labeling provides information that consumers have a right to know; and country-of-origin labeling facilitates supply chain information critical for food safety.

Amends the Animal Health Protection Act to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) from allowing or advancing regulations that allow the importation of fresh meat and meat products from a country until the Secretary certifies to Congress that a country is free of foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination.

Amends the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to establish a USDA livestock disease initiative to provide competitive grants for research and development related to surveillance methods, vaccines, vaccination delivery systems, or diagnostic tests for diseases in domestic livestock that present a potential concern to public health and safety. Makes federal agencies, national laboratories, institutions of higher education, research institutions, and state agricultural experiment stations eligible for grants.

Amends the Agricultural Act of 2014 to provide eligible livestock producers with assistance for losses due to brucellosis and to alter the payment rates USDA uses to provide agricultural disaster assistance under the Livestock Indemnity Program and the Livestock Forage Disaster Program.

american livestock protection ranching opportunity act expresses sense congress majority consumers united_states want know animals produce meat born raised slaughtered country origin labeling provides information consumers right know country origin labeling facilitates supply chain information critical food safety amends animal health protection act prohibit secretary agriculture usda allowing advancing regulations allow importation fresh meat meat products country secretary certifies congress country free foot mouth disease vaccination amends agricultural research extension education reform_act establish usda livestock disease initiative provide competitive grants research development related surveillance methods vaccines vaccination delivery systems diagnostic tests diseases domestic livestock present potential concern public health safety makes federal agencies national_laboratories institutions higher education research institutions state agricultural experiment stations eligible grants amends agricultural act provide eligible livestock producers assistance losses alter payment rates usda uses provide agricultural disaster assistance livestock indemnity program livestock forage disaster program


Summary:
Protect Interstate Commerce Act

This bill prohibits a state or local government from imposing a standard or condition on the production or manufacture of agricultural products sold or offered for sale in interstate commerce if: (1) the production or manufacture occurs in another state, and (2) the standard or condition adds to standards or conditions applicable under federal law and the laws of the state or locality in which the production or manufacture occurs.

protect interstate commerce act bill prohibits state local government imposing standard condition production manufacture agricultural products sold offered sale interstate commerce production manufacture occurs state standard condition adds standards conditions applicable federal law laws state locality production manufacture occurs


Summary:
Safe Chicken and Meat for Children Act

This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to prohibit poultry or meat that is processed or produced in China from being used in the Department of Agriculture's National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Summer Food Service Program.

safe chicken meat children act bill amends richard national school lunch act prohibit poultry meat processed produced china department_of_agriculture national school lunch program school breakfast program child adult care food program summer food service program


Summary:
Reducing food-based Inorganic Compounds Exposure Act of 2015 or the RICE Act

This bill directs the Food and Drug Administration to promulgate a final regulation establishing the minimum quantity of inorganic arsenic contained in rice or a rice product that will cause sale of the rice or rice product to be prohibited.

The regulation must: (1) apply the minimum quantity to rice and rice products regardless of the origin of the arsenic, (2) include the establishment of tolerances, and (3) establish a standard for inorganic arsenic that is based on the maximum achievable reduction in health risks and is protective of the long-term health of children.

reducing food based compounds exposure act act bill directs food_and_drug_administration promulgate final regulation establishing minimum quantity arsenic contained product cause sale product prohibited regulation apply minimum quantity products regardless origin arsenic include establishment tolerances establish standard arsenic based maximum achievable reduction health risks protective long term health children


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on September 20, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Clarification of Treatment of Electronic Sales of Livestock Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to expand the definition of "marketing agency" to include any person who engages in the business of buying or selling livestock, on a commission or other fee basis, through the use of online, video, or other electronic methods. The term "marketing agency" does not include a person whose annual average of online, video, or electronic sales of livestock, on a commission or other fee basis, is less than $250,000.

(Sec. 3) The bill also permits electronic funds transfers and other expeditious payment methods that the Department of Agriculture determines to be appropriate to be used as options for meeting prompt payment requirements for livestock purchases.

measure amended reported house september summary version repeated clarification treatment electronic sales livestock act sec bill amends packers stockyards_act expand definition marketing agency include person engages business buying selling livestock commission fee basis use online video electronic methods term marketing agency include person annual average online video electronic sales livestock commission fee basis sec bill permits electronic funds transfers expeditious payment methods department_of_agriculture determines appropriate options meeting prompt payment requirements livestock purchases


Summary:
Agricultural Export Expansion Act of 2015

This bill amends the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 to permit a person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to provide payment or financing for sales of agricultural commodities to Cuba or to an individual or entity in Cuba.

agricultural export expansion act bill amends trade sanctions reform export enhancement_act permit person subject jurisdiction united_states provide payment financing sales agricultural commodities cuba individual entity cuba


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

United States Grain Standards Act Reauthorization Act of 2015

This bill reauthorizes and amends provisions of the United States Grain Standards Act. The Act authorizes the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish official marketing standards for grains, and to provide procedures for grain inspection and weighing. The bill reauthorizes several expiring provisions through FY2020, establishes procedures in the event of an interruption of inspection and weighing services, revises the process for delegating inspections to state agencies, and revises fees for inspection and weighing services.

 (Sec. 2) The bill provides that transfers of grain into an export elevator by any mode of transportation are not required to be officially weighed. In the case of a disruption in official grain inspection or weighing services, the bill requires USDA to immediately take the actions necessary to address the disruption and resume services. USDA must also report to Congress on the disruption and provide daily updates until services have resumed.

The bill ends the permanent delegation to state agencies to carry out export inspection and weighing services. Every five years, USDA must certify that each state agency with a delegation of authority is meeting specified criteria. The certification process must include public notice and a comment period. State agencies that have been delegated authority and intend to temporarily discontinue official inspection or weighing services, except in the case of a major disaster, must notify USDA in advance.

In order to review the performance of states, local agencies, and individuals that have applied to perform official inspections other than at export port locations, USDA must periodically consult with customers of the applicant and work with the applicant to address any concerns.

The bill extends the duration of licenses for inspectors from three to five years. Designations of official agencies terminate at a time specified by USDA that is no later than every five years.

The bill changes the fee calculation for inspection and weighing services and extends the authority to collect fees through FY2020.

The bill extends the limitation on total administrative and supervisory costs, the authorization of appropriations, and the authorization of the advisory committee through FY2020.

(Sec. 3) USDA must report to Congress on the disruption in federal inspection of grain exports at the Port of Vancouver in the summer of 2014. The report must include factors that led or contributed to the disruption and changes in policy USDA has implemented to ensure that a similar disruptions does not occur in the future.

(Sec. 4) USDA must report to Congress on policy barriers to U.S. grain producers in countries that: (1) produce grain that receives official grading in the United States, and (2) do not offer official grading for U.S. grain or provide only the lowest designation for U.S. grain.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure united_states grain standards act reauthorization act bill reauthorizes amends provisions united_states grain standards act act authorizes department_of_agriculture usda establish official marketing standards grains provide procedures grain inspection weighing bill reauthorizes expiring provisions fy2020 establishes procedures event interruption inspection weighing services revises process delegating inspections state agencies revises fees inspection weighing services sec bill provides transfers grain export elevator mode transportation required officially case disruption official grain inspection weighing services bill requires usda immediately actions necessary address disruption resume services usda report congress disruption provide daily updates services resumed bill ends permanent delegation state agencies carry export inspection weighing services years usda certify state agency delegation authority meeting specified criteria certification process include public notice comment period state agencies delegated authority intend temporarily discontinue official inspection weighing services case major disaster notify usda advance order review performance states local agencies individuals applied perform official inspections export port locations usda periodically consult customers applicant work applicant address concerns bill extends duration licenses inspectors years designations official agencies terminate time specified usda later years bill changes fee calculation inspection weighing services extends authority collect fees fy2020 bill extends limitation total administrative supervisory costs authorization appropriations authorization advisory_committee fy2020 sec usda report congress disruption federal inspection grain exports port vancouver summer report include factors led contributed disruption changes policy usda implemented ensure similar disruptions occur future sec usda report congress policy barriers grain producers countries produce grain receives official grading united_states offer official grading grain provide lowest designation grain


Summary:
Voluntary Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) and Trade Enhancement Act of 2015

This bill amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to revise country of origin labeling requirements for beef, pork, and chicken.

Under current law, country of origin labeling requirements are administered by the Department of Agriculture and require a retailer to inform consumers of the country of origin of a covered commodity.

The bill repeals the mandatory requirements for beef, pork, and chicken and permits a packer to voluntarily designate any raw single-ingredient beef, pork, or chicken intended for retail sale as exclusively having a U.S. country of origin.

voluntary country origin labeling cool trade enhancement_act bill amends agricultural_marketing_act revise country origin labeling requirements beef pork chicken current law country origin labeling requirements administered department_of_agriculture require retailer inform consumers country origin covered commodity bill repeals mandatory requirements beef pork chicken permits packer voluntarily designate raw single ingredient beef pork chicken intended retail sale exclusively having country origin


Summary:
Securing American Food Equity Act of 2016 or the SAFE Act of 2016

This bill amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to include the Secretary of Agriculture on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and to require CFIUS to consider the national security-related effects on agricultural assets in reviewing transactions.

(CFIUS is an interagency committee authorized under current law to review transactions that could result in control of a U.S. business by a foreign person in order to determine the effects of the transactions on national security.)

securing american food equity act safe act bill amends defense production act include secretary agriculture committee foreign investment united_states require consider national security related effects agricultural assets reviewing transactions interagency_committee authorized current law review transactions result control business foreign person order determine effects transactions national security


Summary:
Clarification of Treatment of Electronic Sales of Livestock Act of 2016

 This bill amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to expand the definition of "marketing agency" to include any person who engages in the business of buying or selling livestock, on a commission or other fee basis, through the use of online, video, or other electronic methods. The term "marketing agency" does not include a person whose annual average of online, video, or electronic sales of livestock, on a commission or other fee basis, is less than $250,000.

 The bill also permits electronic funds transfers and other expeditious payment methods that the Department of Agriculture determines to be appropriate to be used as options for meeting prompt payment requirements for livestock purchases.

clarification treatment electronic sales livestock act bill amends packers stockyards_act expand definition marketing agency include person engages business buying selling livestock commission fee basis use online video electronic methods term marketing agency include person annual average online video electronic sales livestock commission fee basis bill permits electronic funds transfers expeditious payment methods department_of_agriculture determines appropriate options meeting prompt payment requirements livestock purchases


Summary: Transparency and Accountability in Security Contracting Act of 2007 - Requires each contract, subcontract, or task order awarded or issued by a federal agency that includes private security functions (covered contract) to require the contractor to provide to the agency contracting officer specified information, including the number of persons to perform the security functions and the hiring and training process for such employees. Requires agency oversight in the performance of the covered contract. Directs the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to issue rules of engagement regarding the circumstances under which force may be used by contractor personnel performing private security functions within the area covered by a contingency operation, and the types of force authorized. Provides for: (1) hiring, training, and equipment standards relating to private security contractors; and (2) coordination and communication between U.S. Armed Forces and contractor personnel. Provides for the legal status of contractor personnel with respect to investigations and prosecution of abuses by private security contractors. Requires the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), for each theater of operations established in connection with a contingency operation in which contract personnel are carrying out work under a covered contract, to establish a Theater Investigative Unit to investigate allegations of contractor personnel criminal misconduct. Requires a study by the Comptroller General of the total federal costs of procuring security services through private contractors.

transparency accountability security contracting act requires contract subcontract task order awarded issued federal agency includes private security functions covered contract require contractor provide agency contracting officer specified information including number persons perform security functions hiring training process employees requires agency oversight performance covered contract directs chairman joint_chiefs_of_staff jcs issue rules engagement circumstances force contractor personnel performing private security functions area covered contingency operation types force authorized provides hiring training equipment standards relating private security contractors coordination communication armed_forces contractor personnel provides legal status contractor personnel respect investigations prosecution abuses private security contractors requires federal_bureau_of_investigation fbi theater operations established connection contingency operation contract personnel carrying work covered contract establish theater investigative unit investigate allegations contractor personnel criminal misconduct requires study comptroller_general total federal costs procuring security services private contractors


Summary: Repeals provisions of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 requiring federal, state, and local governmental entities to withhold 3% of payments due to vendors providing goods and services to such entities.

repeals provisions tax_increase_prevention_and_reconciliation_act requiring federal state local governmental entities withhold payments vendors providing goods services entities


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income amounts awarded to a plaintiff in a qui tam action (a civil action brought by a private citizen on behalf of a governmental entity alleging fraud or misuse of government funds by contractors or other individuals).

amends_the_internal_revenue_code exclude gross income amounts awarded plaintiff action civil action brought private citizen behalf governmental entity alleging fraud misuse government funds contractors individuals