[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2354 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
118th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 2354
To improve access to healthy foods, food processing, housing, forestry,
agricultural research, and other agricultural programs, and Tribal
self-determination relating to those programs, in the State of Alaska,
and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
July 18, 2023
Ms. Murkowski introduced the following bill; which was read twice and
referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To improve access to healthy foods, food processing, housing, forestry,
agricultural research, and other agricultural programs, and Tribal
self-determination relating to those programs, in the State of Alaska,
and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Improving
Agriculture, Research, Cultivation, Timber, and Indigenous Commodities
(ARCTIC) Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definition of Secretary.
TITLE I--IMPROVING ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOODS
Sec. 101. Improving micro-grants for food security program.
Sec. 102. Grants and loans for food distribution in frontier
communities.
Sec. 103. Acceptance of SNAP benefits through online transactions for
certain delivery costs.
Sec. 104. Pilot program to purchase locally produced food.
Sec. 105. Wild USA seafood label.
Sec. 106. Market name for genetically engineered fish.
Sec. 107. Market name for cultivated fish.
TITLE II--IMPROVING FOOD PROCESSING
Sec. 201. Forgivable loans for small commercial food processing.
TITLE III--IMPROVING HOUSING
Sec. 301. Denali Housing Fund.
TITLE IV--IMPROVING SEAFOOD INDUSTRY
Sec. 401. Country of origin labeling for cooked crab.
Sec. 402. Eligibility of wild-caught fish and shellfish.
Sec. 403. Domestic seafood production.
Sec. 404. Grant program to promote the reuse, recycling, and
sustainable use of marine products from
seafood industry.
Sec. 405. Extension of credit to businesses providing services to
producers or harvesters of aquatic
products.
TITLE V--IMPROVING AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
Sec. 501. Funding for agricultural research in States without
Agricultural Research Service facilities.
Sec. 502. Seaweed methane reduction research grants.
Sec. 503. Urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production
research, education, and extension
initiative.
Sec. 504. Reports and regulations on coastal seaweed farming.
TITLE VI--SUPPORTING FORESTRY
Sec. 601. Community wood energy and wood innovation program.
TITLE VII--SUPPORTING UNITED STATES FLORICULTURE
Sec. 701. Limitation on procurement.
TITLE VIII--IMPROVING TRIBAL SELF-DETERMINATION
Sec. 801. Agricultural self-determination and self-governance.
Sec. 802. Buy Indian Act modifications.
Sec. 803. Water systems for Alaska Native villages and rural villages.
SEC. 2. DEFINITION OF SECRETARY.
In this Act, the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
Agriculture.
TITLE I--IMPROVING ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOODS
SEC. 101. IMPROVING MICRO-GRANTS FOR FOOD SECURITY PROGRAM.
Section 4206 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C.
7518) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c), by striking ``competitive
distribution of subgrants'' and inserting ``distribution of
subgrants or other financial assistance'';
(2) in subsection (d), by striking paragraph (3);
(3) in subsection (e)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by inserting ``and
Other Financial Assistance'' after ``Subgrants'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), in the matter
preceding clause (i), by inserting ``or other
financial assistance provided'' after
``subgrant'';
(ii) by striking subparagraph (B);
(iii) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as
subparagraph (B); and
(iv) in subparagraph (B) (as so
redesignated), by inserting ``or other
financial assistance provided'' after
``subgrant'';
(C) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by striking ``competitive distribution of
subgrants under subsection (c)'' and inserting
``distribution of subgrants or other financial
assistance under this section''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``or
other financial assistance provided'' after
``subgrant'';
(D) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``or other
financial assistance under this section'' after
``subgrants'';
(E) in paragraph (4), in the matter preceding
subparagraph (A), by inserting ``or other financial
assistance provided'' after ``subgrant''; and
(F) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``or other
financial assistance'' after ``subgrant''; and
(4) in subsection (f)(1)--
(A) by inserting ``or other financial assistance''
after ``subgrant'' each place it appears; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``subgrants by
eligible entities'' and inserting ``subgrant or other
financial assistance by the eligible entity''.
SEC. 102. GRANTS AND LOANS FOR FOOD DISTRIBUTION IN FRONTIER
COMMUNITIES.
Subtitle A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 1922 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 310J. GRANTS AND LOANS FOR FOOD DISTRIBUTION IN FRONTIER
COMMUNITIES.
``(a) Definitions.--
``(1) Eligible community.--The term `eligible community'
means--
``(A) a frontier community that--
``(i) is located in a noncontiguous State;
``(ii) does not have a food bank or food
pantry as of the date of submission of an
application for a grant or loan under this
section; and
``(iii) is determined to be Frontier Level
4 in accordance with the most recent version of
the Frontier and Remote Communities Code
developed by the Economic Research Service; and
``(B) a rural community that--
``(i) is located in a noncontiguous State;
``(ii) does not have a food bank or food
pantry as of the date of submission of an
application for a grant or loan under this
section; and
``(iii) is determined to be Frontier Level
3 in accordance with the most recent version of
the Frontier and Remote Communities Code
developed by the Economic Research Service.
``(2) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means--
``(A) an Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of
the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance
Act (25 U.S.C. 5304));
``(B) a Tribal organization (as defined in section
4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education
Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)); and
``(C) an organization described in section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and
exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of that Code.
``(b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a program to
provide grants and loans to eligible entities to establish food banks
or food pantries in eligible communities.
``(c) Eligible Activities.--An eligible entity that receives a
grant or loan under subsection (b) may use the grant or loan for--
``(1) the construction or renovation of facilities;
``(2) wages and benefits for employees;
``(3) equipment to keep food and beverages cold or frozen,
as appropriate;
``(4) transportation of foods and beverages from rural hub
communities to outlying villages, including by air, barge, or
surface transportation; and
``(5) such other activities as the Secretary determines to
be appropriate.
``(d) Interest Rate.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the
interest rate of a loan under subsection (b) shall be
established by the Secretary, for each quarter of the
applicable fiscal year, based on the rate prescribed in Rural
Development Instruction 440.1, exhibit B (or a successor
instruction), as in effect on the date on which the loan is
approved.
``(2) Adjustment.--The interest rate established under
paragraph (1) shall be adjusted to the nearest \1/8\ of 1
percent.
``(3) Written request.--
``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1),
before the closing date of a loan under subsection (b),
the eligible entity applying for the loan may submit to
the Secretary a written request that the interest rate
to be charged for the loan be equal to the lesser of--
``(i) the interest rate in effect on the
date of the loan approval; and
``(ii) the interest rate in effect on the
date of the loan closing.
``(B) Temporary debt instruments.--If a request
submitted under subparagraph (A) is approved by the
Secretary providing that the applicable interest rate
shall be the interest rate in effect on the date of the
loan closing, the interest rate charged on a loan
involving multiple advances of Federal funds using
temporary debt instruments shall be the interest rate
in effect on the date on which the first applicable
temporary debt instrument is issued.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $100,000,000.''.
SEC. 103. ACCEPTANCE OF SNAP BENEFITS THROUGH ONLINE TRANSACTIONS FOR
CERTAIN DELIVERY COSTS.
Section 7(k) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2016(k)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``(4)'' and inserting
``(5)'';
(2) in paragraph (2)(B), by inserting ``except as provided
in paragraph (3),'' before ``ensure'';
(3) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs
(4) and (5), respectively; and
(4) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) Delivery costs.--Benefits may be used for the fees
and charges described in paragraph (2)(B) in the case of the
purchase of foods that must be delivered to, but not within, a
rural hub community or outlying village in a noncontiguous
State.''.
SEC. 104. PILOT PROGRAM TO PURCHASE LOCALLY PRODUCED FOOD.
Section 203D of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C.
7507) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``distribution, to store, handle or
distribute'' and inserting the following:
``distribution--
``(1) to store, handle, or distribute'';
(B) in paragraph (1) (as so designated), by
striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and'';
and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) to purchase locally produced food in accordance with
the pilot program established under subsection (g).''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(g) Pilot Program To Purchase Locally Produced Food.--The
Secretary shall establish a pilot program under which the Secretary
shall permit emergency feeding organizations participating in the
program authorized by this Act to use those funds to purchase locally
produced food to supplement the commodities provided by the Secretary
under this Act.''.
SEC. 105. WILD USA SEAFOOD LABEL.
Title II of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621
et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Subtitle H--Wild USA Seafood Label
``SEC. 298A. DEFINITIONS.
``In this subtitle:
``(1) Fish.--The term `fish' means finfish, mollusks,
crustaceans, and all other forms of aquatic animal and plant
life other than aquatic mammals and birds.
``(2) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
of Agriculture.
``SEC. 298B. WILD USA SEAFOOD LABEL.
``(a) In General.--A retailer of fish or person engaged in the
business of supplying fish to a retailer may label the fish as `wild
USA seafood', `wild American seafood', or any equivalent designation
only if--
``(1) the fish is--
``(A) naturally born in the wild; or
``(B) a hatchery-originated fish released in the
wild;
``(2) the fish is caught, taken, or harvested from--
``(A) waters within the exclusive economic zone (as
defined in section 107 of title 46, United States
Code); or
``(B) navigable waters (as defined in section 502
of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C.
1362)); and
``(3) if the fish is caught, taken, or harvested by a
vessel, that vessel is a vessel of the United States (as
defined in section 3 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries
Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1802)).
``(b) Method of Notification.--
``(1) In general.--The information described in subsection
(a) may be provided to consumers by means of a label, stamp,
mark, placard, or other clear and visible sign on the fish, or
on the package, display, holding unit, or bin containing the
fish, at the final point of sale to consumers.
``(2) Labeled commodities.--If fish is already individually
labeled for retail sale with the label described in subsection
(a), the retailer shall not be required to provide any
additional information to comply with this section.
``SEC. 298C. ENFORCEMENT.
``(a) Warnings.--If the Secretary determines that a retailer of
fish or person engaged in the business of supplying fish to a retailer
is in violation of section 298B, the Secretary shall--
``(1) notify the retailer or person of the determination of
the Secretary; and
``(2) provide the retailer or person a 30-day period,
beginning on the date on which the retailer or person receives
the notice under paragraph (1) from the Secretary, during which
the retailer or person may take necessary steps to comply with
section 298B.
``(b) Fines.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may fine a retailer or
person under paragraph (2) if, on completion of the 30-day
period described in subsection (a)(2), the Secretary determines
that the retailer or person--
``(A) has not made a good faith effort to comply
with section 298B; and
``(B) continues to willfully violate section 298B
with respect to the violation regarding which the
retailer or person received a notification under
subsection (a)(1).
``(2) Notice and hearing; amount.--After providing notice
and an opportunity for a hearing before the Secretary with
respect to the violation described in paragraph (1), the
Secretary may fine the retailer or person in an amount equal to
not more than $10,000 for each violation.
``SEC. 298D. REGULATIONS.
``The Secretary may promulgate such regulations as are necessary to
implement this subtitle.''.
SEC. 106. MARKET NAME FOR GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FISH.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding subtitle E of title II of the
Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1639 et seq.), or any
other provision of law, for purposes of applying the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), the acceptable market
name of any fish product that is genetically engineered shall include
the words ``Genetically Engineered'' or ``GE'' prior to the existing
acceptable market name.
(b) Genetically Engineered Described.--For purposes of this
section, a fish product shall be considered to be genetically
engineered if the fish product has been modified by recombinant DNA
(rDNA) techniques, including the entire lineage of fish that contain
the rDNA modification.
SEC. 107. MARKET NAME FOR CULTIVATED FISH.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding subtitle E of title II of the
Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1639 et seq.) or any other
provision of law, for purposes of applying the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), the acceptable market name of any
fish product that is laboratory-grown shall include the word
``Cultivated'' prior to the existing acceptable market name.
(b) Cultivated Described.--For purposes of this section, a fish
product shall be considered to be cultivated if the fish product is
derived from the harvested cells of fish and grown in a laboratory
setting.
TITLE II--IMPROVING FOOD PROCESSING
SEC. 201. FORGIVABLE LOANS FOR SMALL COMMERCIAL FOOD PROCESSING.
(a) Definition of Eligible Entity.--In this section, the term
``eligible entity'' means an individual or entity that is an
agricultural producer or owns or operates, or seeks to own or operate,
a commercial food processing operation that--
(1) holds a commercial license issued by a noncontiguous
State; and
(2)(A) carries on a farming business (within the meaning of
section 263A(e)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986); or
(B) conducts a commercial food processing operation that is
a small business concern (as defined in section 3 of the Small
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)).
(b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a program, to be
known as the ``Arctic Agriculture Accelerator Loan Program'', to
provide--
(1) loans to eligible entities to start or expand a small
commercial food processing operation; and
(2) forgiveness of those loans in accordance with
subsection (f).
(c) Applications.--To apply for a loan under subsection (b)(1), an
eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such
time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary
may require, including a description of activities described in
subsection (d) that the eligible entity will carry out using the loan.
(d) Eligible Activities.--An eligible entity that receives a loan
under subsection (b)(1) may use the loan funds for the purchase and
installation of equipment, the construction or renovation of
facilities, or any other activity to create or expand the capacity of
the eligibility entity to process, store, or distribute locally
produced food.
(e) Loan Amounts.--The amount of a loan under subsection (b)(1)
shall be--
(1) $150,000 in the case of an eligible entity that owns or
operates, or seeks to own or operate, a small commercial food
processing operation for specialty crops or grains; and
(2) $250,000 in the case of an eligible entity that owns or
operates, or seeks to own or operate, a small commercial food
processing operation for meat, poultry, egg, aquaculture, or
wild-caught fish products.
(f) Loan Forgiveness.--The Secretary shall forgive the indebtedness
of a borrower of a loan under subsection (b)(1) if the Secretary
determines that the borrower has successfully carried out the
activities described in the application submitted by the borrower under
subsection (c).
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated for the cost of loans and forgiveness of loans to carry
out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through
2028.
TITLE III--IMPROVING HOUSING
SEC. 301. DENALI HOUSING FUND.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
(A) a nonprofit organization;
(B) a limited dividend organization;
(C) a cooperative organization;
(D) an Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of the
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act
(25 U.S.C. 5304)); and
(E) a public entity, such as a municipality,
county, district, authority, or other political
subdivision of a State.
(2) Federal cochair.--The term ``Federal Cochair'' means
the Federal Cochair of the Denali Commission.
(3) Fund.--The term ``Fund'' means the Denali Housing Fund
established under subsection (b)(1).
(4) Low-income.--The term ``low-income'', with respect to a
household means that the household income is less than 150
percent of the Federal poverty level for the State of Alaska.
(5) Moderate-income.--The term ``moderate-income'', with
respect to a household, means that the household income is less
than 250 percent of the Federal poverty level for the State of
Alaska.
(6) Rural alaska village.--The term ``rural Alaska
village'' means a rural community or Native village in Alaska
that--
(A)(i) is located in an unorganized borough; and
(ii) has a population of fewer than 1,000
inhabitants; or
(B)(i) is located in a borough; and
(ii) is not connected by road to--
(I) Anchorage, Alaska; or
(II) Fairbanks, Alaska.
(b) Denali Housing Fund.--
(1) Establishment.--There shall be established in the
Treasury of the United States the Denali Housing Fund, to be
administered by the Federal Cochair.
(2) Source and use of amounts in fund.--
(A) In general.--Amounts allocated to the Federal
Cochair for the purpose of carrying out this section
shall be deposited in the Fund.
(B) Uses.--The Federal Cochair shall use the Fund
as a revolving fund to carry out the purposes of this
section.
(C) Investment.--The Federal Cochair may invest
amounts in the Fund that are not necessary for
operational expenses in bonds or other obligations, the
principal and interest of which are guaranteed by the
Federal Government.
(D) General expenses.--The Federal Cochair may
charge the general expenses of carrying out this
section to the Fund.
(3) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to the Fund $5,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2024 through 2029.
(c) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
(1) to encourage and facilitate the construction or
rehabilitation of housing to meet the needs of low-income
households and moderate-income households; and
(2) to provide housing for public employees.
(d) Loans and Grants.--
(1) In general.--The Federal Cochair may provide grants and
loans from the Fund to eligible entities under such terms and
conditions the Federal Cochair may prescribe.
(2) Purpose.--The purpose of a grant or loan under
paragraph (1) shall be for planning and obtaining federally
insured mortgage financing or other financial assistance for
housing construction or rehabilitation projects for low-income
and moderate-income households in rural Alaska villages.
(e) Providing Amounts to States for Grants and Loans.--The Federal
Cochair may provide amounts to the State of Alaska, or political
subdivisions thereof, for making the grants and loans described in
subsection (d).
(f) Loans.--
(1) Limitation on available amounts.--A loan under
subsection (d) for the cost of planning and obtaining financing
(including the cost of preliminary surveys and analyses of
market needs, preliminary site engineering and architectural
fees, site options, application and mortgage commitment fees,
legal fees, and construction loan fees and discounts) of a
project described in that subsection may be for not more than
90 percent of that cost.
(2) Interest.--A loan under subsection (d) shall be made
without interest, except that a loan made to an eligible entity
established for profit shall bear interest at the prevailing
market rate authorized for an insured or guaranteed loan for
that type of project.
(3) Payment.--
(A) In general.--The Federal Cochair shall require
payment of a loan made under this section under terms
and conditions the Secretary may require by not later
than the date of completion of the project.
(B) Cancellation.--For a loan other than a loan to
an eligible entity established for profit, the
Secretary may cancel any part of the debt with respect
to a loan made under subsection (d) if the Secretary
determines that a permanent loan to finance the project
cannot be obtained in an amount adequate for repayment
of a loan made under subsection (d).
(g) Grants.--
(1) In general.--A grant under this section for expenses
incidental to planning and obtaining financing for a project
described in this section that the Federal Cochair considers
unrecoverable from the proceeds of a permanent loan made to
finance the project--
(A) may not be made to an eligible entity
established for profit; and
(B) may not exceed 90 percent of those expenses.
(2) Site development costs and offsite improvements.--
(A) In general.--The Federal Cochair may make
grants and commitments for grants under terms and
conditions the Federal Cochair may require to eligible
entities for reasonable site development costs and
necessary offsite improvements, such as sewer and water
line extensions, if the grant or commitment--
(i) is essential to ensuring that housing
is constructed on the site in the future; and
(ii) otherwise meets the requirements for
assistance under this section.
(B) Maximum amounts.--The amount of a grant under
this paragraph may not--
(i) with respect to the construction of
housing, exceed 40 percent of the cost of the
construction; and
(ii) with respect to the rehabilitation of
housing, exceed 10 percent of the reasonable
value of the rehabilitation, as determined by
the Federal Cochair.
(h) Information, Advice, and Technical Assistance.--The Federal
Cochair may provide, or contract with public or private organizations
to provide, information, advice, and technical assistance with respect
to the construction, rehabilitation, and operation by nonprofit
organizations of housing for low-income or moderate-income households,
or for public employees, in rural Alaska villages under this section.
TITLE IV--IMPROVING SEAFOOD INDUSTRY
SEC. 401. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING FOR COOKED CRAB.
Section 281(1) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C.
1638(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``The term'' and
inserting ``Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the term'';
and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) Inclusion.--The term `covered commodity'
includes crab that--
``(i) is wild fish; and
``(ii) has been cooked, including by
frying, broiling, grilling, boiling, steaming,
baking, and roasting.''.
SEC. 402. ELIGIBILITY OF WILD-CAUGHT FISH AND SHELLFISH.
(a) Farm Loans.--
(1) Definitions of farmer and farming.--Section 343(a) of
the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
1991(a)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``farming.'' and
inserting ``farming or commercial fishing.'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``farming.'' and
inserting ``farming and commercial fishing.''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(14) Commercial fishing.--
``(A) In general.--The term `commercial fishing'
means fishing (as defined in section 3 of the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16
U.S.C. 1802)) in which the fish harvested, either in
whole or in part, are intended to enter commerce or
enter commerce through sale, barter, or trade.
``(B) Associated definition of fish.--For purposes
of subparagraph (A), the term `fish'--
``(i) means finfish, mollusks, crustaceans,
and all other forms of aquatic animal and plant
life; but
``(ii) does not include--
``(I) marine mammals; or
``(II) birds.''.
(2) Farm ownership loans.--Section 303(a) of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1923(a))
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Commercial fishers.--A commercial fisher may use a
direct or guaranteed loan under this subtitle for--
``(A) acquiring a commercial fishing permit; and
``(B) acquiring, operating, and maintaining a
commercial fishing vessel.''.
(3) Farm operating loans.--Section 312 of the Consolidated
Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1942) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(f) Commercial Fishers.--A commercial fisher may use a direct or
guaranteed loan under this subtitle for acquiring, operating, and
maintaining a commercial fishing vessel.''.
(b) Farmers' Markets and Local Food Promotion Program.--Section
210A(d)(6) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C.
1627c(d)(6)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(F) Eligibility of wild-caught fish and
shellfish.--For purposes of this paragraph, an
agricultural commodity or product described in
subsection (a)(12) shall include fish (as defined in
paragraph (14)(B) of section 343(a) of the Consolidated
Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a))).''.
SEC. 403. DOMESTIC SEAFOOD PRODUCTION.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Mariculture.--The term ``mariculture'' means shellfish
and aquatic plants grown under controlled conditions.
(2) Rural community.--The term ``rural community'' means a
coastal community located in a rural area (as defined in
section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)).
(3) Seafood.--The term ``seafood'' means wild-caught
finfish and shellfish.
(b) Action Plan and Selection of Coastal Communities.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the
Secretary of Commerce, shall develop an action plan to
facilitate increased domestic processing of United States-
caught seafood and mariculture.
(2) Inclusions.--The action plan developed under paragraph
(1) shall include--
(A) an identification of coastal communities in
which--
(i) commercial fishing is a significant
economic driver; and
(ii) there exists a need, and voiced
community desire, for the creation of new (or
rehabilitation of existing) seafood processing
infrastructure to allow those communities--
(I) to effectively process the
catch of the communities locally; and
(II) to provide for the local and
domestic market;
(B) an identification of coastal communities with
existing or developing mariculture operations in which
processing infrastructure is not sufficient to meet the
needs of the mariculture operations;
(C) a consideration of the diversity of coastal
communities, including geographic diversity;
(D) an assessment of the number of coastal
communities described in subparagraphs (A) through (C)
that qualify as rural communities; and
(E) an analysis of the current domestic seafood
supply chain, including a carbon footprint.
(3) Selection of eligible communities.--The action plan
developed under paragraph (1) shall include a selection of 5
coastal communities across the United States that would be
eligible for the grants and cooperative agreements under
subsection (c).
(4) Stakeholder engagement.--In developing the action plan
under paragraph (1), the Secretary, in consultation with the
Secretary of Commerce, shall provide a meaningful stakeholder
engagement process that--
(A) prioritizes outreach and engagement through
methods that effectively reach residents of rural
communities described in subparagraphs (A) through (C)
of paragraph (2); and
(B) provides an opportunity for public comment
regarding a draft of the action plan, and incorporation
of any comments received by the date that is 60 days
after the end of the public comment period.
(c) Grants and Cooperative Agreements To Support Local Seafood
Processing.--
(1) In general.--Using funds made available under
subsection (f), the Secretary shall, for the period of fiscal
years 2024 and 2025, make competitive grants or enter into
cooperative agreements--
(A) to support pilot projects for new seafood or
mariculture processing infrastructure in eligible
communities selected under subsection (b)(3);
(B) to support pilot projects for the
rehabilitation, repair, or retrofitting of existing
seafood or mariculture processing infrastructure in
those eligible communities;
(C) to host onsite local training, education,
outreach, and technical assistance initiatives for
working waterfront populations in those communities; or
(D) to provide preference for community members
from those eligible communities in the startup of pilot
seafood or mariculture processing facilities
exclusively designed for serving domestic and local
markets, which shall include--
(i) entrepreneurship and business training;
(ii) financial and risk management
training; and
(iii) food safety and recordkeeping.
(2) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant or
enter into a cooperative agreement under paragraph (1), the
recipient of the grant or participant in the cooperative
agreement shall be--
(A) a collaborative State, Tribal, local, or
regionally based network or partnership of public or
private entities; or
(B) an individual seafood or mariculture processing
company.
(3) Priorities.--In making grants or entering into
cooperative agreements under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall
give priority to--
(A) projects that commit--
(i) to sell a substantial quantity of
seafood domestically, as determined by the
Secretary;
(ii) to meaningful local-hire practices, as
determined by the Secretary;
(iii) to avoiding additional overburdening
of rural communities, such as by minimizing
additional vehicular traffic; and
(iv) to supporting innovative
transportation networks to minimize adverse
impacts on adjacent communities;
(B) projects that--
(i) colocate with, or supply, community
fish markets or community-based seafood
distributors, such as local farmers' markets;
(ii)(I) would retrofit or update existing
infrastructure; and
(II) are zoned for mixed use, such as a
processing plant with an adjacent community
fish market; or
(iii) include partnerships with schools or
organizations that address food security and
hunger; and
(C) community-based businesses and organizations
with expertise in working with rural communities and
coastal communities.
(4) Evaluation criteria.--In making grants or entering into
cooperative agreements under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall
evaluate, with respect to applications for the grants or
cooperative agreements--
(A) relevancy;
(B) technical merit;
(C) achievability, expertise, and track record; and
(D) equity and environmental justice impacts.
(5) Requirements.--A grant or cooperative agreement under
paragraph (1) shall be for an amount and term determined
appropriate by the Secretary.
(6) Interagency funding.--Any Federal agency may
participate in any grant or cooperative agreement under
paragraph (1) by contributing funds, if the contributing agency
determines that the objectives of the grant or cooperative
agreement will advance the authorized programs of the
contributing agency.
(7) Limitation on indirect costs.--A recipient of a grant
or a party to a cooperative agreement under paragraph (1) may
not use more than 10 percent of the funds received for the
indirect costs of carrying out the grant or cooperative
agreement.
(d) Evaluation of Action Plan, Grants, and Cooperative
Agreements.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce,
shall submit to Congress a report evaluating the effectiveness of the
action plan developed under subsection (b) and the grants and
cooperative agreements made or entered into under subsection (c),
including--
(1) an assessment of social and economic benefits resulting
from projects carried out using those grants and cooperative
agreements; and
(2) recommendations--
(A) to improve the effectiveness of the action plan
and the grants and cooperative agreements; and
(B) to expand projects carried out using the grants
and cooperative agreements to additional coastal
communities.
(e) Exclusive Economic Zone Prohibitions.--
(1) Prohibition on authorizing finfish aquaculture.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no Federal agency
shall permit, authorize, or otherwise regulate commercial
finfish aquaculture operations in the Exclusive Economic Zone
of the United States (as established by Proclamation Numbered
5030, dated March 10, 1983), except in accordance with a law
authorizing such an action that is enacted after the date of
enactment of this Act.
(2) Prohibition on funds to promote finfish aquaculture.--
No Federal funds available to the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration shall be used to award grants to
facilitate or otherwise regulate finfish aquaculture in Federal
waters.
(f) Funding.--
(1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
(2) Reservation of funds.--Of the amounts made available
under paragraph (1)--
(A) $200,000 shall be used to carry out subsection
(b) during fiscal year 2024, to be divided equally
between the Secretary and the Secretary of Commerce;
(B) $200,000 shall be used to carry out subsection
(d) during fiscal year 2025; and
(C) the remaining amounts shall be used, subject to
paragraphs (3) and (4)--
(i) to carry out subsection (c); or
(ii) for expenses relating to the
administration of this section.
(3) Allocation of funds.--A majority of the amount made
available to carry out subsection (c) for any fiscal year shall
be used to support coastal communities that are rural
communities.
(4) Administrative expenses.--Not more than 5 percent of
the amounts made available to carry out this section for a
fiscal year may be used for expenses relating to the
administration of this section.
SEC. 404. GRANT PROGRAM TO PROMOTE THE REUSE, RECYCLING, AND
SUSTAINABLE USE OF MARINE PRODUCTS FROM SEAFOOD INDUSTRY.
(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to support projects
that promote the reuse, recycling, and sustainable use of marine
products from the seafood industry.
(b) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
(A) an academic institution;
(B) a nonprofit organization; and
(C) a for-profit company.
(2) Marine product.--The term ``marine product'' means--
(A) chitin derived from marine animals, including
crustaceans, mollusks, and the scales, shells, or waste
of any marine animal;
(B) seaweed;
(C) marine waste from seafood; and
(D) any other product or byproduct of the seafood
industry that, in the determination of the Secretary--
(i) would ultimately end in a landfill or
other waste disposal facility if not reused,
recycled, or put to use in a manner consistent
with the purpose of this section; and
(ii) demonstrates promise for reuse,
recycling, or sustainable use.
(3) Reuse, recycling, or sustainable use.--The term
``reuse, recycling, or sustainable use'', with respect to a
marine product, includes use of the marine product--
(A) as a fertilizer;
(B) as a biostimulant;
(C) as a component in a plastic alternative;
(D) in soil amendment and remediation;
(E) in wastewater treatment; and
(F) for collagen extraction.
(c) Grant Program.--
(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a program
under which the Secretary shall provide grants to eligible
entities for projects that involve the reuse, recycling, or
sustainable use of 1 or more marine products from the seafood
industry.
(2) Set-aside.--The Secretary shall set aside 50 percent of
the amounts appropriated to carry out the program established
under paragraph (1) to make grants to eligible entities that
are domiciled, or have an operating location, in a State that,
as determined by the Secretary, is among the States with the
greatest length of coastline.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary such sums as are necessary to carry out
this section.
SEC. 405. EXTENSION OF CREDIT TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING SERVICES TO
PRODUCERS OR HARVESTERS OF AQUATIC PRODUCTS.
(a) Farm Credit Banks.--
(1) Eligibility for credit and financial services.--Section
1.9 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2017) is
amended--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``or'' at the
end;
(B) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph
(4); and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) persons furnishing to producers or harvesters of
aquatic products services directly related to their operating
needs; or''.
(2) Purposes for extensions of credit.--Section 1.11(c)(1)
of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2019(c)(1)) is
amended by inserting ``and to persons furnishing services
directly related to the operating needs of producers or
harvesters of aquatic products'' after ``needs''.
(b) Production Credit Associations.--Section 2.4(a) of the Farm
Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2075(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) persons furnishing to producers or harvesters of
aquatic products services directly related to their operating
needs.''.
TITLE V--IMPROVING AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
SEC. 501. FUNDING FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH IN STATES WITHOUT
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE FACILITIES.
Subtitle B of title VI of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7651 et seq.) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 621. FUNDING FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH IN STATES WITHOUT
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE FACILITIES.
``There is authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 for fiscal year
2024 and each fiscal year thereafter, to remain available until
expended, for agricultural research at 1862 Institutions and State
agriculture agencies in States that do not have an Agricultural
Research Service facility, to address the research priorities of those
States.''.
SEC. 502. SEAWEED METHANE REDUCTION RESEARCH GRANTS.
Subtitle H of title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 is amended by inserting after section 1673 (7 U.S.C.
5926) the following:
``SEC. 1674. SEAWEED METHANE REDUCTION RESEARCH GRANTS.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means an
institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of
the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)).
``(2) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
of Agriculture.
``(b) Grants.--The Secretary shall provide grants to eligible
entities for the research and development of the suitability of cold-
water seaweed species for reduction of enteric methane through
livestock feed additives.
``(c) Research Priorities.--The Secretary shall give priority in
providing grants under subsection (b) for the following types of
research:
``(1) Research conducted on which varieties of seaweed
inhibit methane production.
``(2) Research conducted on which varieties of seaweed that
inhibit methane production can grow in cold-water climates.
``(3) Research conducted on whether bromoform from seaweed
causes any effects on the ozone.
``(4) Research conducted on what level of shelf-life
seaweed could have if produced on a large scale.
``(5) Research conducted on whether, and to what extent,
large-scale production of seaweed has environmental effects.
``(6) Research conducted on how seaweed affects livestock
biology if used as livestock feed.
``(7) Research conducted on whether seaweed affects human
health if used as livestock feed.
``(8) Research conducted on how knowledge of the ability of
seaweed to inhibit methane production would affect the market
value of seaweed products, including--
``(A) the largest entities or sectors that would
potentially purchase seaweed products;
``(B) potential market prices for livestock feed
containing seaweed additives; and
``(C) the potential role of greenhouse gas emission
credits in supporting the reduction of enteric methane
using seaweed.
``(d) Requirements.--In providing grants under subsection (b), the
Secretary shall--
``(1) select recipients on the basis of the quality of the
proposed research project; and
``(2) award not less than 50 percent of funding to eligible
entities in States that, as determined by the Secretary, are
among the States with the greatest length of coastline.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section for
each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028.''.
SEC. 503. URBAN, INDOOR, AND OTHER EMERGING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION
RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION INITIATIVE.
Section 1672E of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925g) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (5), by striking ``production;''
and inserting ``production or preservation;''; and
(B) in paragraph (6), by inserting ``, including
those in circumpolar regions'' before the semicolon;
and
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``or'' at the
end;
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``; or''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) areas designated as frontier or remote areas.''.
SEC. 504. REPORTS AND REGULATIONS ON COASTAL SEAWEED FARMING.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Coastal seaweed farming.--The term ``coastal seaweed
farming'' means the onshore or nearshore propagation and
harvesting of seaweed and products derived from seaweed that--
(A) does not use any--
(i) synthetic pesticide (as defined in
section 2 of the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136));
or
(ii) plastic, unless a suitable replacement
does not exist; and
(B) does not produce finfish for commercial
purposes.
(2) Seaweed.--The term ``seaweed'' means any macroscopic,
multicellular marine algae species.
(3) Secretaries.--The term ``Secretaries'' means--
(A) the Secretary; and
(B) the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the
Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.
(b) Reports.--
(1) Preliminary report.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretaries shall
jointly submit to Congress, and publish on the websites
of the Department of Agriculture and the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a preliminary
report analyzing the following:
(i) The effects of coastal seaweed farming
on--
(I) surrounding communities;
(II) the ecosystem; and
(III) marine and coastal wildlife.
(ii) Best practices for cultivating and
sourcing local seeds to propagate for coastal
seaweed farming, including practices based on
traditional ecological knowledge.
(iii) Best practices, including practices
based on traditional ecological knowledge, to
prevent the escape or spread during coastal
seaweed farming of any organism that would--
(I) alter the natural ecosystem; or
(II) present a biofouling risk.
(iv) Best practices, including practices
based on traditional ecological knowledge,
relating to species selection, harvesting
cycles, spatial planning and siting,
engineering and design, and environmental
aspects of coastal seaweed farming that--
(I) maximize benefits, and avoid
adverse effects, on the marine
ecosystem and marine and coastal
wildlife;
(II) lead to optimal yields;
(III) account for the impact
climate change may have on natural
habitats and coastal seaweed farming
operations;
(IV) minimize entanglements and
other harmful interactions between
marine life and nearshore seaweed
farming infrastructure and gear;
(V) account for changes in
migration patterns of marine mammals
and highly migratory species (as
defined in section 3 of the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1802)); and
(VI) account for, and avoid
interference with, competing uses,
including vessel traffic and commercial
and recreational fishing.
(v) The potential for growing seaweed for
long-term carbon sequestration and best
practices for measurement, reporting, and
verification approaches for that growing,
specific to the sequestration reservoir.
(vi) The effects of cocultivation of
bivalves with seaweed on the ecosystem, ocean
acidification, and hypoxia levels.
(vii) The effects of coastal seaweed
farming on water quality.
(viii) Best practices for limiting the use
of plastic in coastal seaweed farming gear.
(ix) The history and use of Indigenous and
traditional seaweed farming practices.
(x) Best practices for sustainable harvest
and post-harvest processing of coastal seaweed
farming products, including--
(I) methods of reducing energy
costs; and
(II) methods based on traditional
ecological knowledge.
(xi) Scalable commercial applications for
value-added seaweed or products derived from
seaweed, including as feedstock for animals and
other agricultural, commercial, and industrial
applications.
(xii) Processes for processing, storage,
and transportation of seaweed that--
(I) are cost-effective and
efficient; and
(II) reduce carbon emissions from
transportation.
(xiii) Existing and potential markets and
market capacity for major cultivated seaweed
species.
(xiv) Baseline economic analyses and
business planning models for major cultivated
seaweed species.
(xv) The effects of water quality on the
quality of cultivated seaweed for human
consumption, including the absorption of toxic
heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants.
(xvi) Best practices for onshore seaweed
farming issues that reduce energy requirements
to pump water, include management of effluent
and spatial planning, and address conflicting
uses of the onshore coastal zone.
(xvii) Best practices in efficient and
effective Federal and State regulatory systems
for coastal seaweed farming.
(B) Consultation and engagement.--In preparing the
report under subparagraph (A), the Secretaries shall
consult or engage, as appropriate, with the following:
(i) The Interagency Working Group on
Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge,
with respect to--
(I) the cultivation of kelp,
seaweed, and shellfish;
(II) the use of Tribal waters for
coastal seaweed farming;
(III) the impact and benefits of
coastal seaweed farming on Tribal
waters; and
(IV) best practices for engaging
with Indian Tribes (as defined in
section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance
Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)) with respect to
matters relating to coastal seaweed
farming.
(ii) Indian Tribes (as so defined).
(iii) The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (as
defined in section 2 of the Native American
Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (25
U.S.C. 3001)).
(iv) The Interagency Working Group on
Research for Farming of Seaweeds and
Seagrasses.
(v) The Interagency Working Group on Ocean
Acidification.
(vi) The Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture
of the National Science and Technology Council.
(vii) Such other agencies as the
Secretaries determine to be appropriate.
(2) Update.--Not later than 2 years after the date on which
the report under paragraph (1) is submitted, the Secretaries
shall submit to Congress an updated report based on pertinent
information derived from Federal research programs and other
sources of information.
(c) Regulations.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which the
preliminary report under subsection (b)(1) is published, the
Secretaries, in consultation with the Chief of Engineers, shall
promulgate and implement such regulations as the Secretaries determine
to be appropriate--
(1) to ensure that design, development, siting, species
selection, operation, and production systems of coastal seaweed
farming maximize potential benefits to, and avoid potential
adverse effects on, the marine ecosystem, wildlife, and
fisheries and surrounding communities;
(2) to establish evaluation metrics to measure the impact
and benefits of coastal seaweed farming on--
(A) the marine ecosystem, including marine
wildlife, biodiversity, productivity, water quality,
and stored carbon; and
(B) surrounding communities, including relating to
the equitable distribution of costs and benefits
(including economic and environmental costs and
benefits) within those communities; and
(3) to require monitoring and reporting relating to--
(A) any adverse effects on the marine ecosystem and
wildlife, including entanglements of marine life; and
(B) any effects on commercial and recreational
fishing.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretaries, to be allocated between the
Secretaries as the Secretaries determine to be appropriate--
(1) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 and 2025 to
complete the preliminary report under subsection (b)(1);
(2) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2026, of which--
(A) $1,000,000 shall be used for the updated report
under subsection (b)(2); and
(B) $2,000,000 shall be used to promulgate and
implement regulations pursuant to subsection (c); and
(3) $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 to complete the updated
report under subsection (b)(2).
TITLE VI--SUPPORTING FORESTRY
SEC. 601. COMMUNITY WOOD ENERGY AND WOOD INNOVATION PROGRAM.
Section 9013 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
(7 U.S.C. 8113) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1)(A)--
(A) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) in clause (iii)(II), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(iv) involves services and equipment for
the processing and distribution of woody
biomass materials.'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``make grants to cover''
and inserting the following: ``make grants--
``(A) to cover'';
(ii) in subparagraph (A) (as so
redesignated), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) for the processing and distribution of woody
biomass products.''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``or in the case
of processing and distribution of woody biomass
products for a school or hospital in a low-income
community,'' after ``community,''; and
(3) in subsection (d), in the matter preceding paragraph
(1), by striking ``or innovative wood product facility
project'' and inserting ``, an innovative wood product facility
project, or a project for the processing and distribution of
woody biomass products''.
TITLE VII--SUPPORTING UNITED STATES FLORICULTURE
SEC. 701. LIMITATION ON PROCUREMENT.
(a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the ``American Grown
Act''.
(b) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Covered agency.--The term ``covered agency'' means--
(A) the Executive Office of the President;
(B) the Department of Defense; and
(C) the Department of State.
(2) Covered entity.--The term ``covered entity'' means--
(A) a foreign government; and
(B) an agent of a foreign principal (as defined
section 1 of the Foreign Agents Registration Act of
1938, as amended (22 U.S.C. 611)).
(3) Cut flower.--The term ``cut flower'' means a flower
removed from a living plant for decorative use.
(4) Cut green.--The term ``cut green'' means a green,
foliage, or branch removed from a living plant for decorative
use.
(5) Qualifying area.--The term ``qualifying area'' means--
(A) a State;
(B) the District of Columbia;
(C) a territory or possession of the United States;
and
(D) an area subject to the jurisdiction of a
federally recognized Indian Tribe.
(c) Requirement.--
(1) In general.--Funds appropriated or otherwise available
to a covered agency may only be used for the procurement of a
cut flower or cut green if the cut flower or cut green is grown
in a qualifying area.
(2) Applicability.--This subsection shall apply to a
procurement made or contracted for--
(A) in the United States; and
(B) on or after the date that is 1 year after the
date of enactment of this Act.
(d) Gifts for Display.--
(1) In general.--A covered agency may only accept a gift of
a cut flower or cut green that is not grown in a qualifying
area from a covered entity for the purpose of displaying the
cut flower or cut green if--
(A) the origin of the cut flower or cut green is
clearly displayed at the time of delivery; and
(B) at the time of delivery, the covered agency
procures an additional cut flower or cut green that is
grown in a qualifying area to display during the period
of display of the gift.
(2) Requirement.--A covered agency that accepts a gift of a
cut flower or cut green from a covered entity under paragraph
(1) shall clearly display the origin of the cut flower or cut
green during the period of display of the cut flower or cut
green.
TITLE VIII--IMPROVING TRIBAL SELF-DETERMINATION
SEC. 801. AGRICULTURAL SELF-DETERMINATION AND SELF-GOVERNANCE.
(a) Self-Determination for Department of Agriculture Activities and
Programs.--Title I of the Indian Self-Determination and Education
Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5321 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``SEC. 112. SELF-DETERMINATION FOR DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ACTIVITIES
AND PROGRAMS.
``(a) Agriculture Self-Determination Authorized.--The Secretary of
Agriculture shall enter into self-determination contracts, in
accordance with subsection (c), with Tribal organizations, on the
request of any Indian Tribe, by Tribal resolution--
``(1) to plan, conduct, and administer any function,
service, or activity provided by the Forest Service or the
Natural Resources Conservation Service for the Indian Tribe;
``(2) to carry out the food distribution program on Indian
reservations established under section 4(b) of the Food and
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2013(b)) for any individual or
household within the jurisdiction of the Indian Tribe; or
``(3) subject to subsection (b), to carry out the authority
of the Food Safety and Inspection Service under the Federal
Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) and the
Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.).
``(b) Food Safety and Inspection Service Contracts.--
``(1) In general.--Before requesting to enter into a self-
determination contract described in subsection (a)(3), a Tribal
organization shall adopt, by Tribal resolution, a food and
agriculture code approved by the Secretary of Agriculture,
after which the Secretary of Agriculture shall exercise the
authority of the Secretary of Agriculture under Public Law 87-
718 (7 U.S.C. 1633) with respect to the Indian Tribe governed
by that Tribal organization.
``(2) Rural water, waste disposal, and community facilities
loans and grants.--An Indian Tribe operating under a contract
described in subsection (a)(3) shall be eligible for grant and
loan programs under paragraphs (19) and (24) of section 306(a)
of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
1926(a)).
``(c) Self-Determination Contract.--A self-determination contract
entered into under subsection (a) shall have the same terms and
conditions, and be subject to the same procedures, regulations, and
requirements, as a self-determination contract entered into under
section 102, except that the Secretary of Agriculture and the
Department of Agriculture shall be the appropriate Secretary and agency
for purposes of a self-determination contract entered into under
subsection (a).
``(d) Technical Assistance.--The Office of Self-Governance of the
Bureau of Indian Affairs shall provide technical assistance with
respect to self-determination contracts under subsection (a)--
``(1) to the Secretary of Agriculture; and
``(2) to Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations that
request that assistance.''.
(b) Department of Agriculture Office of Self-Governance.--
(1) Study.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a study to
determine the feasibility of a Tribal self-governance
demonstration project for appropriate programs, services,
functions, and activities of the Department of Agriculture.
(2) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a
report detailing--
(A) the results of the study conducted under
paragraph (1); and
(B) a plan to establish an Office of Self-
Governance in the Department of Agriculture to carry
out--
(i) the results of that study; and
(ii) the amendment made by subsection (a).
(3) Consultation.--The Secretary shall develop the plan
described in paragraph (2)(B) in consultation with Indian
Tribes, the Office of Tribal Relations of the Department of
Agriculture, and the Tribal Advisory Committee established
under section 309(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and
Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C.
6921(b)).
(4) Implementation.--Not later than 18 months after the
date on which the Secretary submits the report under paragraph
(2), the Secretary shall implement the plan described in the
report.
SEC. 802. BUY INDIAN ACT MODIFICATIONS.
Section 23 of the Act of Act of June 25, 1910 (36 Stat. 861,
chapter 431; 25 U.S.C. 47) (commonly known as the ``Buy Indian Act''),
is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(3)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) the Secretary of Agriculture.'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and the
Department of Health and Human Services'' and inserting
``, the Department of Health and Human Services, and
the Department of Agriculture''; and
(B) in paragraph (4), by striking ``and the Indian
Health Service'' and inserting ``, the Indian Health
Service, and the Department of Agriculture''; and
(3) in subsection (d)(1), by striking ``Committee on Indian
Affairs'' and all that follows through ``House of
Representatives'' and inserting ``Committees on Indian Affairs
and Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the
Committees on Natural Resources and Agriculture of the House of
Representatives''.
SEC. 803. WATER SYSTEMS FOR ALASKA NATIVE VILLAGES AND RURAL VILLAGES.
Section 306D(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
(7 U.S.C. 1926d(c)) is amended by inserting ``and the Alaska Native
Tribal Health Consortium'' after ``State of Alaska''.
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