Specialty Crop Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)

Congressional research reportJul 10, 2014

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Specialty Crop Provisions in the 2014 Farm

Bill (P.L. 113-79)

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Specialist in Agricultural Policy

July 10, 2014

Congressional Research Service

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R43632

Specialty Crop Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)

Summary

U.S. farmers grow more than 350 types of fruit, vegetable, tree nut, flower, nursery, and other

horticultural crops in addition to the major bulk commodity crops. Specialty crops, defined in

statute as “fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops

(including floriculture)” (P.L. 108-465; 7 U.S.C. §1621 note) comprise a major part of U.S.

agriculture. In 2012, the value of farm-level specialty crop production totaled nearly $60 billion,

representing about one-fourth of the value of U.S. crop production. The U.S. Department of

Agriculture (USDA) reports that retail sales of fresh and processed fruits and vegetables for athome consumption total nearly $100 billion annually. Exports of U.S. specialty crops totaled

about $14 billion in 2013, or about 10% of total U.S. agricultural exports.

Farm bill support specifically targeting specialty crops (and also certified organic agriculture) is

relatively recent. Many programs supporting specialty crops were established in the Specialty

Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-465), which was enacted outside a farm bill year.

Many of the programs in the 2004 act were further expanded and reauthorized in the 2008 farm

bill (Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, P.L. 110-246). Some other programs were

established in the 2002 farm bill (Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, P.L. 107-171),

often as pilot initiatives that have since become established programs. In addition, some programs

supporting specialty crops and organic agriculture are long-standing farm support programs that

benefit all agricultural producers and are regularly contained within omnibus farm legislation.

These include marketing and promotion programs, crop insurance and disaster assistance, plant

pest and disease protections, trade assistance, nutrition programs, and research and extension

services, among other types of program support.

The 2014 farm bill (Agricultural Act of 2014, P.L. 113-79) reauthorized and expanded many of

the existing farm bill provisions designed to support the specialty crop and certified organic

sectors. The 2014 farm bill also provided additional program funding in some cases. Many

provisions in Title X (“Horticulture”) of the farm bill fall into the categories of marketing and

promotion; data and information collection; pest and disease control; food safety and quality

standards; and support for local foods. Title X also includes provisions benefitting certified

organic agriculture producers, including USDA’s National Organic Program. However, provisions

supporting the specialty crop and certified organic sectors are not limited to Title X, but are also

contained within several other titles of the farm bill, including the research, nutrition, and trade

titles. An important source of support for the specialty crop industry includes fruit and vegetable

purchases under USDA’s domestic nutrition assistance programs.

Despite this wide range of program support, overall program spending for specialty crops and

organic agriculture still accounts for a small share of estimated total farm bill spending and

remains lower than spending levels for program commodity crops (such as corn, soybeans, grains,

dairy, and other farm commodities). Total mandatory spending for specialty crops and organic

agriculture under the 2014 farm bill is expected to average about $773 million annually (FY2014FY2018). In addition, individual specialty crop and organic producers generally do not directly

benefit from the same types of federal commodity price and income support programs that benefit

producers of commodity crops.

Other federal agencies also play important roles in the specialty crop industry—either indirectly

supporting or overseeing the industry—but are not addressed in this report. For information, see

CRS Report R42771, Fruits, Vegetables, and Other Specialty Crops: Selected Farm Bill and

Federal Programs.

Congressional Research Service

Specialty Crop Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)

Congressional Research Service

Specialty Crop Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)

Contents

Introduction...................................................................................................................................... 1

Legislative Support for U.S. Specialty Crops .................................................................................. 4

Comparison with More Traditional Types of Farm Bill Support............................................... 4

Farm Bill Support for Specialty Crops is Relatively Recent............................................... 4

Farm Bill Support for Specialty Crops is Mostly Indirect .................................................. 4

Specialty Crops Account for Small Share of Total Farm Bill Spending ............................. 5

2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)..................................................................................................... 7

Figures

Figure 1. Vegetables, Acres Harvested for Sale, 2012 ..................................................................... 2

Figure 2. Acres of Land in Orchards as Percent of Cropland Acreage, 2012 .................................. 3

Figure 3. Number of Farms with Floriculture Crops Grown for Sale, 2012.................................... 3

Tables

Table 1. U.S. Crop Production Statistics, Commodity and Horticultural Crops .............................. 1

Table 2. Authorized USDA Funding Levels for Specialty Crops & Organic Agriculture ............... 6

Table 3. Selected Provisions Supporting Specialty Crop Producers and Organic

Agriculture in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79) ........................................................................ 11

Contacts

Author Contact Information........................................................................................................... 27

Congressional Research Service

Specialty Crop Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)

Introduction

Specialty crops, defined as “fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and

nursery crops (including floriculture),”1 comprise a major part of U.S. agriculture. In 2012, the

value of farm-level specialty crop production totaled nearly $60 billion, representing about onefourth of the value of U.S. crop production (Table 1). Despite their relatively large share of crop

receipts, specialty crops occupy only about 3% of U.S. harvested cropland acres.2 The U.S.

Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that retail sales of fresh and processed fruits and

vegetables for at-home consumption total nearly $100 billion annually.3 Exports of U.S. specialty

crops totaled about $14 billion in 2013, or about 10% of total U.S. agricultural exports.4

Table 1. U.S. Crop Production Statistics, Commodity and Horticultural Crops

2012

Farms (1,000)

Sales ($ billion)

Sales (%)

Crops, including nursery and greenhouse

1,032

212.4

54%

Livestock, poultry, and their products

1,005

182.2

46%

2,109

394.6

100%

Grains, oilseeds, dry beans, dry peas

503

131.1

62%

Cotton & Tobacco

7.6

Other crops and hay

479

16.1

Subtotal

1,010

154.8

73%

Vegetables, melons, potatoes

16.9

Fruits, tree nuts, and berries

106

25.9

12%

Nursery, greenhouse, floriculture

14.5

Cut trees, and short rotation woody crops

0.3

244

57.6

27%

1,032

212.4

100%

Total U.S. Agriculture

Total

Commodity crops

Specialty Crops

Subtotal

Total, Crops, incl. nursery, greenhouse

Source: CRS from USDA, 2012 Census of Agriculture (Table 2, Market Value of Agricultural Products Sold),

http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2012/Full_Report/Volume_1,_Chapter_1_US/st99_1_002_002.pdf.

The total number of farms does not add since the totals include mixed farming operations.

Defined in the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-465, 7 U.S.C. §1621 note), as amended by the

Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246). See USDA, “USDA Definition of Specialty Crop,”

http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5082113. Excludes peanuts and other crops.

USDA, NASS, 2007 Census of Agriculture, Specialty Crops, vol. 2, November 2009.

As reported by USDA, AMS in “PACA—Your Partner in Produce.” Reflects estimates for 2008.

Compiled by CRS from data in the U.S. International Trade Commission’s Trade DataWeb database. Includes fresh

and processed fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts (excluding peanuts), and live trees and plants. For more information, see

CRS Report RL34468, The U.S. Trade Situation for Fruit and Vegetable Products.

Congressional Research Service

Specialty Crop Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)

In 2012, about 244,000 farming operations grew more than 350 types of fruit, vegetable, tree nut,

flower, nursery, and other horticultural crops in addition to the major bulk commodity crops.5

Specialty crop production is focused in California, Florida, Washington, Oregon, North Dakota

and Michigan; however, every state has some commercial specialty crop production within its

borders. USDA data illustrate the nationwide distribution of areas producing vegetables (Figure

1), fruits and tree nuts (Figure 2), and floriculture crops6 (Figure 3).

A majority of specialty crop producers are considered specialized, which means that they receive

at least half of their gross value of production from the sale of vegetables, fruits, tree nuts or other

horticultural crops. These specialized farms rely mostly on specialty crop production for their

farm income, even though they may be also engaged in other forms of agricultural production.

USDA reports that about 50% of all vegetable growers and 80% of fruit and tree nut growers are

considered specialized; however, specialized farms account for 90-95% of the total value of U.S.

specialty crop production.7 Conditions may vary considerably by major production region.

Specialized fruit and vegetable farms are more concentrated in the Western United States,

including California, Washington, and Oregon. Some farms also participate in the major

commodity support programs, but these tend to be more concentrated in the Midwestern states.

Figure 1.Vegetables, Acres Harvested for Sale, 2012

(vegetables and melons harvested)

Source: USDA, NASS, 2012 Census of Agriculture, Specialty Crops.

USDA, NASS, 2007 Census of Agriculture, Specialty Crops, vol. 2, November 2009. Most recent data available.

Floriculture refers to flowering and ornamental plants.

See, for example, USDA, Production Expenses of Specialized Vegetable and Melons Farms, VGS-328-01, September

2008, and Specialized U.S. Fruit and Nut Farm Production Expenses, FTS-337-01, June 2009. Data vary by region.

Congressional Research Service

Specialty Crop Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)

Figure 2. Acres of Land in Orchards as Percent of Cropland Acreage, 2012

(fruits, tree nuts, berries, nursery and greenhouse crops)

Source: USDA, NASS, 2012 Census of Agriculture, Specialty Crops. Data are per county.

Figure 3. Number of Farms with Floriculture Crops Grown for Sale, 2012

(farms with floriculture crops grown for sale)

Source: USDA, NASS, 2012 Census of Agriculture, Specialty Crops.

Congressional Research Service

Specialty Crop Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)

For some specialty crop producers, obtaining organic certification to sell their products as

“organic” represents a viable business strategy. Organic agriculture accounts for a small but

growing share of the U.S. farming sector. USDA reports that farm sales from organic fruit and

vegetable operations total more than $1 billion annually, or about 4% of all farm-level fruit and

vegetable sales in the United States.8 (Organic production includes certified organic fruits,

vegetables, and tree nuts, as well as meat and dairy foods, and organic commodity crops.)

Legislative Support for U.S. Specialty Crops

Comparison with More Traditional Types of Farm Bill Support

Support for U.S. specialty crops differs in important ways from the types of traditional farm bill

support for U.S. commodity crops, such as corn, soybeans, grains and other farm commodities.9

Farm Bill Support for Specialty Crops is Relatively Recent

Farm bill programs supporting commodity crop production have been in place since the 1930s,

and were intended to address Depression-era market conditions, address soil erosion and related

production concerns associated with the Dust Bowl, and implement farmland conservation

reforms. In contrast, farm bill support for specialty crops is relatively recent.

During the past few farm bill debates, specialty crop producers argued that their sectors should

occupy a larger role in farm bill policy discussions and that some of the benefits supporting major

commodity producers should be extended to specialty crop and organic producers, in order to

create “a broader, more equitable farm bill.”10 Several programs addressing specialty crops

specifically were initially established in the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (P.L.

108-465), which was enacted outside a farm bill year. Many of the programs in the 2004 act were

further expanded and reauthorized in the 2008 farm bill (Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of

2008, P.L. 110-246). The 2008 farm bill was also the first to include a separate farm bill title

dedicated to specialty crops and organic agriculture (Title X). Some programs had also been

established in the 2002 farm bill (Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, P.L. 107-171),

often as pilot initiatives that have since become established programs. The 2014 farm bill

(Agricultural Act of 2014, P.L. 113-79) reauthorized and expanded many of the existing farm bill

provisions supporting farming operations in the specialty crop and certified organic sectors.

Farm Bill Support for Specialty Crops is Mostly Indirect

Although programs specifically supporting specialty crops are now part of the omnibus farm bill,

the scope of that support differs from that traditionally employed to support commodity crops.

Specifically, individual specialty crop producers do not directly benefit from the same types of

Based on the most updated available information (USDA, 2008 Organic Production Survey, Volume 3, AC-07-SS-2,

July 2010). USDA’s 2012 tabulation for organic production is scheduled to be available in September 2014.

“Commodity crops” refers to agricultural production supported by specific federal farm support programs (mostly

corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, rice, dairy, and sugar).

See, for example, comments prior to the 2008 farm bill from the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA). See

also May 2, 2013, Dear Colleague letter from the House of Representatives Specialty Crop Caucus; and S. Gonzales,

“Specialty Crop and Organic Producers Look for Stronger Presence in 2012 Farm Bill,” Agri-Pulse, July 28, 2011.

Congressional Research Service

Specialty Crop Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)

federal commodity price and income support programs that benefit producers of commodity

crops. Specialty crops are ineligible for these types of direct benefits.11

Unlike programs supporting the production of specific commodity crops, farm bill programs

tailored to support specialty crops provide benefits that accrue to all specialty crop producers and

generally do not accrue to individual produce growers directly. These types of programs include

marketing and promotion programs, crop insurance and disaster assistance, plant pest and disease

protections, trade assistance, and research and extension services, among other types of indirect

support. The industry also benefits from fruit and vegetable purchases under various food and

nutrition programs. In addition, specialty crop producers are also eligible for other types of USDA

support that is generally available to all U.S. crop and livestock producers.

Specialty Crops Account for Small Share of Total Farm Bill Spending

Despite the wide range of program support for specialty crops, federal program spending for

specialty crops remains a small share of total farm bill spending and remains lower than spending

for commodity crops, even when considering both mandatory and discretionary funding levels.12

Precise estimates of total mandatory and discretionary sources of funding are difficult to measure,

given that support for specialty crops is spread across a wide range of USDA programs and not

within a price and income support program such as that available for most of the major

commodity crops. Following the 2008 farm bill, an average of approximately $676 million

annually (FY2008-FY2012) in mandatory program funding was authorized to be spent on

specialty crops and organic agriculture, mostly through government purchases of fruits and

vegetables for domestic nutrition and feeding programs (Table 2). The 2014 farm bill

reauthorized many of the existing farm bill provisions and also increased spending for some

programs supporting specialty crops. Total mandatory spending for specialty crops and organic

agriculture is expected to be higher and average $773 million annually (FY2014-FY2018). The

2014 farm bill also authorized another roughly $302 million in average annual appropriations

across certain programs. See also Table 2.

Although the 2014 farm bill provided for an increase above current funding levels, total

mandatory spending for specialty crops and organic agriculture will still account for a small share

of estimated total farm bill spending and will remain well below spending levels for commodity

crops. Mandatory spending for the major commodity crops is expected to average about $4.7

billion per year under the 2014 farm bill (FY2014-FY2018), mostly through direct price and

income support.13 This does not reflect additional higher spending for crop insurance.

In some cases, however, their production may be linked with the major program crops, such as in cases where

recipients of direct and counter-cyclical payments can plant crops on their base acres, including certain vegetables for

processing.

Mandatory funding is made available by multiyear authorizing legislation and does not require annual appropriations

or subsequent action by Congress. Discretionary spending requires appropriations action.

See CRS Report IF00014, The 2014 Farm Bill (Agricultural Act of 2014, P.L. 113-79) (In Focus).

Congressional Research Service

Specialty Crop Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)

Table 2. Authorized USDA Funding Levels for Specialty Crops & Organic Agriculture

Annual Average for FY2014-FY2018 (2014 Farm Bill), with FY2008-FY2012 (2008 Farm Bill) Comparisons

Annual Average ($million)

Program Name—2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79),

Section number

Funding Type

FY2008FY2012

2014 Farm Bill funding

levels (FY2014-FY2018)

Mandatory

Discretionary

Specialty Crops

Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) (§3205)

Mandatory

Section 32 Purchases (with new pilot) (§4201, §4202)

Mandatory

$398

$406

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (§4203)

Mandatory

$21

Healthy Food Financing Initiative (§4206)

Discretionarya

$25

Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive Program (§4208)

Mandatory/Discretionaryb

$27

Fruit and Vegetable Program (with new pilot) (§4214)

Mandatory/Discretionary

$101

$150

Value-Added Agric. Mkt. Develop. & Prog. Grants (§6203)

Mandatory/Discretionarya

$13

$40

Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) (§7306)

Mandatory/Discretionary

$46

$80

$25

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (§10010)

Mandatory

$45

$75

Farmer’s Market & Local Food Promotion Prog. (§10003)

Mandatory

$30

$10

Specialty Crops Market News Allocations (§10001)

Discretionary

Food Safety Education Initiatives (§10006)

Discretionarya

Plant Pest and Disease Prevention Program (§10007)

Mandatory

$35

$65

$676

$739

$257

Subtotal

Certified Organic (all crops and livestock)

Organic Agric. Research & Extension Initiative (§7211)

Mandatory/Discretionary

$16

$20

$25

National Organic Certific. Cost-Share Prog. (§10004(c))

Mandatory

$12

Organic Prodt. & Market Data Initiatives, ODI (§10004(a))

Mandatory/Discretionarya

National Organic Program, NOP (§10004(b))

Mandatory/Discretionarya

$15

$21

$34

$45

$697

$773

$302

Subtotal

TOTAL

Source: CRS, from the 2014 farm bill (P.L. 113-79) and the 2008 farm bill (P.L. 110-246). Section numbers

shown in parentheses are for 2014 law. Annual average is the simple average over the five year period. Total

funding for the five-year period includes program funding that may have been allocated on a one-time basis (often

made available until expended). Excludes programs that are available to all agricultural producers (such as

conservation programs, trade promotion programs, etc.) where the specialty crop portion is not readily

identifiable. NA = “Not Applicable.”

Notes: Mandatory funding is made available by multiyear authorizing legislation and does not require annual

appropriations or subsequent action by Congress. Discretionary spending requires appropriations action.

Authorized appropriations are at levels “to remain available until expended.”

2008 farm bill funding levels refer to a different but related program (SNAP Pilot Projects (§4141). SNAP

refers to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as the “food stamp” program).

Congressional Research Service

Specialty Crop Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)

2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)

The 2014 farm bill (Agricultural Act of 2014, P.L. 113-79) reauthorized and expanded many of

the existing farm bill provisions supporting the specialty crop and certified organic sectors, and

also provided for additional program funding in some cases.

Many provisions in Title X (“Horticulture”) fall into the categories of marketing and promotion;

organic certification; data and information collection; pest and disease control; food safety and

quality standards; and local foods. Title X also includes provisions benefitting certified organic

agriculture producers such as USDA’s National Organic Program, certification cost sharing,

development of crop insurance mechanisms for organic producers, and various data initiatives.

However, farm bill provisions supporting specialty crops and organic agriculture are not limited

to the Horticulture title, but are contained within several other titles of the farm bill including the

trade, nutrition, research, rural development, crop insurance titles, conservation, and the

miscellaneous titles (see text box on next page).

Table 3 at the end of this report provides a summary and side-by-side of selected provisions

supporting specialty crop and certified organic producers in the 2014 farm bill (P.L. 113-79),

comparing the final enacted provisions with the House-passed (H.R. 3102) and Senate-passed (S.

954) bills and prior law and/or policy.

Among the key programs supporting specialty crop producers in Title X are USDA’s Specialty

Crop Block Grant Program and its Plant Pest and Disease Prevention Programs; data collection

and Market News compilations; and also expanded support for USDA’s Farmer’s Market and

Local Food Promotion Program and related data collection efforts; among other programs. Some

key programs in Title X supporting certified organic producers are: continued support for USDA’s

National Organic Program (NOP); Organic Production and Market Data Initiatives (ODI); and the

National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (NOCCSP). The 2014 farm bill also gives

USDA authority to consider an application for a research and promotion order (or “checkoff”

program) for the organic sector. Title X also included other provisions that provide for specific

exemptions from certain regulatory requirements under some laws, such as the Federal

Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that mandatory spending for specialty crops

and organic agriculture under Title X would increase $338 million over the next five years

(FY2014-FY2018).14 Increased funding for several key programs benefitting specialty crop

producers in Title X include the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, plant pest and disease

programs, and programs supporting farmers’ markets and local foods, among other programs.

Provisions supporting the specialty crop and certified organic sectors are also contained within

other titles of the farm bill. Several farm bill titles also include provisions that expand

opportunities for local food systems and also beginning farmers and ranchers, which oftentimes

include both specialty crop and certified organic producers.

CBO cost estimate of the conference agreement on H.R. 2642 (http://www.cbo.gov/publication/45049, January 28,

2014. This estimate does not include costs for provisions in other farm bill titles. For example, CBO estimates spending

for research programs benefitting specialty crop and organic producers (Title VII (Research) of the 2014 farm bill) will

require a $418 million increase in mandatory spending (FY2014-FY2018).

Congressional Research Service

Specialty Crop Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)

Selected Specialty Crop Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)

Commodities (Title I)

•

Planting Flexibility (§1114(e))

Selected Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance programs (§1501)

•

Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) limit (Conservation) (§1605)

Conservation (Title II)

•

Conservation programs incentives and compliance (§§2207, 2602, 2611)

Trade (Title III)

•

Market Access Program (MAP) (§3102)

•

Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) (§3205)

•

Undersecretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Affairs (§3209)

Nutrition (Title IV)

•

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable (“Snack”) Program (§4201)

•

Pilot project for procurement of unprocessed fruits and vegetables (§4202)

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (§4203)

Healthy Food Financing Initiative (§4206)

Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive program (§4208)

Fruit and Vegetable Program with pilot program (§4214)

Rural Development (Title VII)

•

Value-Added Agricultural Market Development and Program Grants (§6203)

Research (Title VII)

•

Specialty Crop Committee Report (§7103)

•

Citrus Disease Research and Development Trust Fund (§7103, §7306)

•

Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) (§7306)

•

Office of Pest Management Policy (§7309)

•

Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program, Specialty Crops Subcommittee (§7103, §7306)

•

High-Priority Research and Extension regarding Pollinator Protection (§7209)

Horticulture and Organic Agriculture (Title X)

•

Specialty Crops Market News Allocations (§10001)

•

Food Safety Education Initiatives (§10006)

•

Plant Pest and Disease Prevention Program (§10007)

•

Export Apple Act (§10009)

•

Specialty Crop Block Grant program (§10010)

•

Farmer’s Market and Local Food Promotion Program (§10003)

•

Data collection on production and marketing of local/regional agricultural foods (§10016)

•

Labor Standards (§10011)

•

Biological Opinions (§10013)

Crop Insurance (Title XI)

•

Crop Insurance Safeguards (§11011)

•

Study of Food Safety Insurance (§11022)

Miscellaneous (Title XII)

•

Scientific and Economic Analysis of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) (§12311)

Source: CRS, with information from USDA’s Economic Research Service and the United Fresh Produce Association.

Congressional Research Service

Specialty Crop Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)

Similar to that for specialty crops, provisions supporting certified organic production are not

limited to the Horticulture title, but are contained within several other titles of the farm bill.

Selected Organic Agriculture Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)

Conservation (Title II)

•

EQIP Organic Initiative (§2202)

Trade (Title III)

•

Market Access Program (MAP) (§3102)

Research (Title VII)

•

Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (§7211)

•

Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants—Organic Transitions (ORG) (§7302)

Horticulture and Organic Agriculture (Title X)

•

National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program (§10004(d)-(f))

•

Organic Production and Marketing Data Collection (§10004(c))

•

National Organic Program (§10004(b), §10005)

Source: Compiled by CRS, including information from USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) and the National

Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC)

A number of programs benefitting specialty crop and organic production are contained in the farm

bill’s Research title (Title VII). These include research programs such as the Specialty Crop

Research Initiative (SCRI), the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI),

and the Organic Transitions Program (ORG) under the Integrated Research, Education, and

Extension Competitive Grants Program. The title also provides for an Office of Pest Management

Policy as well as a Specialty Crops Subcommittee to implement an Emergency Citrus Disease

Research and Extension Program, Specialty Crops Committee. The bill also provides for

continued support of USDA’s pollinator protection efforts, as an area of “High-Priority Research

and Extension.”15

Perhaps most importantly in terms of overall annual spending, the nutrition title (Title IV)

provides support for the specialty crop industry through a series of programs that provide for fruit

and vegetable purchases under USDA’s domestic nutrition assistance programs. Provisions

supporting specialty crop producers within the farm bill’s Nutrition title (Title IV) include the

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable (Snack) Program and related pilot programs regarding procurement of

unprocessed and also canned, frozen or dried fruits and nuts; Section 32 purchases for fruits and

vegetables under the Nutrition title; Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program; and other

expanded or new programs associated with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

(SNAP)16 or other domestic feeding programs. The 2014 farm bill also created the Food

Insecurity Nutrition Incentive program to establish projects that incentivize SNAP participants to

buy fruits and vegetables.

Under USDA’s specialty crop definition, honey is an eligible “specialty crop.” See http://www.ams.usda.gov/

AMSv1.0/scbgpdefinitions.

Formerly known as the food stamp program.

Congressional Research Service

Specialty Crop Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)

In the bill’s Trade title (Title III), two programs—Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops

(TASC) and the Market Access Program (MAP)—support specialty crop and certified organic

producers, as well as other U.S. crop and livestock producers. The Value-Added Producer Grant

Program, in the bill’s Rural Development title (Title VI), also supports specialty crop and organic

producers, among other U.S. crop and livestock producers.

In the miscellaneous title of the 2014 farm bill, the Noninsured Crop Assistance Program (NAP)

was reauthorized, and included a provision to cover producers with fruit crop losses in 2012 in

counties declared a disaster due to freeze or frost. Also, as part of the farm bill’s Supplemental

Disaster Assistance Programs (Title I), two programs were reauthorized—the Tree Assistance

Program (TAP) and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish

Program (ELAP), which might provide benefit to some specialty crop producers. The farm bill

also provides for USDA to continue to look into crop insurance products that might better benefit

U.S. specialty crop and certified organic producers, as part of the 2014 farm bill’s Crop Insurance

and Disaster Assistance Programs (Title XI).

A range of programs in the farm bill’s Conservation title (Title II) also support specialty crop and

certified organic producers, along with all U.S. crop and livestock producers, such as the

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Conservation Stewardship Program

(CSP), and the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). In particular, EQIP provides support for

organic producers seeking to transition to organic, as part of the EQIP Organic Initiative.

For more detailed information on some of the programs listed here, see CRS Report R42771,

Fruits, Vegetables, and Other Specialty Crops: Selected Farm Bill and Federal Programs, and

also CRS Report R43332, SNAP and Related Nutrition Provisions of the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L.

113-79) . See also the section titled “Provisions for Specialty Crop Producers” in CRS Report

R43494, Crop Insurance Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79).

Programs described in this report supporting specialty crops and organic agriculture are

administered by various USDA agencies, including the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS),

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), Risk

Management Agency (RMA), Farm Service Agency (FSA), National Institute of Food and

Agriculture (NIFA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Natural Resources Conservation

Service (NRCS), Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), and Rural Development (RD).

Aside from USDA, other federal agencies play a role in the specialty crop industry. These include

agencies that oversee food safety requirements for fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops,

such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA), and agencies that oversee global trade, such as the Department of Commerce and the U.S.

International Trade Commission, among others. These programs are generally not under the

jurisdiction of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees and so are not part of the periodic

omnibus farm bill, and therefore not covered in this report. For more information on these

programs, see CRS Report R42771, Fruits, Vegetables, and Other Specialty Crops: Selected

Farm Bill and Federal Programs.

Congressional Research Service

Table 3. Selected Provisions Supporting Specialty Crop Producers and Organic Agriculture in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)

Comparisons with the Senate-Passed (S. 954) and House-Passed (H.R. 2642) Bills and Prior Law/Policy

Prior Law/Policy

Senate-passed bill (S. 954)

House-passed bill (H.R.

2642, incl. H.R. 3102 text)

Enacted 2014 Farm Bill

(P.L. 113-79)

Title I. Commodities (Selected Provisions)

Planting flexibility: Any crop could be planted on base

acres to receive program benefits, except fruits, vegetables

(other than mung beans and pulse crops), and wild rice.

Exceptions provided for farms and producers with a history

of double-cropping or history of growing fruits and

vegetables; in this case, direct and counter-cyclical payments

are reduced acre-for-acre for the year. [7 U.S.C. 8717,

8756] A pilot program beginning in 2009 in seven

Midwestern states allowed planting of fruits and vegetables

for processing on base acres. Base acres were temporarily

reduced for the year, but restored for the next crop year

and “considered planted” for future base calculations. [7

U.S.C. 8717(d)]

No crop planting limitations on

base acres for new farm

programs.

Same as Senate bill.

Any crop may be planted without effect

on base acres. However, payment acres

on a farm are reduced in any crop year

in which fruits, vegetables (except mung

beans and pulse crops), or wild rice

have been planted on base acres.

Reduction to payment acres is equal to

the base acres planted to these crops in

excess of 15% of base acres for either

the Price Loss Coverage or county

coverage under the Agriculture Risk

Coverage (ARC) program, and in

excess of 35% of base acres for ARC

individual coverage. [Sec. 1114(e)]

Beginning in 2008, five new disaster programs were

authorized and funded for disasters occurring on or before

9/30/11. [7 U.S.C. 1531] Program funding derived from a

transfer of 3.08% of annual customs receipts to the newly

created Agricultural Disaster Relief Trust Fund. [19 U.S.C.

2497(a)] Under P.L. 112-240, most were reauthorized (but

not funded) for FY2012 and FY2013.Two of these programs

included:

Maximum funding for ELAP is

$15 million annually. TAP

payment rate for replanting is

reduced from 70% to 65%.

Retains the combined

$100,000 per person payment

limit for LIP, LFP, and ELAP.

Retains the separate limit of

$100,000 for TAP and the 500acre limit.

Maximum funding for ELAP is

$20 million annually. TAP

payment rate for replanting is

reduced from 70% to 65%.

Combined payment limit of

$125,000 per person for LIP,

LFP, and ELAP. Retains separate

limit of $125,000 for TAP and

the 500-acre limit.

Adopts House provision. [Sec. 1501]

•

Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey

Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program

(ELAP) provided up to $50 million annually to

compensate producers for disaster losses not

covered under other disaster programs; and

•

Tree Assistance Program (TAP) provided

payments to eligible orchardists and nursery

growers to cover 70% of the cost of replanting

CRS-11

Prior Law/Policy

Senate-passed bill (S. 954)

House-passed bill (H.R.

2642, incl. H.R. 3102 text)

Enacted 2014 Farm Bill

(P.L. 113-79)

trees or nursery stock and 50% of the cost of

pruning/removal following a natural disaster.

To be eligible for these programs, a producer must purchase

crop insurance or coverage under NAP. Maximum payments

set at $100,000 per person per year for ELAP. TAP has a

separate limit of $100,000 and payment acreage not to

exceed 500 acres.

Title II. Conservation (Selected Provisions)

EQIP Organic Initiative. Sec.1240A of the Food Security

Act of 1985 (FSA) (P.L. 99-198, or the 1985 farm bill), as

amended by Section 2503 of the 2008 farm bill provide for

transitional support to organic producers under the

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). [16

U.S.C. 3839] Assists producers with planning and

implementing conservation practices and, for producers who

are not certified or exempt from certification, to develop

and work towards implementing an Organic System Plan

(OSP) to meet the National Organic Program (NOP) organic

certification through USDA. Provides financial and technical

assistance to implement conservation practices and planning

to address resource concerns associated with organic

operations (limited to totals of a maximum of $20,000 per

fiscal year and no more than $80,000 over the six year farm

bill), if producers meet all the other eligibility requirements

under EQIP.

Incorporates the definition of

the National Organic Program

into the definition of an

organic system plan. [Sec.

2202]

No comparable provision.

Adopts Senate provision. [Sec. 2202]

Market Access Program (MAP). Provides Commodity

Credit Corporation (CCC) funding of export market

development for U.S. agricultural commodities (generic and

branded) by eligible trade organizations. Authorizes CCC

funding of $200 million annually. Provides also for market

development for products that are organically-produced. [7

U.S.C. 5623]

Reauthorizes MAP at current

mandatory funding levels of

$200 million annually through

FY2018. [Sec. 3102]

Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec.

3102]

Reauthorizes MAP at $200 million

annually through FY2018. [Sec. 3102]

Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC).

Authorizes USDA to address barriers prohibiting or

Reauthorizes TASC at current

mandatory funding levels of $9

Reauthorizes TASC at current

funding levels and requires

Reauthorizes TASC at current funding

levels, and requires report similar to

Title III. Trade (Selected Provisions)

CRS-12

Prior Law/Policy

threatening exports of U.S. specialty crops. Authorizes

mandatory CCC funds reaching $9 million annually (FY2011FY2013). [7 U.S.C. 5680]

Senate-passed bill (S. 954)

million annually through

FY2018. [Sec. 3205]

House-passed bill (H.R.

2642, incl. H.R. 3102 text)

Enacted 2014 Farm Bill

(P.L. 113-79)

USDA to conduct a study of the

U.S. market for Atlantic Spiny

Dogfish. [Sec. 3205]

that as required by the House bill. [Sec.

3205]

Title IV. Nutrition (Selected Provisions, Food Distribution for Child Nutrition Programs)

USDA Fruit, Vegetable, Nut Purchases. The 2002 farm

bill required USDA to purchase a minimum of $200 million

per year of additional fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts for use

in domestic nutrition assistance programs. The 2008 farm bill

required additional purchases reaching $206 million per year

(in FY2012 and each year thereafter). Of these added

purchases, at least $50 million annually is required for USDA

fresh fruit and vegetable acquisitions for schools. (The

Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

(“DoD Fresh”) is one of the ways this is accomplished). [7

U.S.C. 612c-4]

Establishes that the $50 million

fresh fruit and vegetable

acquisition requirement

remains in effect through

FY2018. [Sec. 4201]

Establishes that the $50 million

fresh fruit and vegetable

acquisition requirement remains

in effect through FY2016.

Includes a pilot grant program

that would allow 5 states to use

this fresh fruit and vegetable

funding for their own local

sourcing of produce.

[Sec. 4049] [See also Sec.

4050 below]

Reauthorizes program as required by

the Senate bill. [Sec. 4201]

Farm-to-School Programs. Section 9(d) of the Russell

National School Lunch Act encourages schools to use

available school lunch funds for local food purchases and to

incorporate a local preference [42 U.S.C. 1758(d)]. Schools

redeem National School Lunch Program commodity

entitlement food assistance based on USDA’s purchases and

offerings [42 U.S.C. 1754]. P.L. 111-296 authorized and

provided $4 million for farm-to-school projects. [42 U.S.C.

1769(g)]

Requires USDA to conduct

demonstration projects “to

facilitate the purchase of

unprocessed and minimally

processed locally grown and

locally raised” products for

schools that participate in the

National School Lunch and

School Breakfast Programs.

[Sec. 4208]

Allows USDA to permit school

food authorities with low annual

commodity entitlement values

to substitute local foods entirely

or partially for USDA provided

foods. Gives USDA discretion

to establish cost-neutral farmto-school demonstration

projects. [Sec. 4050]

[See Sec. 4202 above]

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.

Authorizes and provides $20.6 million annually for the

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program through FY2012.

[7 U.S.C. 612c-4(b)]

Reauthorizes and continues to

provide Commodity Credit

Corporation (CCC)

mandatory funding of $20.6

million annually through

FY2018. [Sec. 4202]

Provides CCC mandatory

funding of $20.6 million annually

through FY2016. Expands

eligibility from “low-income

seniors” to “low-income seniors

and low-income families who

are determined to be at

nutritional risk.” Requires at

least 50% of the funds to be

reserved for seniors. Adds an

authorization to appropriate

Similar to the Senate bill except that

funds are retroactively available to the

start of FY2014. [Sec. 4203]

CRS-13

Requires USDA to carry out a pilot

project for up to eight states

participating in the National School

Lunch Program to have additional

flexibility in purchasing fresh fruits and

vegetables from multiple suppliers and

allow for geographic preference. [Sec.

4202]

Prior Law/Policy

Senate-passed bill (S. 954)

House-passed bill (H.R.

2642, incl. H.R. 3102 text)

Enacted 2014 Farm Bill

(P.L. 113-79)

“such sums as are necessary.”

[Sec. 4046]

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. Provides fruit and

vegetable snacks to school children throughout the day,

Purchases are limited to fresh fruits and vegetables. Program

is permanently authorized and permanently funded. Available

funds reach $150 million on July 1, 2011, and on July 1, 2012,

and each July 1 thereafter, the amount made available for the

preceding fiscal year, adjusted for inflation. [42 U.S.C. 1769]

No comparable provision.

Changes the name of the

program to “Fruit and Vegetable

Program.” Would allow

purchase and provision of

frozen, canned, dried fruits and

vegetables. [Sec. 4048]

Requires USDA to administer a pilot

project, in which at least five states that

participate in the Fresh Fruit and

Vegetable Program offer frozen,

canned, and dried fruits and vegetables.

Provides $5 million in mandatory

funding to implement and evaluate the

pilot. [Sec. 4214]

Hunger-free Community Grants. The 2008 farm bill

authorized appropriations of such sums as are necessary

through FY2012 for matching grants (1) to food program

service providers and nonprofits for collaborative efforts to

assess community hunger problems and to achieve “hungerfree communities” and (2) to emergency feeding

organizations for infrastructure development. Available

funding is divided equally between these 2 grant initiatives,

and the federal matching percentage is limited to 80%.

Authorized pilot projects are designed to improve the health

status of participants. [7 U.S.C. 2026(k)]

Extends and amends the

hunger-free community grants

to “incentive grants” for

projects that incentivize

Supplemental Nutrition

Assistance Program (SNAP)

participants to buy fruits and

vegetables. Limits federal cost

share to 50%. Provides $100

million in mandatory funding

over 5 years. Discretionary

authority of $5 million per

year. [Sec. 4204]

No comparable provision.

Similar to the Senate bill except that

the incentive grant program is named

“Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive.”

[Sec. 4208]

Currently, the Administration administers a Healthy Food

Financing Initiative (HFFI) by requesting appropriations

for several existing statutory authorities in order to provide

grants and tax credits to support development of food

retailers in underserved communities. Since 2010, the

Administration has operated related programs at USDA,

Health and Human Services (HHS), and/or Treasury.

Authorizes appropriations of

$125 million to remain

available until expended. USDA

is authorized to approve a

“national fund manager” to

administer funds by supporting

food retail projects that would

“expand or preserve access to

staple foods” and accept food

stamp benefits. [Sec. 4205]

Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec.

4052]

Identical to the House and Senate bills.

[Sec. 4206]

CRS-14

Prior Law/Policy

Senate-passed bill (S. 954)

House-passed bill (H.R.

2642, incl. H.R. 3102 text)

Enacted 2014 Farm Bill

(P.L. 113-79)

Reauthorizes the program, and

increases authorization of

mandatory spending from $15

million to $50 million.

Reauthorized appropriations

through FY2018. [Sec. 6202]

Reauthorizes the program. Provides

$63 million in mandatory spending and

reauthorizes $40 million in annual

appropriations though 2018. [Sec.

6203]

Title VI. Rural Development (Selected Provisions)

Value-Added Agricultural Product Market

Development Grants. Provided grants to agricultural

producers for projects that add value to commodities (and

thereby increase farm income) and support planning and

business development for value-added projects. Authorized

$40 million annually FY2009-2013 subject to appropriations,

and $15 million in mandatory spending to remain available

until expended. [7 U.S.C. 1621]

Reauthorizes the program, and

provides $12.5 million annually

in mandatory spending

(FY2014-FY2018). Authorizes

appropriations $40 million

annually (FY2014-FY2018),

subject to annual

appropriations. [Sec. 6001]

Title VII. Research, Extension, and Related Matters (Selected Provisions)

Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI). Established

in the 2008 farm bill amending the Agriculture Research,

Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (AREERA).

Provided mandatory CCC funds of $30 million (FY2008) and

$50 million annually (FY2009-FY2012), and authorized

appropriations of $100 million annually (FY2008-FY2013). [7

U.S.C. 7632]

Reauthorizes SCRI and

mandatory funds of $25 million

(FY2014); $30 million annually

(FY2015-FY2016); $65 million

(FY2017); and $50 million

(FY2018 and each fiscal year

thereafter). [Sec. 7305]

Reauthorizes SCRI and

mandatory funds of $25 million

(FY2013); $50 million annually

(FY2014-FY2015); $55 million

(FY2016-FY2017); and $65

million (FY2018 and each fiscal

year thereafter). Reauthorized

appropriations through FY2018.

[Sec. 7307]

Reauthorizes SCRI and mandatory

funds of $80 million (FY2014 and each

fiscal year thereafter). Extends

authority to appropriate funds of $25

million per fiscal year (FY2014-FY2018).

[Sec. 7306]

Specialty Crops Committee. Amended the Specialty

Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-465) to

establish and allow USDA to appoint members to a

permanent committee responsible for studying the scope

and effectiveness of research, extension, and economics

programs affecting specialty crops. [7 U.S.C. 3123a]

Amends requirements to

provide for diversity of the

specialty crops represented,

and to ensure ongoing

consultation with diverse

sectors of the specialty crop

industry. [Sec. 7102]

Amends requirements to

include research on (1)

improving quality and taste of

processed specialty crops and

(2) use of remote sensing in

production practices. [Sec.

7103]

Amends the National Agricultural

Research, Extension, and Teaching

Policy Act of 1977 [7 U.S.C. 3123a] to

establish a citrus disease subcommittee

within the Specialty Crops Committee

to advise USDA. [Sec. 7103] Of

available SCRI funding, provides $25

million (FY2014-FY2018) for an

Emergency Citrus Disease Research

and Extension Program. [Sec. 7306]

Establishes a “Citrus Disease

Research and Development

Trust Fund” to fund scientific

research on to solve citrus

production disease or pest

problems, among other

activities. [Sec. 12212]

CRS-15

House-passed bill (H.R.

2642, incl. H.R. 3102 text)

Enacted 2014 Farm Bill

(P.L. 113-79)

Reauthorizes OREI with some

program changes. Reauthorizes

CCC funds of $16 million

(FY2014-FY2018) and extends

authority for appropriated

funding of $25 million through

FY2018. [Sec. 7209]

Reauthorizes OREI and

establishes a priority for grant

proposals found to be

“scientifically meritorious”

during grant proposal review.

Reauthorizes CCC funds of $20

million (FY2014-FY2018) and

extends authority for

appropriated funding of $25

million through FY2018. [Sec.

7211]

Similar to the House bill, except criteria

for “scientifically meritorious” is

excluded. [Sec. 7211]

Organic Transitions Program (ORG). ORG is part of

the “Integrated Research, Education, and Extension

Competitive Grants Program,” and funds research,

extension, and education programs to improve the

competitiveness of organic producers and transitioning

producers. Authorized appropriations of such sums as

necessary through FY2013. [7 U.S.C. 7626]

Reauthorizes the Integrated

Research, Education, and

Extension Competitive Grants

Program, and extends

authority to appropriate funds

through FY2018. [Sec. 7302]

Nearly identical to Senate bill.

[Sec. 7302]

Nearly identical to the House and

Senate bills, with minor technical

change. [Sec. 7302]

Office of Pest Management Policy coordinates USDA’s

policies and activities related to pesticides and pest

management tools. Authorized appropriations of such sums

as necessary through FY2013. [7 U.S.C. 7653]

Reauthorizes appropriations of

$3 million annually (FY2014FY2018). [Section 7307]

Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec.

7310]

Identical to the House and Senate bills.

[Sec. 7309]

High-Priority Research and Extension: Pollinator

Protection. Provides for “high-priority research and

extension” areas and initiatives, and other programs. Among

other program areas identified in previous farm bills are

pollinator protection with specific amounts of authorized

appropriations. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as

necessary are through FY2013. [7 U.S.C. 5925(g)]

(Honey is defined as a specialty crop, according to USDA.)

Retains research covering

pollinator protection as a

“high-priority.” Reauthorizes

funding levels, subject to

annual appropriations, through

FY2018 [Sec. 7208]

Reauthorizes pollinator

protection research grants,

USDA coordination efforts, and

a nationwide honey bee pest

and pathogen surveillance

program. Reauthorizes

appropriations through FY2018.

[Sec. 7209] Establishes a Task

Force on Bee Health and

Commercial Beekeeping, and

encourages USDA to conduct a

Pollinator Research Lab

Feasibility Study. [Sec. 11315]

Retains research covering pollinator

protection as a “high-priority.”

Reauthorizes appropriations of $20

million annually through FY2018:

research and extension activities ($10

million annually); USDA capacity and

infrastructure ($7.25 million annually);

and honeybee surveillance ($2.75

million annually). [Sec. 7209]

Prior Law/Policy

Senate-passed bill (S. 954)

Organic Agriculture Research and Extension

Initiative (OREI). The 2008 farm bill provided for grants

to facilitate the development of organic agriculture

production and processing. Provided mandatory CCC funds

of $18 million (FY2009) and $20 million annually (FY2010FY2012), and authorized annual appropriations of $25 million

(FY2009-FY2013). [7 U.S.C. 5925b]

CRS-16

Prior Law/Policy

Senate-passed bill (S. 954)

House-passed bill (H.R.

2642, incl. H.R. 3102 text)

Enacted 2014 Farm Bill

(P.L. 113-79)

Title X. Horticulture (Selected Provisions)

Marketing and Promotion, and Trade

Block Grants to States. The Specialty Crops

Competitiveness Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-465), as amended

by the 2008 farm bill, authorized block grants to states to

support projects in marketing, research, pest management,

and food safety, among other purposes. Current

mandatory CCC funding is $55 million annually (FY2010FY2013). [7 U.S.C. 1621 note]

Reauthorizes program through

FY2018. Increases mandatory

funding to $70 million annually

(FY2014 through FY2018), which

would also raise the minimum

grant amount received by each

state/territory. Changes

additional allocation to be based

on both production value and

acreage (instead of production

value only). Allows for multistate

project grants involving food

safety, plant pests and disease,

crop-specific projects addressing

common issues, and any other

area as determined by USDA,

with increased funding starting at

$1 million (FY2013) to $5 million

(FY2017). Limits administrative

costs to 3% (federal level) and 8%

(state level). [Sec. 10008]

Similar to the Senate bill, but

provides higher funding levels:

$72.5 million annually (FY20142017) and $85 million (FY2018).

Requires 50% cost-sharing by

states for equipment or capitalrelated research costs. [Sec.

10007]

Reauthorizes program at the following

funding levels: $72.5 million annually

(FY2014-2017) and $85 million for

FY2018 and each fiscal year thereafter.

Funding for multistate project grants

shall remain available until expended:

$1 million (FY2014); $2 million

(FY2015); $3 million (FY2016); $4

million (FY2017); and $5 million

(FY2018). [Sec. 10010]

Farmers’ Market Promotion Program (FMPP). The

Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act (P.L. 94-463),

as amended, originally authorized the FMPP to promote

farmers' markets, roadside stands, community-supported

agriculture programs, agri-tourism activities, and other

direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities.

Authorized annual appropriations for grants to local

governments and nonprofit organizations. Current

mandatory CCC funding is $10 million annually (FY2011FY2012). [7 U.S.C. 3005]

Reauthorizes the current grant

program, but changes the scope

and name of the program to the

“Farmer’s Market and Local

Food Promotion Program.”

Expands the program to include

local and regional food

enterprises that process,

distribute, aggregate, store, and

market locally or regionally

produced food products,

designating 50% of available funds

for this purpose. Increases

Similar to the Senate bill, except

that the House bill provides $30

million annually (FY2014FY2018) in mandatory funding

but limits the appropriations

authority to $10 million

annually, and caps administrative

expenses at 3% of funding. [Sec.

10003]

Reauthorizes program at the following

funding levels: $30 million in mandatory

funding annually (FY2014 through

FY2018) and authorizes appropriations

of $10 million each year (FY2014FY2018). Designates 50% each of

available funds for respectively: (1)

domestic farmers’ markets, roadside

stands, community-supported

agriculture programs, agritourism

activities, and other direct producer-toconsumer market opportunities; and

(2) local and regional food business

Note: Among the programs not included in the one-year

extension of the 2008 farm bill in the American Taxpayer

CRS-17

Prior Law/Policy

Relief Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-240).

Senate-passed bill (S. 954)

House-passed bill (H.R.

2642, incl. H.R. 3102 text)

mandatory funding to $20 million

annually (FY2014 through

FY2018). Authorizes

appropriations of $20 million

each year (FY2014-FY2018).

Caps administrative costs to 10%.

Requires USDA, when awarding

grants, to give priority to

proposals for projects that

benefit underserved

communities, mid-sized farm and

ranch operations, and build

capacity for local/regional food

systems. [Sec. 10003]

Enacted 2014 Farm Bill

(P.L. 113-79)

enterprises, Caps administrative

expenses at 4% of funding a [Sec.

10003]

Note: Another related provision is in Title

IV (Nutrition, the Seniors Farmers’ Market

Nutrition Program). [Sec. 4202]

Transporting Specialty Crops. The 2008 farm bill

authorized grants to various public and private entities to

improve transporting specialty crops to markets.

Authorized appropriations of such sums as necessary. [7

U.S.C. 1622c]

Repeals authorization under

Section 10403 of the 2008 farm

bill. [Sec. 10002]

Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec.

10002]

Identical to the House and Senate bills.

[Sec. 10002]

The Export Apple Act provides for the inspection and

certification of U.S. apples before entering foreign

commerce. [7 U.S.C. 584]

Exempts apples shipped to

Canada in bulk bins (i.e., bins with

apples weighing more than 100

lbs.) from inspection. [Sec.

10011]

Exempts apples shipped to

Canada in bulk bins (i.e., bins

with apples weighing more than

100 lbs.) from provisions of the

Export Apple Act. Requires

USDA to issue regulations to

carry out this provision within

60 days of enactment. [Sec.

10010]

Similar to the House bill. [Sec. 10009]

Research and Promotion Program (“check-off”

program) for Christmas Trees. The Commodity

Promotion, Research and Information Act of 1996 gave

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) general

authority to allow for the creation of generic promotion

programs at the request of a group of producers. [7

U.S.C. 7411 et seq.]

No comparable provision.

Requires that USDA lift a stay

of regulations related to

establishing an industry-funded

promotion, research, and

information program for freshcut Christmas trees. [Sec.

10015]

Similar to the House bill. [Sec. 10014]

CRS-18

Prior Law/Policy

Senate-passed bill (S. 954)

House-passed bill (H.R.

2642, incl. H.R. 3102 text)

Enacted 2014 Farm Bill

(P.L. 113-79)

No comparable provision.

Authorizes grants to state and

tribal governments to promote

the domestic maple (Acer) syrup

industry to promote research

and education, resource

sustainability, and marketing,

among other activities.

Authorizes appropriations of $20

million annually (FY2014FY2015). [Sec. 12208]

Nearly identical to the Senate

bill, except that the House

authorizes appropriations of

$20 million each year for the

program through FY2018. [Sec.

12309]

Establishes an “Acer Access and

Development Program,” funded by

authorized appropriations of $20

million annually through FY2018. [Sec.

12306]

No comparable provision.

Requires the USDA to provide

technical assistance to the U.S.

Customs and Border Protection

to identify produce claimed to

be grown in the United States,

when it is not. Requires USDA

to submit a report to Congress.

[Sec. 12316]

Adopts House provision. [Sec. 12309]

Trade Promotion. See also reauthorization of Technical

Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) [7 U.S.C. 5680]

and the Market Access Program (MAP) [7 U.S.C. 5623]

See Title III, Trade. [Sec. 3205]

and [Sec. 3102]

See Title III, Trade. [Sec. 3205]

and [Sec. 3102]

See Title III, Trade. [Sec. 3205] and

[Sec. 3102]

National Organic Program (NOP). The Organic

Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990 (P.L. 101-624, Title

XXI; in 1990 farm bill), as amended by the 2008 farm bill,

authorized the NOP to develop and enforce national

standards for organically-produced agricultural products.

Authorized appropriations were $11 million in FY2013,

plus additional sums as necessary. [7 U.S.C. 6522]

Provides for enforcement and penalties for violations of

NOP’s labeling requirements for certified organic

products. [7 U.S.C. 6519]

Reauthorizes NOP and

appropriations of $15 million

annually (FY2014- FY2018).

Provides mandatory funding of $5

million in FY2013 (available until

expended) to modernize the

NOP database and technology

systems. [Sec. 10005(b-c)]

Amends OFPA’s recordkeeping,

investigations, and enforcement

provisions. [Sec. 10009]

Reauthorizes NOP and

appropriations of $11 million

annually (FY2014-FY2018).

Requires the NOP to

modernize its database and

technology systems [Sec.

10004(b-c)] Amends OFPA’s

investigations and enforcement

provisions. [Sec. 10005]

Similar to Senate bill. Reauthorizes

NOP and appropriations of $15 million

annually (FY2014-FY2018). Provides

mandatory funding of $5 million in

FY2014 (available until expended) to

modernize the NOP database and

technology systems. [Sec. 10004(b)]

Amends OFPA’s investigations and

enforcement provisions. [Sec. 10005]

Organic Research and Promotion Program

(“check-off” program) for Organic Products. The

Allows for USDA to develop a

process to establish an organic

Similar to Senate bill. [Sec.

10004(f)]

Similar to House and Senate bills.

Amends the exemption of certified

Organic Certification

CRS-19

House-passed bill (H.R.

2642, incl. H.R. 3102 text)

Enacted 2014 Farm Bill

(P.L. 113-79)

Prior Law/Policy

Senate-passed bill (S. 954)

Commodity Promotion, Research and Information Act of

1996 gave USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

general authority to allow for the creation of generic

promotion programs at the request of a group of

producers. [7 U.S.C. 7411 et seq.] No research and

promotion program for organic products currently exists.

research and promotion program

for organic products. [Sec.

10012]

Financial Assistance. Section 524(b) of the Federal

Crop Insurance Act, as amended, authorizes the

Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) program.

AMA provides financial and technical support to

producers in 16 specified states for conservation

practices, risk mitigation, and market diversification.

Provides $15 million in annual mandatory funding in

FY2008 through FY2014, and $10 million each fiscal year

thereafter. Requires 50% to NRCS, 40% to RMA, and 10%

to AMS. [7 U.S.C. 1524(b)]

Authorizes $23 million in

mandatory CCC funding annually

(FY2014-FY2018) and combines

the two programs to include (1)

organic certification cost share

assistance (50% of funds); (2)

activities to support risk

management education and

outreach under the Federal Crop

Insurance Act (26% of funds); and

(3) agricultural management

assistance grants to producers in

states with low federal crop

insurance participation, for

various conservation purposes

(24% of funds). See Title XI,

Crop Insurance. [Sec. 11034]

Per-person payments are limited

to $50,000 in any one year.

Repeals the National Organic

Certification Cost-Share

program. [Sec. 10004(d)]

Market News. Section 10107 of the 2008 farm bill

authorized support for the collection and dissemination of

market news for specialty crops. Authorized

appropriations of $9 million annually (FY2008-FY2013) to

remain available until expended. [7 U.S.C. 1622b(b)]

Reauthorizes program at $9

million subject to annual

appropriations through FY2018.

[Sec. 10001]

Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec.

10001]

Identical to House and Senate bills.

[Sec. 10001]

Organic Production and Market Data Initiatives

(ODI). Section 7407 of the 2002 farm bill, as amended by

the 2008 farm bill, required USDA to keep segregated

data on organic production and marketing. Provided $5

Reauthorizes appropriations of

$5 million through FY2018

(available until expended) and

provides for funds to be available

Reauthorizes appropriations of

$5 million through FY2018

(available until expended). [Sec.

10004(a)]

Similar to Senate bill. [Sec. 10004(a)]

Section 10606 of the 2002 farm bill established the

National Organic Certification Cost Share Program

(NOCCSP) to help producers and handlers of organic

products obtain certification. Provided $22 million in

mandatory funding in FY2008 (available until expended). [7

U.S.C. 6523]

organic products from promotion

order assessment under a commodity

promotion law to include any

agricultural commodity that is certified

as “organic” or “100 percent organic”

(7 C.F.R. 215) as well as “split

operations.” [Sec. 10004(d)-(f)]

Reauthorizes the National Organic

Certification Cost-Share program.

[Sec. 10004(c)] Provides mandatory

CCC funds (FY2014-2018) of $11.5

million annually, to remain available

until expended.

Congress did not authorize other

changes that would have affected the

AMA Organic Certification Cost-Share

Program, which is authorized to receive

about $1.5 million annually through

FY2018 under other authorizing

legislation (Federal Crop Insurance Act,

as amended (7 U.S.C §§1501-1524).

Data and Information Collection

CRS-20

House-passed bill (H.R.

2642, incl. H.R. 3102 text)

Enacted 2014 Farm Bill

(P.L. 113-79)

Prior Law/Policy

Senate-passed bill (S. 954)

million in mandatory CCC funding, plus authorized

appropriations of $5 million annually (FY2008-FY2012),

both available until expended. Specified that $3.5 million of

available mandatory funds be allocated to AMS. [7 U.S.C.

5925c]

“annually thereafter.” Provides an

additional $5 million in

mandatory CCC funds (to remain

available until expended).

Requires coordination of USDA’s

data user agencies. [Sec.

10005(a)]

No comparable provision.

Requires USDA to collect data

on the production and marketing

of locally or regionally produced

agricultural food products;

facilitate interagency data sharing

and collaboration; and monitor

the effectiveness of programs

designed to expand or facilitate

local food systems. Requires

USDA to submit a report to

Congress, within a year after

enactment. [Sec. 10004]

Similar to Senate provision.

[Sec. 10017]

Similar to House and Senate bills,

requiring USDA to conduct a local food

production and program evaluation.

[Sec. 10016]

Authorizes appropriations of $1

million annually to remain

available until expended (FY2013FY2018). [Sec. 10006]

Authorizes appropriations if $1

million annually through

FY2018, subject to annual

appropriations. Adds

“farmworkers” as part of the

target audience for the

education initiatives and lists

“practices that prevent bacterial

contamination of food, how to

identify source of food

contamination, and other means

of decreasing food

contamination” as part of the

safe food handling practices

addressed by USDA within the

program. [Sec. 10006]

Identical to Senate bill. [Sec. 10006]

Food Safety/Quality Standards

Produce Safety Education. Section 10105 of the 2008

farm bill amended the Agricultural Research, Extension,

and Education Reform Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-185) to

implement a program to educate fresh produce industry

personnel and consumers on ways to reduce pathogens in

fresh produce. Authorized appropriations of $1 million

annually to remain available until expended [7 U.S.C.

7655a(c)]

CRS-21

Prior Law/Policy

Senate-passed bill (S. 954)

House-passed bill (H.R.

2642, incl. H.R. 3102 text)

Enacted 2014 Farm Bill

(P.L. 113-79)

No comparable provision.

Requires USDA to submit to the

Food and Drug Administration a

report that describes an

appropriate federal standard for

the identity of honey, and shall

consider the March 2006

Standard of Identity citizens

petition filed with FDA (within

180 days after enactment). [Sec.

10010]

Identical to the Senate bill. [Sec.

10009]

Identical to House and Senate bills,

requiring USDA conduct a study on

honey. [Sec. 10012]

FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

FSMA expanded or modified FDA authorities for food

safety under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act

[21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] FSMA expanded FDA’s authority

to conduct a mandatory recall of contaminated food

products; enhanced surveillance systems to investigate

foodborne illness outbreaks; established new preventive

controls and food safety plans at some food processing

facilities and farms; enhanced FDA's traceability capacity

within the nation's food distribution channels; increased

inspection frequencies of high-risk food facilities (both

domestic and foreign facilities); and expanded FDA's

authority and oversight of foreign companies that supply

food imports to the United States. [21 U.S.C. 2201 et

seq.]

No comparable provision.

Requires FDA publish scientific

and economic analysis before

enforcing any regulations

(FSMA, P.L. 111-353). The

analysis will examine regulatory

effects for a range of business

sizes and differences in regional

production, processing, and

marketing, among other effects,

and economic impacts of the

regulation focusing on a variety

of business sizes, and small and

mid-sized value added food

processors. FDA must issue a

plan to “systematically evaluate

the regulations by surveying

farmers and processors,” and

submit a report to Congress

after FDA promulgates the final

rule. [Sec. 12321]

Similar to the House bill, but with

changes. Requires that FDA, when

publishing its final rule ‘‘Standards for

the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and

Holding of Produce for Human

Consumption’’ (78 Federal Register

3504), include an analysis of the

scientific information used to

promulgate the final rule, as well as an

economic impact analysis of the rule.

Removes the requirement to survey

farmers and processors. Requires that

the U.S. Comptroller General submit a

report to certain House and Senate

congressional committees, as well as an

updated report to the committees

within one year of the final rule being

promulgated. [Sec. 12311]

Repeals program under Section

10202 of the 2008 farm bill and

authorizes a consolidated plant

pest and disease management and

disaster prevention program,

Similar to the Senate bill, except

that the House bill provides

mandatory funding of $62.5

million annually (FY2014FY2017), and $75 million for

Consolidates plant pest and disease

management and disaster prevention

programs. Adopts funding levels in

House bill. [Sec. 10007]

Plant Pest/Disease Management

Pest and Disease Control. Sections 10201 and 10202

of the 2008 farm bill amended the Plant Protection Act

(PPA) to authorize an early plant pest detection and

surveillance system and threat identification/mitigation,

among other activities, and a National Clean Plant

CRS-22

Prohibits CCC funds used for technical

Prior Law/Policy

Senate-passed bill (S. 954)

House-passed bill (H.R.

2642, incl. H.R. 3102 text)

Enacted 2014 Farm Bill

(P.L. 113-79)

Network where the specialty crop industry can obtain

pest- and disease-free planting stock. Provided mandatory

CCC funds reaching $50 million in FY2012 and annually

thereafter, plus another $5 million in mandatory funds for

FY2008 (available until expended) for the National Clean

Plant Network. [7 U.S.C. 7721]

named the “National Clean Plant

Network.” Consolidates and

increases available mandatory

funding levels: $60 million

annually (FY2014-FY2017) and

$65 million for FY2018 and each

fiscal year thereafter. [Sec.

10007]

FY2018, including $5 million in

appropriated funds for FY2013.

Of the available mandatory

funds, requires at least $5

million annually for the Clean

Plant Network. [Sec. 10011]

assistance to be considered an

allotment or fund transfer from the

CCC for the purpose of the limit on

expenditures for technical assistance.

[Sec. 10017]

See also Title VII (Research) for reauthorization of the

other pest management policies.

See Title VII, Research. [Sec.

7307] and [Sec. 7308]

See Title VII, Research. [Sec.

7310]

See Title VII, Research. [Sec. 7306]

Exemptions from Certain Regulatory Requirements and Other Requirements

Biological Opinions. Under the Endangered Species Act

(ESA), federal agencies (such as EPA) are required to

avoid jeopardy to listed species and adverse modification

of designated critical habitat in their actions. They consult

with the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) or the National

Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), which issue Biological

Opinions (BiOps) on jeopardy. If a BiOp finds a pesticide,

or a specific use of it, would jeopardize a listed species,

EPA would violate ESA if it allowed that pesticide or

specific use. EPA restricts specific uses through labeling

requirements. [16 U.S.C. 1536]

No comparable provision.

Creates an exception for

amending pesticide registrations

from ESA requirements for

consultation, when a BiOp was

issued before a certain date.

The exception would require

BiOps to comply with

recommendations by a study to

be conducted by the National

Academy of Sciences. [Sec.

10012]

Similar to the House bill with changes.

Authorizes two reports to Congress

that describe approaches and actions

taken by EPA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service, and National Marine Fisheries

Service to implement recommendations

of the report, “Assessing Risks to

Endangered and Threatened Species

from Pesticides.” The final report to

Congress shall include an evaluation to

establish that approaches use the best

available science. [Sec. 10013]

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide

Act (FIFRA) [7 U.S.C.136-136y] and Federal Food,

Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) [21 U.S.C.

§346a)] are among the major statutory authorities

governing pesticide regulation.

No comparable provision.

Amends FIFRA to eliminate the

requirement to notify EPA for

seeds, including treated seeds,

of the arrival of pesticides and

devices (66 FR 37772, published

July 19, 2001). [Sec. 10014]

Similar to the House bill with changes.

Prohibits the requirement of notifying

EPA of the arrival of a plantincorporated protectant (PIP)

contained in a seed. If requested, USDA

shall provide EPA with a list of seeds

containing PIPs. The amendment does

not limit USDA’s other authorities

regarding the movement of seeds. [Sec.

10008] Directs EPA to exclude

nonpesticidal sources of fluoride from

aggregate exposure assessments

required under Section 408 of the

Regarding imported seed, EPA must be notified of the

arrival of imported pesticides and devices through the

Notice of Arrival form (EPA Form 3540-1) prior to

importation.

Sulfuryl fluoride is currently registered for the control of

insect pests in stored grains, dried fruits, tree nuts, coffee

and cocoa beans, and for use in food handling and

CRS-23

Requires EPA, in conjunction

with USDA, to submit a report

on the potential economic and

public health effects of finalizing

a proposed order (76 FR 3422,

published on January 19, 2011)

House-passed bill (H.R.

2642, incl. H.R. 3102 text)

Enacted 2014 Farm Bill

(P.L. 113-79)

pertaining to the pesticide

sulfuryl fluoride. [Sec. 10016]

FFDCA when assessing tolerances

associated with residues from the

pesticide. [Sec. 10015]

No comparable provision.

Directs USDA to consult with

the Department of Labor

regarding restraints imposed on

the shipment of agricultural

commodities for actual or

alleged violations of labor law in

order to consider the

perishable nature of such

commodities, the economic

impact on farming operations of

imposing such restraints, and

the competitiveness of specialty

crops. [Sec. 10008]

Similar to House bill. Requires that

USDA consult with the Department of

Labor within 60 days of enactment and

submit a report to Congress that

describes the number of instances

between FY2008-FY2013 that the

Department of Labor has contacted a

purchaser of perishable agricultural

commodities to notify them of an

investigation or pending enforcement

action against a producer from whom

they purchased perishable agricultural

commodities. [Sec. 10011]

A private sector entity can propose an insurance plan to

be added to the FCIC portfolio of products. A process

must be established to review and approve products. [7

U.S.C. 1508(h)]

For private sector submissions,

directs the Federal Crop

Insurance Corporation (FCIC) to

establish priorities for specific

types of submissions, subject to

certain requirements. [Sections

11009, 11010]

No comparable provision.

Similar to the Senate bill; as part of the

submission process, the applicant must

consult with a specified set of producer

groups potentially affected: fruits,

vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture, and

nursery crops. [Sec. 11011]

No comparable provision.

FCIC is required to contract for

studies on the feasibility of

insuring (1) specialty crop

producers for food safety and

contamination-related losses

[Sec. 11020], among other

activities.

Similar to the Senate bill, with

some exceptions. [Sec. 11021]

Among other provisions, FCIC shall

conduct a “Study of Food Safety

Insurance” to determine whether

offering policies that provide coverage

for specialty crops from food safety and

contamination issues would benefit

agricultural producers, and submit the

report to Congress within a year of

enactment. [Sec. 11022]

No comparable provision.

Authorizes grants to state and

tribal governments to promote

Nearly identical to the Senate

bill, except that the House

Identical to the House bill, establishing

an Acer Access and Development

Prior Law/Policy

Senate-passed bill (S. 954)

processing facilities. EPA is re-evaluating the current

science on fluoride and is taking steps to begin a phaseddown withdrawal of the pesticide sulfuryl fluoride.

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938 prohibits the

shipment in interstate commerce of goods that are

produced in violation of the act’s minimum wage,

overtime, or child labor standards.

Title XI. Crop Insurance (Selected Provisions)

CRS-24

Prior Law/Policy

No comparable provision.

Senate-passed bill (S. 954)

House-passed bill (H.R.

2642, incl. H.R. 3102 text)

Enacted 2014 Farm Bill

(P.L. 113-79)

the domestic maple syrup

industry to promote research

and education, resource

sustainability, and marketing,

among other activities.

Authorizes appropriations of $20

million annually (FY2014FY2015). [Sec. 12208]

authorizes appropriations of

$20 million each year for the

program through FY2018. [Sec.

12309]

Program. [Sec. 12306]

No comparable provision.

Requires the USDA to provide

technical assistance to the U.S.

Customs and Border Protection

to identify produce claimed to

be grown in the United States,

when it is not. Requires USDA

to submit to Congress a report

on produce represented as

grown in the United States.

[Sec. 12316]

Identical to the House bill. [Sec.

12309]

Retains current program and

makes available to crop

producers an additional policy

called Supplemental Coverage

Option (SCO) to cover part of

the deductible under the

producer’s underlying policy.

SCO is an area-wide (e.g.,

county) yield or revenue loss

policy, whereby an indemnity is

paid on area losses not more

than the deductible level (e.g.,

25%) selected by the producer

for the underlying individual

policy. On the SCO policy, the

farmer incurs a deductible equal

to 10% of the producer’s

SCO provision is similar to the

Senate bill. Coverage is

triggered only if the area loss

exceeds 10%, and policy

coverage does not exceed the

difference between 90% and the

coverage level selected by the

producer for the underlying

policy. Also, acres covered by

Revenue Loss Coverage (RLC)

or STAX (see below) are not

eligible for SCO. [Sec. 11003]

Similar to the House bill. Coverage is

triggered by losses greater than 14%

(not 10%), and policy coverage cannot

exceed the difference between 86% and

the coverage level selected by the

producer for the underlying policy.

Acres covered by Agriculture Risk

Coverage (ARC) or STAX (see below)

are not eligible for SCO. Coverage to

begin no later than the 2015 crop year.

[Sec. 11003] A crop margin coverage

option is available as a single policy or

in combination with a yield or revenue

loss policy. [Sec. 11004]

New or Revised Insurance Products

Permanently authorized by the Federal Crop Insurance

Act, the federal crop insurance program makes available

subsidized crop insurance to producers who purchase a

policy to protect against individual farm losses in yield,

crop revenue, or whole farm revenue. In general, policies

offer a guarantee at the individual farm level or area-wide

(e.g., county) level. The producer selects coverage level

and absorbs the initial loss through the deductible. The

insurance guarantee is based on the expected market

price (i.e., no statutory minimum prices as in some farm

programs).

CRS-25

Prior Law/Policy

House-passed bill (H.R.

2642, incl. H.R. 3102 text)

Enacted 2014 Farm Bill

(P.L. 113-79)

Reauthorizes through FY2018,

and makes available additional

coverage for NAP at 50% to 65%

of established yield and 100% of

average market price. Premium

for additional coverage is 5.25%

times the product of the selected

coverage level and value of

production (acreage times yield

times average market price). The

premium for additional coverage

is reduced by 50% for limited

resource, beginning, and socially

disadvantaged farmers.

Similar to the Senate bill except

as indicated below. [Sec.

12306]

Similar to the Senate bill except as

indicated below. Additional coverage is

available for crop years 2015-2018.

[Sec. 12305]

For producers with fruit crop

losses in 2012, payments

associated with additional

coverage are made retroactively

(minus premium fees) in counties

declared a disaster due to freeze

or frost. [Sec. 12204]

No comparable provision.

Identical to Senate bill.

Senate-passed bill (S. 954)

expected crop value. If the

farmer participates in ARC under

Title I, the deductible is 22%.

SCO policies are to be made

available for all crops if sufficient

data are available. Premium

subsidized at 65%. Coverage to

begin no later than the 2014 crop

year. [Sec. 11001] A crop

margin coverage option is

available as a single policy or in

combination with a yield or

revenue loss policy. [Sec. 11002]

Noninsured Crop Assistance Program. The

Noninsured Crop Assistance Program (NAP) has

permanent authority under Section 196 of the Federal

Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996, and

receives such sums as necessary in mandatory funding.

Growers of crops not insurable under the crop insurance

program are eligible for NAP. A payment is made to an

eligible producer whose actual production is less than 50%

of the established (historical) yield for the crop. The

payment rate is 55% of the average market price.

Producers pay a fee of $250 per crop per county, or $750

per producer per county, not to exceed $1,875 per

producer. [7 U.S.C. 7333]

Source: CRS. For more detailed information on all provisions in the 2014 farm bill, see CRS Report R43076, The 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79): Summary and Side-by-Side.

CRS-26

Specialty Crop Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)

Author Contact Information

(name redacted)

Specialist in Agricultural Policy

/redacted/@crs.loc.gov, 7-....

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