H.R. 7567: CFTC Whistleblower Office Account Act of 2021

The "Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026" is a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at reforming agricultural programs and services managed by the Department of Agriculture (USDA), extending these operations through fiscal year 2031. The bill addresses various areas including agricultural commodities, conservation, trade, nutrition, rural development, and research.

Foreign Investment and Data Transparency

The bill includes provisions for disclosing agricultural foreign investments, enhancing investigative activities and data collection regarding land ownership. It mandates reports on land transactions involving foreign entities and improves transparency concerning agricultural imports. Additionally, it provides support for agricultural producers who have experienced economic losses.

Grants for Innovation and Conservation Practices

The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to award competitive grants for innovative agricultural practices such as precision agriculture. Conservation programs and reporting standards would be revised, with dedicated support for soil health, managing feral swine populations, and watershed management, alongside funding allocations until 2031.

Certification Process for Non-Federal Entities

The bill stipulates that the Secretary will create a process by which non-Federal entities may gain certification. Applications for certification must be reviewed within 60 days, enabling these entities to assess and provide training for third-party technical assistance providers.

Forest Conservation and Landowner Compensation

A forest conservation easement program would be established to restore and conserve eligible lands, promote habitat restoration for vulnerable species, and implement compliance with management plans. The bill details compensation frameworks for landowners who enroll in these permanent easements and outlines habitat restoration and administrative provisions regarding eligible lands.

Commodity Credit and Food Aid Enhancements

Modifications are made to the Commodity Credit Corporation to cover agricultural commodity costs. Furthermore, the bill amends the Food for Peace Act to empower the Secretary in food aid initiatives and guarantee mandatory funding for child nutrition while refining trade enforcement related to agricultural exports.

Rural Development and Economic Assistance

The bill updates provisions within the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, extending deadlines and refining eligibility for loans and emergency assistance through 2031. It seeks to address needs of qualified operators while enhancing broadband access and adjusting project requirements for broadband funding eligibility.

Extension of Program Deadlines

It emphasizes aligning various agricultural programs and grants by extending their deadlines from 2023 to 2031 and creating eligibility criteria adjustments. Initiatives concerning rural childcare, water systems, and overall rural development are highlighted for support and funding.

Research and Education Initiatives

The bill establishes centers of excellence related to agricultural research and education, modifies provisions relating to various research facilities, and promotes programs for veteran education, food safety, and agricultural advancement emphasizing mechanization.

Watershed Management and Ecosystem Protection

The Secretary is tasked with collaborating with non-Federal partners to create and implement watershed management plans that protect ecological integrity and follow scientific guidelines. The bill encourages the initiation of forest management activities that avoid establishing permanent roads and promotes stakeholder cooperation.

Biochar and Environmental Partnerships

A program for biochar demonstration projects will be established to develop initiatives aimed at producing biochar from biomass. The focus will be on optimizing production technologies and evaluating environmental benefits, with an emphasis on local economic benefits and forest health.

Procurement Policy Updates

The bill requires the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to develop educational materials focusing on effective procurement decisions and establish standards for bioproduct labeling. Annual accountability reports on procurement programs will also be mandated.

Industrial Hemp and Genetically Engineered Organisms

Regulations concerning industrial hemp producers will be amended, easing certain restrictions and streamlining documentation. The bill also introduces a pilot program for the safe movement of genetically engineered microorganisms and associated safety protocols.

National Security in Food and Agriculture

The legislation requires the Secretary to report on national security vulnerabilities within the food and agricultural sectors and propose necessary actions and resource needs to remedy these gaps. Certain reporting requirements are exempted, and an independent office for partnerships and public engagement will be established within the USDA.

Relevant Companies

• DE (Deere & Company) - This company could be impacted by changes in agricultural funding and the push for innovative agricultural practices, like precision agriculture.
• TSN (Tyson Foods) - As a major player in the agricultural commodities market, any modifications in food aid programs or trade enforcement could affect their operations significantly.
• AGCO (AGCO Corporation) - AGCO, which manufactures agricultural equipment, may be directly affected by grants for innovative practices and adjustments in rural development initiatives.