WashingtonWatch.com - Revisions for P.L. 110-234, The Food and Energy Security Act of 2007

WashingtonWatch.com - Revisions for P.L. 110-234, The Food and Energy Security Act of 2007 http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills info@washingtonwatch.com http://www.pjdoland.com/chai/?v=0.1 Revision by webmaster (December 19, 2008, 19:54:44) http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/history/110_PL_110-234.html?rev=34895 H.R. 2419 would provide for the continuation of agricultural programs through fiscal year 2012. <h2 id="toc0"> Detailed Summary </h2> Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 - Title I: Commodity Programs - (Sec. 1001) Defines specified terms. Subtitle A: Direct Payments and Counter-Cyclical Payments - (Sec. 1101) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to adjust base acres for covered commodities for a farm whenever: (1) a conservation reserve contract expires or is voluntarily terminated; (2) cropland is released from coverage under a conservation reserve contract; or (3) the producer has eligible pulse crop or oilseed acreage. Requires election of either direct payments and counter-cyclical payments or conservation payments if the base adjustment is made due to a change in status of a conservation reserve contract. Requires a reduction in base acres if the sum of base acres and other specified acreage exceeds the actual cropland acreage on the farm. Allows an owner to permanently reduce farm base acres at any time. Prohibits a producer from receiving direct payments, counter-cyclical payments, or average crop revenue election payments if a farm's base acreage is 10 acres or less unless the farm is owned by a socially disadvantaged or limited resource farmer or rancher. (Sec. 1102) Provides for the establishment of a payment yield for any designated oilseed or eligible pulse crop for direct payment and counter-cyclical payment purposes. (Sec. 1103) Establishes 2008-2012 payment rates as follows: (1) wheat, $0.52 per bushel; (2) corn, $0.28 per bushel; (3) grain sorghum, $0.35 per bushel; (4) barley, $0.24 per bushel; (5) oats, $0.024 per bushel; (6) upland cotton, $0.0667 per pound; (7) long grain rice, $2.35 per hundredweight; (8) medium grain rice, $2.35 per hundredweight; (9) soybeans, $0.44 per bushel; and (10) other oilseeds, $0.80 per hundredweight. Specifies a covered commodity's payment amount as the product of the payment rate, payment acres, and payment yield. Requires that direct payments shall be made not before October 1 of the calendar year in which the crop is harvested for each of the 2008-2012 crop years. Authorizes advance direct payments of up to 22% of the direct payments at the option of the producer for each of the 2008-2011 crop years. Requires repayment under certain circumstances. (Sec. 1104) Requires that counter-cyclical payments for covered commodities be made for each of the 2008-2012 crop years if the commodity's effective price is less than its target price. Sets forth effective price provisions for: (1) rice; and (2) other commodities. Establishes 2008 target prices as follows: (1) wheat, $3.92 per bushel; (2) corn, $2.63 per bushel; (3) grain sorghum, $2.57 per bushel; (4) barley, $2.24 per bushel; (5) oats, $1.44 per bushel; (6) upland cotton, $0.7125 per pound; (7) long grain rice, $10.50 per hundredweight; (8) medium grain rice, $10.50 per hundredweight; (9) soybeans, $5.80 per bushel; and (10) other oilseeds, $10.10 per hundredweight. Establishes 2009 target prices as follows: (1) wheat, $3.92 per bushel; (2) corn, $2.63 per bushel; (3) grain sorghum, $2.57 per bushel; (4) barley, $2.24 per bushel; (5) oats, $1.44 per bushel; (6) upland cotton, $0.7125 per pound; (7) long grain rice, $10.50 per hundredweight; (8) medium grain rice, $10.50 per hundredweight; (9) soybeans, $5.80 per bushel; (10) other oilseeds, $10.10 per hundredweight; (11) dry peas, $8.32 per hundredweight; (12) lentils, $12.81 per hundredweight; (13) small chickpeas, $10.36 per hundredweight; and (14) large chickpeas, $12.81 per hundredweight. Establishes 2010-2012 target prices as follows: (1) wheat, $4.17 per bushel; (2) corn, $2.63 per bushel; (3) grain sorghum, $2.63 per bushel; (4) barley, $2.63 per bushel; (5) oats, $1.79 per bushel; (6) upland cotton, $0.7125 per pound; (7) long grain rice, $10.50 per hundredweight; (8) medium grain rice, $10.50 per hundredweight; (9) soybeans, $6.00 per bushel; (10) other oilseeds, $12.68 per hundredweight; (11) dry peas, $8.32 per hundredweight; (12) lentils, $12.81 per hundredweight; (13) small chickpeas, $10.36 per hundredweight; and (14) large chickpeas, $12.81 per hundredweight. Specifies a covered commodity's counter-cyclical payment amount as the product of the payment rate, payment acres, and payment yield. Requires that payments be made beginning October 1, or as soon as practicable thereafter, after the end of the covered commodity's marketing year. Authorizes: (1) partial payments for the 2008-2010 crops of up to 40% of the projected counter-cyclical payment after completion of the first 180 days of the covered commodity's marketing year; and (2) producers to elect to receive partial payments at any time but not later than 60 days prior to the end of the marketing year. Requires repayment under certain circumstances. (Sec. 1105) Establishes as an alternative to receiving counter-cyclical payments the average crop revenue election (ACRE) program under which an electing covered commodity or peanut producer will forgo 20% of the direct payment rate and 30% of the marketing assistance loan rates for the 2009-2012 crop years in exchange for ACRE payments. Provides that: (1) ACRE participants will be eligible for state-based coverage with a revenue guarantee equal to 90% of the five-year state average yield per planted acre times the two-year national average price for a covered commodity; (2) the guarantee cannot vary by more than 10% from the previous year's guarantee; (3) if the actual state revenue is less than the revenue guarantee for a producer suffering a farm loss such producer will receive an ACRE payment equal to the difference between the revenue guarantee and the actual revenue of up to 25% of the revenue guarantee; and (4) ACRE payments shall be made on 83.3% of the acreage planted or considered planted for the 2009-2011 crop years, and on and 85% for crop year 2012. (Sec. 1106) Requires producer compliance with specified conservation-related requirements in order to qualify for direct, counter-cyclical, or ACRE payments. (Sec. 1107) Provides for base acre crop flexibility with limitations for trees, perennial plants, fruits, vegetables (other than mung beans and pulse crops), and wild rice in areas without planting histories of such crops. Directs the Secretary to carry out a pilot project for crop years 2009-2012 to permit the planting of cucumbers, green peas, lima beans, pumpkins, snap beans, sweet corn, and tomatoes in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. (Sec. 1108) Apportions long grain and medium grain rice counter-cyclical payment base acres on a specific time period. (Sec. 1109) States that this subtitle shall be effective for crop years 2008-2012. Subtitle B: Marketing Assistance Loans and Deficiency Payments - (Sec. 1201) Directs the Secretary to make nonrecourse marketing assistance loans available for crop years 2008-2012 for each loan commodity. Requires producer compliance with conservation and wetlands requirements as a condition of loan receipt. (Sec. 1202) Establishes 2008 loan rates as follows: (1) wheat, $2.75 per bushel; (2) corn, $1.95 per bushel; (3) grain sorghum, $1.95 per bushel; (4) barley, $1.85 per bushel; (5) oats, $1.33 per bushel; (6) upland cotton, $0.52 per pound; (7) extra long staple cotton, $0.7977 per pound; (8) long grain rice, $6.50 per hundredweight; (9) medium grain rice, $6.50 per hundredweight; (10) soybeans, $5.00 per bushel; (11) sunflower seed, rapeseed, canola, safflower, flaxseed, mustard seed, crambe, sesame seed, and other oilseeds, $9.30 per hundredweight; (12) dry peas, $6.22 per hundredweight; (13) lentils, $11.72 per hundredweight; (14) small chickpeas, $7.43 per hundredweight; (15) graded wool, $1.00 per pound; (16) nongraded wool, $0.40 per pound; (17) mohair, $4.20 per pound; and (18) honey, $0.60 per pound. Establishes 2009 loan rates as follows: (1) wheat, $2.75 per bushel; (2) corn, $1.95 per bushel; (3) grain sorghum, $1.95 per bushel; (4) barley, $1.85 per bushel; (5) oats, $1.33 per bushel; (6) upland cotton, $0.52 per pound; (7) extra long staple cotton, $0.7977 per pound; (8) long grain rice, $6.50 per hundredweight; (9) medium grain rice, $6.50 per hundredweight; (10) soybeans, $5.00 per bushel; (11) sunflower seed, rapeseed, canola, safflower, flaxseed, mustard seed, crambe, sesame seed, and other oilseeds, $9.30 per hundredweight; (12) dry peas, $5.40 per hundredweight; (13) lentils, $11.28 per hundredweight; (14) small chickpeas, $7.43 per hundredweight; (15) large chickpeas, $11.28 per hundredweight; (16) graded wool, $1.00 per pound; (17) nongraded wool, $0.40 per pound; (18) mohair, $4.20 per pound; and (19) honey, $0.60 per pound. Establishes 2010-2012 loan rates as follows: (1) wheat, $2.94 per bushel; (2) corn, $1.95 per bushel; (3) grain sorghum, $1.95 per bushel; (4) barley, $1.95 per bushel; (5) oats, $1.39 per bushel; (6) upland cotton, $0.52 per pound; (7) extra long staple cotton, $0.7977 per pound; (8) long grain rice, $6.50 per hundredweight; (9) medium grain rice, $6.50 per hundredweight; (10) soybeans, $5.00 per bushel; (11) sunflower seed, rapeseed, canola, safflower, flaxseed, mustard seed, crambe, sesame seed, and other oilseeds, $10.09 per hundredweight; (12) dry peas, $5.40 per hundredweight; (13) lentils, $11.28 per hundredweight; (14) small chickpeas, $7.43 per hundredweight; (15) large chickpeas, $11.28 per hundredweight; (16) graded wool, $1.15 per pound; (17) nongraded wool, $0.40 per pound; (18) mohair, $4.20 per pound, and honey, $0.69 per pound. Directs the Secretary to establish a single county loan rate for each kind of other oilseed. (Sec. 1203) States that a marketing assistance loan shall have a nine-month non-extendable term. (Sec. 1204) Sets forth loan provisions for: (1) loan commodities (other than upland cotton, long grain rice, medium grain rice, extra long staple cotton, and confectionery and each other kind of sunflower seed (other than oil sunflower seed); (2) upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice; (3) extra long staple cotton; and (4) confectionery and other kinds of sunflower seeds. Directs the Secretary to prescribe formulas to determine the prevailing world market price for upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice. Provides for adjustment of prevailing world market prices for upland cotton. Extends cotton storage payments. Authorizes temporary repayment rate adjustments. (Sec. 1205) Authorizes the Secretary to make loan deficiency payments to producers who: (1) agree to forgo obtaining a marketing loan for an eligible commodity; and (2) produce unshorn pelts or hay or silage derived from a loan commodity for crop years 2008-2012. Sets forth payment rates. Excludes extra long staple cotton from the provisions of this section. (Sec. 1206) Directs the Secretary to make payments in lieu of deficiency payments to producers electing to use wheat, barley, oat, or triticale acreage for livestock grazing for crop years 2008-2012. Makes such acreage ineligible for crop insurance indemnity or noninsured crop assistance coverage. (Sec. 1207) Provides for special import quotas through July 31, 2013, and limited global import quotas for upland cotton based upon specified price conditions. Directs the Secretary to provide monthly adjustment assistance ($.04 per pound from August 1, 2008-July 31, 2012; $.03 per pound beginning on August 1, 2012) to domestic users of upland cotton during the previous monthly period regardless of such cotton's origin. Requires that such assistance be used for acquisition, construction, installation, modernization, conversion, or expansion of land, plant, buildings, equipment, facilities, or machinery. (Sec. 1208) Directs the Secretary, through July 31, 2013, to make payments to domestic users and exporters of U.S.-produced extra long staple cotton to expand such cotton's domestic use and exports. (Sec. 1209) Makes recourse loans available for crop years 2008-2012 for: (1) high moisture feed grains (corn and grain sorghum with high moisture content); and (2) seed cotton. (Sec. 1210) Authorizes the Secretary to make loan rate adjustments for: (1) any loan commodity (other than cotton) for differences in grade, type, quality, and location; (2) cotton for differences in quality; (3) corn and grain sorghum for grade, type, and quality; and (4) long grain rice and medium grain rice, except for differences in grade and quality. Subtitle C: Peanuts - (Sec. 1301) Defines specified terms. (Sec. 1302) Directs the Secretary to adjust the base acres of peanuts whenever: (1) a conservation reserve contract expires or is voluntarily terminated; (2) cropland is released from coverage under a conservation reserve contract; (3) the producer has eligible pulse crop or carmelina acreage; or (4) the producer has certain additional oilseed acreage. Directs the Secretary, with an exception for double-cropped acreage, to reduce the peanut base acreage or other commodity acreage when the sum of a farm's base acres for peanuts and other acreage (as defined in this section) exceeds the farm's cropland acreage. Authorizes a farm's owner to permanently reduce the peanut base acreage at any time. Prohibits a producer from receiving direct, counter-cyclical, or ACRE payments if the sum of the farm's base acreage is 10 acres or less unless the farm is owned by a socially disadvantaged or limited resource farmer or rancher. (Sec. 1303) Directs the Secretary to make direct payments of $36 per ton for peanuts for crop years 2008-2012 on farms with an established payment yield and base acres. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) payment rate; (2) payment amount; and (3) time for payment, including advance payments. (Sec. 1304) Directs the Secretary to make counter-cyclical payments for peanuts for crop years 2008-2012 on farms with an established payment yield and base acres if the effective peanut price is less than the target peanut price. Establishes the peanut target price at $495 per ton. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) effective price; (2) payment rate; (3) payment amount; and (4) time for payment, including partial payments. (Sec. 1305) Requires producers to comply with specified conservation, wetland, planting flexibility, and agricultural use provisions. Terminates payments, with an exception for death or inability to receive payments, for acreage transferred or subject to a change in interest unless the transferee agrees to assume all obligations. Directs the Secretary to protect the interests of tenants and sharecroppers. (Sec. 1306) Permits planting flexibility on peanut acres, with exceptions for fruits, vegetables (other than mung beans and pulse crops), and wild rice. Prohibits planting of trees and perennials on base acres. Exempts from such limitations: (1) a region with a history of double-cropping peanuts with fruits, vegetables, or wild rice; or (2) a farm or a producer that has a history of planting such commodities. (Sec. 1307) Directs the Secretary to make nine-month nonrecourse marketing loans available to peanut producers at $355 per ton for crop years 2008-2012. Prohibits loan extensions. Permits a producer to obtain marketing assistance loan and loan deficiency payments through an approved marketing cooperative or the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Provides for Department of Agriculture (Department) repayment of handling and associated costs for peanuts placed under loan upon redemption. Authorizes: (1) loan deficiency payments for producers that are eligible for but forgo such loans; and (2) temporary repayment adjustments. Requires compliance with conservation and wetlands provisions. (Sec. 1308) Authorizes the Secretary to adjust peanut loan rates for differences in grade, type, quality, location, and other factors. Prohibits any adjustment resulting in an increase in the national average loan rate. Subtitle D: Sugar - (Sec. 1401) Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to direct the Secretary to make nonrecourse loans to processors of domestically grown sugarcane at: (1) 18.00 cents per pound for the 2008 crop year; (2) 18.25 cents per pound for the 2009 crop year; (3) 18.50 cents per pound for the 2010 crop year; and (4) 18.75 cents per pound for the 2011 and 2012 crop years. Directs the Secretary to make nonrecourse loans to processors of domestically grown sugar beets that is equal to: (1) 22.9 cents per pound for refined beet sugar for the 2008 crop year; and (2) a rate that is equal to 128.5% of the loan rate per pound of raw cane sugar for each of crop years 2009-2012. States that such loans shall mature at the earlier of nine months or the end of the fiscal year. Authorizes supplemental loans to be made in the last three months of a fiscal year for a second loan in the subsequent fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to make nonrecourse loans to processors of a crop of domestically grown sugarcane and sugar beets for in-process sugars and syrups at a rate of 80% of the raw cane sugar or refined beet sugar loan rate. Eliminates the Secretary's authority to adjust loan rates based upon competing countries' subsidy reductions. Requires that processor loan recipients make adequate assurances that payments to growers will be proportional to loan values. Authorizes the Secretary to set minimum payment amounts. Directs the Secretary to operate the sugar program at no cost to the federal government by avoiding forfeiture of sugar to the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). Provides that if a producer agrees to reduce production of sugar beets or sugarcane already planted such sugar beets or sugarcane may not be used for any commercial purpose other than as a bioenergy feedstock. Subjects to reporting requirements certain: (1) sugar, molasses, and syrup importers; (2) sugarcane and sugar beet processors; and (3) cane sugar refiners. Directs the Secretary to collect information on: (1) the production, consumption, and trade of sugar in Mexico, including U.S. sugar exports to Mexico; and (2) Mexican production, consumption, and trade of high fructose corn syrups, including U.S. exports of high fructose corn syrups to Mexico. States that all refined sugars, whether from beets or cane, are substitutable for purposes of the refined sugar and sugar-containing products re-export programs. (Sec. 1402) Directs the Secretary to work with the Secretary of State to restore U.S. membership in the International Sugar Organization. (Sec. 1403) Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to direct the Secretary to make sugarcane and sugar beet quantity estimates for each of crop years 2008-2012 for: (1) human consumption; (2) carryover stocks; (3) carry-in stocks; (4) domestic processing; and (5) imports. Exempts from such estimates: (1) sugar imported for the production of polyhydric alcohol; or (2) sugar refined and reexported in refined form or in products containing sugar. Provides that for each of crop years 2008-2012 sugar marketing allotments for processors of sugar cane or sugar beets shall be at a level: (1) to ensure that raw and refined sugar prices exceed loan forfeiture levels; and (2) with a minimum of at least 85% of the estimated sugar quantity for domestic human consumption. Authorizes the inclusion in such allotments of sugar products whose majority content is sucrose. Excludes from such allotments sugar sold: (1) for export; (2) for non-human domestic consumption, except for production of ethanol or other bioenergy under the feedstock flexibility program; and (3) to another processor to fulfill an allocation. Prohibits a sugar beet or sugarcane processor from marketing for domestic human consumption sugar in excess of such processor's allocation, except to: (1) enable another processor to fulfill an allocation; or (2) facilitate sugar exports. Provides a civil penalty for knowing violations of such prohibition. Directs the Secretary to establish the overall quantity of sugar to be allocated for a crop year at a level: (1) to ensure that raw and refined sugar prices exceed loan forfeiture levels; and (2) with a minimum of at least 85% of the estimated sugar quantity for domestic human consumption. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) allotment adjustment; (2) allocation assignment in the sale of sugar beet processor factories; and (3) allocation for new entrants opening a new factory or reopening or acquiring an existing factory. Directs the Secretary to establish the tariff-rate quotas for raw cane sugar and refined sugars (other than specialty sugars) at the minimum necessary to comply with congressionally-approved international trade agreements. Sets forth adjustment provisions. Eliminates imported sugar quota reallocation provisions. (Sec. 1404) Eliminates the storage facility loan prepayment penalty. (Sec. 1405) Directs CCC to establish forfeited sugar storage rates: (1) for each of crop years 2008-2011, not less than 15 cents per hundredweight per month for refined sugar, and not less than 10 cents per hundredweight per month for raw cane sugar; and (2) for each of the 2012 and subsequent crop years in the same manner as was used on the day before the date of enactment of this section. Subtitle E: Dairy - (Sec. 1501) Directs the Secretary for 2008-2012 to support: (1) cheddar cheese in blocks at not less than $1.13 per pound; (2) cheddar cheese in barrels at not less than $1.10 per pound; (3) butter at not less than $1.05 per pound; and (4) nonfat dry milk at not less than $0.80 per pound. Authorizes the Secretary to temporarily adjust prices to avoid excess inventories. Sets forth inventory-based reductions. (Sec. 1502) Directs the Secretary to establish a program authorizing milk producers and cooperative producer associations to voluntarily enter into forward price contracts with milk handlers for federally regulated milk that is: (1) not Class I milk or otherwise intended for fluid use; and (2) in interstate or foreign milk commerce. Provides that contracts may be entered into until September 30, 2012, but may not extend beyond September 30, 2015. (Sec. 1503) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to extend the dairy export incentive program through December 31, 2012. (Sec. 1504) Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act, reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to revise specified federal marketing order amendment provisions. (Sec. 1505) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to extend the dairy indemnity program through September 30, 2012. (Sec. 1506) Extends the milk income loss contract program through 2012. Calculates payments by multiplying a producer's payment quantity by the amount equal to $16.94 per hundredweight, less the Class I milk price per hundredweight in Boston under the applicable federal milk marketing order by: (1) 34% for the period October 1, 2007-September 30, 2008; (2) 45% for the period October 1, 2008-August 31, 2012; and (3) 34% beginning on September 1, 2012. States that the payment quantity shall be: (1) 2,400,000 pounds for the period October 1, 2007-September 30, 2008; (2) 2,985,000 pounds for the period October 1, 2008-August 31, 2012; and (3) 2,400,000 pounds beginning on September 1, 2012. (Sec. 1507) Amends the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 to extend funding authority for the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board through FY2012. Amends the definition of &quot;United States&quot; to include Alaska, Hawaii, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for each of the promotion and research programs. Provides importers with an assessment refund for contracts in effect prior to enactment of this Act for a one-year period after the date of enactment of this Act. (Sec. 1508) Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees regarding reporting procedures for nonfat dry milk. (Sec. 1509) Directs the Secretary to establish the Federal Milk Marketing Order Review Commission which shall evaluate: (1) the federal milk marketing order system; and (2) nonfederal milk marketing order systems. Authorizes appropriations. Terminates the Commission upon submission of a required report. (Sec. 1510) Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to revise dairy product mandatory reporting provisions. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle F: Administration - (Sec. 1601) Directs the Secretary to: (1) use CCC funds, facilities, and authorities to carry out this title; (2) implement 2009 payment limitation and adjusted gross income provisions under this subtitle through promulgation of an interim rule; and (3) make expenditure adjustments if expenditures will exceed total allowable domestic support levels under the Uruguay Round Agreement. (Sec. 1602) Extends through 2012: (1) specified suspensions of permanent price support authority for loan commodities, peanuts, sugar, and milk under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 and the Agricultural Act of 1949; and (2) a specified suspension of wheat and corn marketing quota provisions. (Sec. 1603) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to extend and revise payment limitation provisions. Defines &quot;family member,&quot; &quot;legal entity,&quot; and &quot;person&quot; for payment limit purposes. Limits crop year direct payments to a person or legal entity for covered commodities (other than peanuts) as follows: (1) for a non-ACRE participant, $40,000; and (2) for an ACRE participant, $40,000 less the direct payment reduction. Limits covered commodity crop year counter-cyclical payments to $65,000 for a non-ACRE participant. Limits crop year payments to a person or legal entity for covered commodities (other than peanuts) who receives counter-cyclical and ACRE payments to $65,000 plus the direct payment reduction. Limits crop year direct payments to a person or legal entity for peanuts as follows: (1) for a non-ACRE participant, $40,000; and (2) for an ACRE participant, $40,000 plus the direct payment reduction. Limits peanut crop year counter-cyclical payments to $65,000 for a non-ACRE participant. Limits crop year payments to a person or legal entity for peanuts who receives counter-cyclical and ACRE payments to $65,000 plus the direct payment reduction. Eliminates limitations on marketing loan benefits and loan deficiency payments. Provide for direct payment attribution. Sets forth related provisions. Repeals the &quot;three-entity rule.&quot; (Such provision permits producers to receive payments up to the full cap directly and up to half the full cap on each of up to two additional entities in which they have an ownership stake.) Revises the Secretary's authority to deny benefits to individuals or entities that perpetuate program fraud. Increases ineligibility penalties for such violations. (Applies existing penalty provisions to the 2007-2008 crops.) (Sec. 1604) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to extend and revise adjusted gross income limitation provisions through 2012. Defines: (1) &quot;average adjusted gross income&quot;; and (2) &quot;average adjusted gross farm income.&quot; Authorizes adjusted gross income allocation among individuals filing a joint return. Provides that a person or legal entity shall be ineligible to receive: (1) specified farm program benefits during a crop, fiscal, or program year if the average adjusted gross nonfarm income of the person or legal entity exceeds $500,000; (2) direct payments under subtitle A or C of title I of this Act if the average adjusted gross farm income of the person or legal entity exceeds $750,000; and (3) specified conservation program benefits during a crop, fiscal, or program year if the average adjusted gross nonfarm income of the person or legal entity exceeds $1 million, unless not less than 66.66% of the average adjusted gross income is average adjusted gross farm income. Sets forth income sources to be included in determining average gross farm income. Requires that at least once every three years a person or legal entity provides the Secretary with a certification that average adjusted gross income, average adjusted gross farm income, and average adjusted gross nonfarm income do not exceed applicable limitations. Directs the Secretary to deny program benefits to a person or legal entity that fails to comply with the provisions of this section. States that: (1) this section shall apply during the 2009-2012 crop, program, or fiscal years; and (2) adjusted gross income limitations in effect on September 30, 2007, shall apply to 2007-2008 crop, fiscal, or program years. (Sec. 1605) Directs the Secretary to provide quality incentive payments for the production of oilseeds with specialized traits that enhance human health. Authorizes FY2009-FY2012 appropriations. (Sec. 1606) Extends specified provisions regarding producer deficiency liability. (Sec. 1607) Extends specified provisions respecting loan administration authority through crop year 2009. (Sec. 1608) Applies specified payment assignment provisions under the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act to payments made under this title. Directs producers to notify the Secretary of payment assignments. (Sec. 1609) Authorizes the Secretary to track benefits provided to individuals and entities under titles I and II of this Act. (Sec. 1610) Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act to eliminate the prohibition on government publication of cotton price forecasts. (Sec. 1611) Directs the Secretary to: (1) issue regulations for the settlement of estates and to preclude payments on behalf of deceased individuals who were not eligible for payment; and (2) reconcile social security numbers of program participants with the Social Security Administration (SSA) at least twice annually. (Sec. 1612) Directs The Secretary to establish a program to promote hard white wheat as a viable U.S. market class of wheat. Authorizes FY2009-FY2012 appropriations. (Sec. 1613) Directs the Secretary to compensate producers of durum wheat for up to 50% of the cost of fungicides applied to control Fusarium head blight (wheat scab). Authorizes FY2009-FY2012 appropriations. (Sec. 1614) Directs the Secretary to establish a storage facility loan program for eligible producers of grains, oilseeds, pulse crops, hay, renewable biomass, and other storable commodities (other than sugar). (Sec. 1615) Amends the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act with respect to state, county, and area committees. (Sec. 1616) Directs the Secretary to collect commodity assessments from marketing assistance loans pursuant to state or federal authority. (Current law authorizes such collection.) Prohibits fees for the collection of commodity assessments. (Sec. 1617) Provides that if the Secretary approves a document the Secretary shall not subsequently determine that the document is inadequate or invalid because of the lack of authority of any person signing on behalf of the applicant, unless such person falsified the signature authority or the signature. (Sec. 1618) Directs the Secretary to submit a third-party FSA modernization report to the appropriate congressional committees. (Sec. 1619) Directs the Secretary to ensure the portability and standardization of the Department's geospatial data. (Sec. 1620) Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees regarding office space leasing. (Sec. 1621) Authorizes the Secretary to reimburse geographically disadvantaged farmers or ranchers (as defined by this section) for certain travel costs. Authorizes FY2009-FY2012 appropriations. (Sec. 1622) Directs the Secretary to make specified funds available to FSA to carry out this title. (Sec. 1623) Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to repeal provisions: (1) establishing the Commission on Application of Payment Limitations; and (2) authorizing market loss assistance and certain emergency assistance to persons who failed to receive assistance under earlier authorities. Title II: Conservation - Subtitle A: Definitions and Highly Erodible Land and Water Conservation - (Sec. 2001) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to define specified terms. (Sec. 2002) Amends provisions regarding good faith determinations of highly erodible land compliance violations to provide for: (1) graduated penalties; and (2) second level review of compliance violations by the FSA state executive director or district director. (Sec. 2003) Provides for second level review of good faith wetlands compliance violations by the FSA state executive director or district director. Subtitle B: Conservation Reserve Program - (Sec. 2101) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to extend the conservation reserve program (CRP) through FY2012. (Sec. 2103) Extends current CRP maximum acreage enrollment levels (39,200,000 acres) through FY2009. Sets FY2010-FY2012 levels at 32,000,000 acres. (Sec. 2104) Expands the Chesapeake Bay Priority Area. (Sec. 2105) Considers alfalfa grown as part of a rotation practice as a commodity for cropping history purposes. (Sec. 2106) Directs the Secretary to carry out a CRP pilot program to enroll wetland and buffer acreage through FY2012. Sets forth program provisions. (Sec. 2107) Requires that CRP contract holders manage the land to implement conservation measures throughout the term of the contract. (Sec. 2108) Prohibits harvesting, grazing, or commercial use of the forage on CRP land except that the Secretary may permit (and reduce rental payments): (1) managed harvesting, including biomass harvesting; (2) harvesting, grazing, or commercial use in response to drought or other emergency; (3) grazing for the control of invasive species; and (4) wind turbine installation. (Sec. 2109) Authorizes CRP cost sharing payments relating to trees, windbreaks, shelterbelts, and wildlife corridors for necessary tree thinning. (Sec. 2110) Directs the Secretary to provide new CRP enrollment priority to local residents if the offer provides equivalent conservation benefits when compared to other offers. (Sec. 2111) Authorizes the Secretary to modify a CRP contract to facilitate the transition of CRP land from a retiring owner to a beginning or socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher (covered farmer or rancher). Provides that such transition plan shall: (1) permit a covered farmer or rancher to make land improvements and to begin the organic certification process one year before the CRP contract expires; (2) require the retiring landowner to sell or lease the CRP land to the covered farmer or rancher for production purposes; (3) require a conservation plan; (4) permit the covered the farmer or rancher to enroll in the conservation stewardship or the environmental quality incentives programs upon taking ownership of the land; and (5) provide CRP payments to the retiring owner for an additional two years after the contract terminates. Provides a covered farmer or rancher with an option to reenroll a partial field conservation practice that is eligible for continuous sign-up and is part of a conservation plan. Subtitle C: Wetlands Reserve Program -(Sec. 2201) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to state that the purposes of the wetlands reserve program are to restore, protect, or enhance eligible wetlands on private or tribal lands. (Sec. 2202) Increases maximum program acreage to 3,041,200 acres. Directs the Secretary to enroll tribal-owned acreage into the program through 30-year contracts, restoration cost-share agreements, or a combination of the two options. (Sec. 2203) Extends the program through FY2012 (changes from a calendar year to a fiscal year basis). Makes cropland or grassland that was used for agricultural production prior to certain natural flooding eligible for program enrollment. Increases to seven years the period during which land changing ownership is ineligible for program participation except under specified circumstances. Directs the Secretary to conduct a survey beginning with FY2008 to determine allocations for the Prairie Pothole Region to enroll cropland or grassland. (Sec. 2204) Permits spraying on program land in order to meet wildlife habitat needs. (Sec. 2205) Revises conservation easement compensation provisions. (Sec. 2206) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into one or more agreements with a state (including a political subdivision), nongovernmental organization, or Indian tribe to carry out a special wetlands reserve enhancement program which shall include a reserved grazing rights pilot program. Terminates such pilot program on September 30, 2012. (Sec. 2207) Revises the Secretary's program duties. (Sec. 2208) Excludes 30-year contracts from annual program payment limitations and includes legal entities within such limitation. (Sec. 2209) Eliminates the payment limitation exception for state wetland and environmental enhancement agreements. (Sec. 2210) Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees regarding the long-term implications of conservation easements on Department resources. Subtitle D: Conservation Stewardship Program - (Sec. 2301) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to direct the Secretary to establish a comprehensive stewardship incentives program (consisting of the conservation stewardship and the environmental quality incentives programs) for FY2009-FY2012 to encourage producers to maintain existing, and undertake additional, conservation activities. Sets forth eligible land categories as follows: (1) private agricultural land; (2) tribal agricultural land; (3) forested land incidental to agricultural operations; and (4) not more that 10% of nonindustrial private forest land. Excludes: (1) land enrolled in the CRP, or the wetlands or grassland reserve programs; and (2) land in crop production that was not used as cropland for four of the six years preceding enactment of this Act, with specified exceptions. Sets forth contract provisions, including renewable five-year contract terms. Permits contract termination by the Secretary or by the producer with the Secretary's consent. Provides for program outreach to specialty crop and organic producers. Authorizes: (1) on-farm research and demonstration projects; and (2) pilot testing of new technologies. Sets forth acreage, state acreage allocation, and payment provisions. Requires that participating producers adopt resource-conserving crop rotations. Provides producers who adopt a beneficial crop rotation with supplemental payments. Provides for maximum producer payments of $200,000 for any five-year period, excluding funding arrangements with federally recognized Indian tribes or Alaska Native corporations. Terminates conservation security program contract authority after September 30, 2008, with specified exceptions. Subtitle E: Farmland Protection and Grassland Reserve - (Sec. 2401) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to revise the farmland protection program. States that the purpose of the farmland protection program is to protect the agricultural use and related conservation values of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses of that land. (Current law refers to the protection of topsoil by limiting nonagricultural land use.) Revises the definitions of &quot;eligible entity&quot; and &quot;eligible land.&quot; Provides with respect to a conservation easement that: (1) an eligible entity provide at least 25% of cost-sharing expenses; and (2) the easement contains a contingent right of enforcement for the Secretary. Sets forth certification criteria for eligible entities. (Sec. 2402) Extends the farm viability program through FY2012. (Sec. 2403) Revises the grassland reserve program. Revises the definition of &quot;eligible land.&quot; Extends enrollment authority through 2012. Eliminates 30-year easements and rental agreements. Gives enrollment priority to former CRP land that is of high ecological value and under significant threat of conversion. Limits such transfers to not more than 10% of annual enrolled program acres. Revises provisions respecting: (1) easement and contract requirements; and (2) duties of the Secretary. Subtitle F: Environmental Quality Incentives Program - (Sec. 2501) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to revise the environmental quality incentives program. Includes forest management as a program goal. (Sec. 2502) Revises the definitions of &quot;eligible land&quot; and &quot;practice.&quot; (Sec. 2503) Extends the program through FY2012. Revises payment limitation provisions, including: (1) authorizing up to full payment for certain forgone income; (2) making socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers eligible for increased payments; and (3) providing advance payments for beginning, socially disadvantaged, and limited resource farmers or ranchers. Authorizes the Secretary to provide payments for water conservation or irrigation practices. Directs the Secretary to provide payments for organic production-related conservation practices. (Sec. 2504) Revises application evaluation and plan of operation provisions. (Sec. 2508) Reduces aggregate program payments to a person or legal entity during any six-year period to $300,000. Authorizes an increased limit of up to $450,000 for projects of special environmental significance. (Sec. 2509) Revises conservation innovation grant purposes. Includes: (1) forest resource management as an eligible grant activity; and (2) specialty crop participation as an eligible project. Directs the Secretary to provide producer payments to: (1) address air quality concerns from agricultural operations; and (2) meet federal, state, and local regulatory requirements. Obligates FY2009-FY2012 funds for such payments. Eliminates the cost share cap. (Sec. 2510) Establishes in lieu of current ground and surface water conservation grant provisions the agricultural water enhancement program (as part of the environmental quality incentives program). Authorizes: (1) producer contracts for agricultural water enhancement activities (as defined by this section); and (2) regional partnership agreements with producer associations, state or local governments, or Indian tribes. Gives proposal priority to states with water quantity concerns. Directs the Secretary to consider as an eligible agricultural water enhancement activity the use of a water impoundment to capture surface water runoff on agricultural land in a drought area. Makes additional program funding available from CCC. Subtitle G: Other Conservation Programs of the Food Security Act of 1985 - (Sec. 2601) Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to authorize appropriations for the private grazing land conservation program through FY2012. (Sec. 2602) Amends the wildlife habitat incentive program to: (1) increase cost-share payments limits for long-term projects to 25%; (2) include pivot corners and irregular areas; (3) provide priority to projects that address issues raised by state, regional, and national conservation initiatives; and (4) establish a $50,000 annual payment cap. (Sec. 2603) Authorizes appropriations through FY2012 for: (1) the grassroots source water protection program; and (2) the Great Lakes Basin soil erosion and sediment control program. (Sec. 2605) Defines &quot;Chesapeake Bay watershed&quot; to include all tributaries, backwaters, and side channels (including watersheds) draining into the Chesapeake Bay. Directs the Secretary to establish the Chesapeake Bay watershed conservation program to assist producers implement conservation activities on agricultural lands in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to: (1) improve water quality and quantity; and (2) restore and preserve soil, air, and related resources. Directs the Secretary to give special consideration to projects in the Susquehanna, Shenandoah, Potomac, or Patuxent river basins. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should be a member of the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council, and is authorized to do so under the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act. Obligates CCC program funding through FY2012. (Sec. 2606) Directs the Secretary to establish a public access program under which states and tribal governments may apply for grants to encourage owners and operators of privately-held farm, ranch, and forest land to voluntarily provide public access to such land for hunting, fishing and other recreational activities. Directs the Secretary to reduce grants by 25% to a state that has not made opening dates for migratory bird hunting consistent for residents and nonresidents. Obligates CCC program funding through FY2012. Subtitle H: Funding and Administration of Conservation Programs - (Sec. 2701) Extends authority to use CCC funding for specified conservation programs through FY2012, including the grassland reserve program. Adds the conservation stewardship program to such eligible programs. Makes such funds available to administer conservation security contracts entered into before September 30, 2008. Obligates CRP funds for FY2009-FY2012 for: (1) thinning activities; and (2) land transfers from retiring farmers or ranchers to beginning or socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers. Obligates FY2008-FY2012 funds for: (1) the environmental quality incentives program; and (2) the wildlife habitat incentives program. (Sec. 2702) Authorizes the Secretary to accept contributions to support specified conservation programs. (Sec. 2703) Increases the amount of fiscal year funding to $15 million for a state to qualify for conservation priority funding. Directs the Secretary to review and update conservation funding allocation formulas. (Sec. 2704) Obligates specified environmental quality incentives program funds and acres for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. (Sec. 2705) Directs the Secretary to report semiannually to the appropriate congressional committees regarding specified conservation program enrollments and assistance. (Sec. 2706) Revises conservation program technical assistance provisions. (Sec. 2707) Directs the Secretary to establish a cooperative conservation partnership initiative (Initiative) to work with states and local governments, tribes, nongovernmental organizations, producer associations, and institutions of higher education to assist producers in specified conservation programs enhance conservation measures on agricultural and nonindustrial private forest land. Excludes from the Initiative: (1) the CRP; (2) the wetlands reserve program; (3) the farmland protection program; and (4) the grassland reserve program. Requires the Secretary to: (1) enter into multi-year agreements (five-year maximum) with eligible entities; (2) reserve 6% of specified conservation program funds and acres for the Initiative for FY2009-FY2012; and (3) allocate 90% of funds and acres to projects based on the direction of state conservationists and 10% to projects based on a national competitive process. Prohibits funds to be used to pay partner overhead or administrative costs. (Sec. 2708) Makes socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers eligible for conservation program incentives. Sets forth county conservation program enrollment and easement acreage limits. Provides waiver authority for the Secretary. Excludes shelterbelts and windbreaks from enrollment limits. Authorizes the Secretary to encourage pollinator habitat development. (Sec. 2709) Directs the Secretary to establish technical guidelines to measure the environmental services benefits from conservation and land management activities in order to facilitate the participation of farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in emerging environmental services markets. Gives priority to carbon market participation. (Sec. 2710) Directs the Secretary to establish a conservation experienced services program to utilize the talents of individuals who are 55 or older (who are not Department or state agriculture employees) to provide conservation-related technical services. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with nonprofit organizations eligible to receive grants under the Community Service Senior Opportunities Act to secure program participants. States that such agreements may not displace Department employees. (Sec. 2711) Directs the Secretary to establish a technical committee in each state to assist the Secretary in conservation program implementation. Subtitle I: Conservation Programs Under Other Laws - (Sec. 2801) Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act regarding the agricultural management assistance program to: (1) include Hawaii in the program; (2) increase CCC funding for FY2008-FY2012; and (3) make permanent funding obligations for certain programs. (Sec. 2802) Amends the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act to define &quot;technical assistance.&quot; (Sec. 2803) Amends the the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act regarding the small watershed (dam) rehabilitation program to: (1) authorize appropriations through FY2012; and (2) make CCC funds available for FY2009. (Sec. 2804) Amends the Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act of 1977 to extend the soil and water conservation program through December 31, 2018. (Sec. 2805) Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 regarding the resource conservation and development program to: (1) provide that the planning process shall be locally led; (2) provide that technical assistance shall include area plan and project implementation; and (3) direct the Secretary to designate a technical assistance coordinator for each council. (Sec. 2806) Amends the the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior, through the Bureau of Reclamation, to carry out salinity control activities in the Colorado River Basin. Directs the Secretary to: (1) consult with the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Advisory Council; and (2) submit a planning report to the appropriate congressional committees. (Sec. 2807) Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to: (1) reduce the amount CCC funds to be transferred to the Bureau of Reclamation Water and Related Resources Account to provide water to at-risk natural desert terminal lakes; (2) permit funds to be used to lease water, or purchase land, water appurtenant to the land, and related interests in the Walker River Basin from willing sellers; and (3) eliminate the prohibition on purchasing or leasing water rights. Subtitle J: Miscellaneous Conservation Provisions - (Sec. 2901) States that program benefits under this Act will not be denied to eligible individuals solely on the basis of participation in a one-time study of recharge potential for the Ogallala Aquifier in Texas. (Sec. 2902) Designates the National Plant Materials Center at Beltsville, Maryland, as the &quot;Norman A. Berg National Plant Materials Center.&quot; (Sec. 2903) Provides for the continuation of programs under title XII of the Food Security Act and of the ground and surface water conservation program under such Act until September 30, 2008. (Sec. 2904) Directs the Secretary to promulgate implementing regulations for this title within 90 days of enactment of this Act. Title IV: Nutrition - Subtitle A: Food Stamp Program - Part 1: Renaming of Food Stamp Act and Program - (Sec. 4001) Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to rename: (1) the Food Stamp Act of 1977 as the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008; and (2) the food stamp program as the supplemental nutrition assistance program (program). (Sec. 4002) Makes conforming amendments to specified Acts. Part 2: Benefit Improvements - (Sec. 4101) Excludes certain military combat pay from household income inclusion for purposes of program eligibility. (Sec. 4102) Increases the FY2009 minimum standard deduction to: (1) $144 for the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia; (2) $246 for Alaska; (3) $203 for Hawaii; (4) $127 for the Virgin Islands; and (5) $289 for Guam. Provides that beginning with FY2010 the standard minimum deduction shall be the previous fiscal year's amount adjusted to the nearest lower dollar increment to reflect changes for the 12-month period ending on the preceding June 30 in the Department of Labor's Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for items other than food. (Sec. 4103) Removes dependent care deduction caps. (Sec. 4104) Provides that beginning on October 1, 2008, and each October 1 thereafter existing asset dollar limits shall be indexed annually for inflation as measured by the CPI-U and adjusted down to the nearest $250. Provides for the mandatory and discretionary exclusion of certain retirement and education accounts from allowable household financial resources. (Sec. 4105) Authorizes states to require periodic reporting of changes in household circumstances by households that are: (1) elderly or disabled; (2) migrant or seasonal farmworkers; or (3) homeless. Limits the frequency of such reports. (Sec. 4106) Authorizes states to provide transitional food assistance benefits to households with children that cease to receive cash assistance under a state-funded public assistance program. (Sec. 4107) Provides that the minimum program benefit shall be equal to 8% of the maximum benefit for a household of one. (Sec. 4108) Includes as an eligible employment and training program activity job retention services provided to individuals who have received other program employment/training services. Part 3: Program Operations - (Sec. 4111) Authorizes the Secretary to administer the food stamp nutrition education program. Authorizes state agencies to: (1) implement nutrition education programs that promote healthy food choices; and (2) deliver nutrition education directly to eligible recipients or through agreements with the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. (Sec. 4112) Directs the Secretary to establish procedures to ensure that states use consistent procedures that disqualify individuals whom law enforcement authorities are actively seeking for criminal proceedings. (Sec. 4113) Prohibits any method for staggering a monthly issuance of benefits from splitting a household's monthly benefit into more than one issuance unless a benefit correction is necessary. (Sec. 4114) Requires that state agencies: (1) establish a procedure for recovering electronic benefits from the account of a household due to inactivity; (2) expunge benefits that have not been accessed by a household for 12 months; and (3) notify households of stored benefits and make them available not later than 48 hours after a household's request. Authorize state agencies to store recovered benefits off-line if the household has not accessed the account after six months. (Sec. 4115) Prohibits state issuance of coupons effective on the date of enactment of this Act. Replaces program coupons with electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards effective one year after enactment of this Act. States that coupons not used during such one-year period shall not be redeemable. States that: (1) the Secretary shall require a state agency to issue benefits using alternative methods if such action would improve program integrity; and (2) the cost of required documents or systems may not be imposed upon participating retail food stores. (Sec. 4116) Sets forth state responsibility for program administration. Directs: (1) the Secretary to develop standards for identifying major changes in state agency operations; and (2) a state to notify the Secretary of any such change and collect information needed to identify any adverse effects on program integrity or access. (Sec. 4117) Requires civil rights compliance. (Sec. 4119) Authorizes a state to provide for telephonic signature. (Sec. 4120) Sets forth privacy protection provisions. (Sec. 4121) Requires that computerized systems for state program operations receiving federal matching payments be: (1) tested adequately before and after implementation, including through pilot projects; and (2) operated under a plan for continuous updating. (Sec. 4122) Limits the time unspent federal funding for employment and training program expenses may remain available to 15 months. Part 4: Program Integrity - (Sec 4131) Disqualifies from program participation a person found by a court or administrative agency to have intentionally: (1) obtained cash by misusing program benefits to obtain money for return of container deposits; or (2) sold food that was purchased using program benefits. (Sec. 4132) Subjects a retail store or wholesale food concern to a civil money penalty of up to $100,000, program disqualification, or both for each program violation. Eliminates the requirement that a civil money penalty determination be based on whether program disqualification would cause hardship for recipient households. States that the period of disqualification shall be not more than: (1) five years for a first violation; and (2) 10 years for a second violation. (Eliminates current minimum disqualification periods.) Revises provisions regarding bonds required of violating stores or food concerns wishing to be reapproved for participation. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures whereby participating food concerns may be immediately suspended for &quot;flagrant violations&quot; pending administrative action to disqualify. (Sec. 4133) Authorizes the Secretary, upon a determination that a state agency overissued benefits to a substantial number of households as a result of a major systemic error, to prohibit the agency from collecting such overissuances from some or all households. Part 5: Miscellaneous - (Sec. 4141) Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to direct the Secretary carry out pilot projects to: (1) improve the dietary and health status of eligible or participating households; and (2) reduce obesity (including childhood obesity) and associated co-morbidities in the United States. Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations. (Sec. 4142) Directs the Secretary to study the feasibility of including Puerto Rico in the program in lieu of providing Puerto Rico with a block grant. Sets forth study and reporting provisions. Provides funding for such study. Subtitle B: Food Distribution Programs - Part 1: Emergency Food Assistance Program - (Sec. 4201) Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to extend authority to purchase commodities for the emergency food assistance program through FY2012. Amends the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to authorize appropriations to pay for the direct and indirect state costs related to the processing, storage, transportation, and distribution of commodities and donated wild game to eligible recipient agencies. (Sec. 4202) Amends the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to provide grants for emergency and perishable food infrastructure improvement grants. Requires at least 50% rural area fund use. Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations. Part 2: Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations - (Sec. 4211) Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 regarding the food distribution on Indian reservations program to: (1) authorize the purchase of bison meat for program distribution; (2) establish a fund (and authorize FY2008-FY2012 appropriations) for purchasing traditional and locally-grown foods for program distribution, of which, where practicable, at least 50% shall be produced by Native American farmers, ranchers, and producers; and (3) direct the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees regarding the program food package. Part 3: Commodity Supplemental Food Program - (Sec. 4221) Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 regarding the commodity supplemental food program to prohibit the Secretary from requiring a state or local agency to prioritize assistance to a particular group of individuals that are: (1) low-income persons aged 60 and older; or (2) women, infants, and children. Part 4: Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program - (Sec. 4231) Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 regarding the senior farmers' market nutrition program to: (1) include honey in the program; (2) exclude benefits from consideration as income or resources under federal, state, or local law; and (3) prohibit state or local sales tax on benefit voucher food purchases. Subtitle C: Child Nutrition and Related Programs - (Sec. 4301) Directs the Secretary to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees assessing the each state's effectiveness in enrolling school-aged children in households receiving supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits for free school meals using direct certification. (Sec. 4302) Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to direct the Secretary to allow institutions receiving funds under this Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, including the Department of Defense (DOD) fresh fruit and vegetable program, to use a geographic preference for the procurement of unprocessed agricultural products, both locally grown and locally raised. (Sec. 4303) Directs the Secretary to carry out a pilot program of grants to nonprofit organizations or public entities in up to five states for community gardens at high-poverty schools to teach the students about agriculture production practices and diet. (Sec. 4304) Directs the Secretary, beginning with the school year opening July 2008, to provide grants to states for programs to make free fresh fruits and vegetables available in elementary schools. Sets forth program and funding provisions. Authorizes appropriations (in addition to other funding). (Sec. 4305) Directs the Secretary to: (1) purchase whole grain products for distribution in the school lunch and breakfast programs; and (2) evaluate the program and report to the appropriate congressional committees. (Sec. 4306) States that the Department should undertake training, guidance, and enforcement of the various current Buy American statutory requirements and regulations, including those of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. (Sec. 4307) Directs the Secretary, for FY2009, to: (1) carry out a survey of the foods purchased during the most recent school year for which data is available by school authorities participating in the school lunch program; and (2) report to the appropriate congressional committees. Provides CCC funding for such survey. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous - (Sec. 4401) Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to rename the Congressional Hunger Fellows Act of 2002 as the Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellows and Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellows Program Act of 2008. Revises the Congressional Hunger Fellows Program. Replaces the Bill Emerson Hunger Fellowship and the Mickey Leland Hunger Fellowship with the Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship Program and the Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellowship Program. Provides that: (1) the Secretary shall offer to provide a grant to the Congressional Hunger Center to administer the Fellowship Programs; (2) a Bill Emerson Hunger Fellowship shall be for not more than 15 months (current Fellowship is for not more than one year); and (3) a Mickey Leland Hunger Fellowship shall be for not more than two years (current Fellowship requires at least one year in field placement). Eliminates the Congressional Hunger Fellows Trust. Authorizes appropriations as necessary. (Current law authorizes a specified amount.) (Sec. 4402) Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to revise the definition of &quot;community food project.&quot; Directs the Secretary to offer to provide a grant to a nonprofit organization to establish a healthy urban food enterprise development center to increase access to healthy affordable foods, including locally produced agricultural products, to underserved communities. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer to the Secretary funds to carry out such program for FY2009-FY2011. Authorizes appropriations for FY2012. (Sec. 4403) Provides for joint nutrition research and related research activities by the Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). (Sec. 4404) Directs the Secretary to purchase additional FY2008-FY2012 amounts of fruits, vegetables, and nuts for domestic nutrition programs using funds under section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935 (permanent customs-derived appropriations). (Sec. 4405) Establishes: (1) the hunger-free communities collaborative grant program; and (2) the hunger-free communities infrastructure grant program. Sets forth eligible fund uses. Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations. (Sec. 4406) Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to authorize appropriations for the supplemental nutrition assistance program through FY2012. Makes permanent: (1) funding obligations for grants for simple application and eligibility determination systems; (2) funding obligations for employment and training programs; (3) payment reductions for administrative costs; (4) cash payment pilot projects for persons 65 years or older; (5) consolidated block grants for Puerto Rico and American Samoa; and (6) assistance for community food projects. Amends the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to make the authorization of appropriations permanent for state costs related to the processing, storing, transporting, and distributing of emergency food assistance commodities. Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to extend through FY2012: (1) the commodity distribution program; and (2) the commodity supplemental food program. Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to extend the program of distributing surplus commodities to special nutrition projects through FY2012. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to: (1) provide CCC funding through FY2012 for the senior farmers' market nutrition program; and (2) authorize appropriations through FY2012 for the nutrition information and awareness pilot program. (Sec. 4407) States that unless otherwise provided for the provisions of this title shall take effect on October 1, 2008. Title V: Credit - Subtitle A: Farm Ownership Loans - (Sec. 5001) Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary to take into consideration all farming experience of a loan applicant when considering direct farm ownership loan eligibility. (Sec. 5002) Replaces the soil and water conservation loan program with a conservation loan and loan guarantee program to cover the costs of carrying out qualified conservation projects including: (1) installation of conservation structures to address soil, water, and related resources; (2) establishment of forest cover for sustained yield timber management, erosion control, or shelter belt purposes; (3) installation of water conservation or waste management measures; or (4) establishment or improvement of permanent pasture. Gives loan priority to: (1) qualified beginning farmers or ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers; (2) owners or tenants who use the loans to convert to sustainable or organic agricultural production systems; and (3) producers who use the loans to build certain conservation structures or establish conservation practices. Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations. (Sec. 5003) Increases the farm ownership loan limit to $300,000 for a loan that is not guaranteed by the Secretary. (Sec. 5004) Includes socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers in the down payment loan program. Sets the loan principal at not more than 45% of the least of: (1) the purchase price of the farm or ranch; (2) the appraised value of the farm or ranch; or (3) $500,000. Revises the interest rate to the greater of: (1) the farm ownership loan interest rate minus 4%; or (2) 1.5%. Extends the loan duration to 20 years. (Sec. 5005) Revises the beginning farmer and rancher contract land sales program to: (1) include socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers in the program; (2) make the program permanent and remove the loans per state limit; (3) require participants to provide a down payment of 5% of the farm's or ranch's purchase price; (4) set the maximum purchase price for the farm or ranch at $500,000; (5) set the loan guarantee period at 10 years; and (6) provide a private seller with a choice of either a prompt payment guarantee or a standard guarantee. Subtitle B: Operating Loans - (Sec. 5101) Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary to consider all farming experience of an applicant when considering farm operating loan eligibility. (Sec. 5102) Increases the farm operating loan limit to $300,000 for a loan that is not guaranteed by the Secretary. (Sec. 5103) Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to suspend the limitation on the number of years that borrowers are eligible to receive guaranteed assistance on operating loans until December 31, 2010. Subtitle C: Emergency Loans - (Sec. 5201) Amends the the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to make equine farmers or ranchers eligible for emergency loans. Subtitle D: Administrative Provisions - (Sec. 5301) Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary to establish the new farmer individual development accounts pilot program under which the Secretary shall work through qualified entities to establish demonstration plans of at least five years in duration and in at least 15 states. Defines: (1) &quot;eligible participant&quot; (low-income, low-asset beginning farmers or ranchers)&quot;;(2) &quot;qualified entity&quot;; and (3) &quot;individual development account.&quot; Provides that a recipient entity shall: (1) establish individual development accounts for eligible participants; (2) provide 50% nonfederal matching funds. Provides that an eligible participant shall enter into a contract with a qualified entity that requires: (1) a monthly deposit into a personal savings account; (2) financial training; and (3) fund use for specified farming purposes, including purchases of farmland, equipment, breeding stock, and timber, nut, or fruit trees. Limits: (1) fiscal year matching funds to an eligible participant to $6,000; and (2) maximum grants a qualified entity to $250,000. Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations. (Sec. 5302) Makes socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers eligible for inventory property sales. Increases beginning farmer or rancher loan set-asides for: (1) direct farm ownership loans to 75%; and (2) guaranteed farm ownership loans to 40%. Extends beginning farmer or rancher operating loan set-asides through FY2012. (Sec. 5303) Extends through FY2012 (and increases over current levels) loan authorizations for: (1) FSA loan programs; (2) direct loans; (3) direct farm ownership loans; and (4) direct operating loans. (Sec. 5304) Directs the Secretary to establish a plan and promulgate regulations that promote the goal of transitioning borrowers to private commercial and other credit sources. (Sec. 5305) Extends the right of first refusal to reacquire homestead property to the immediate family members of a borrower-owner who is a socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher. (Sec. 5306) Prohibits the Secretary from completing a study of, or contracting with a private party to carry out, without specific congressional authorization, a competitive sourcing activity of the Secretary relating to rural development or farm loan programs. Subtitle E: Farm Credit - (Sec. 5404) Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to require that each Farm Credit System (FCS) bank compute insurance premium assessments on any association or financial institution in an equitable manner. (Sec. 5403) Authorizes the board of a bank for cooperatives to determine the terms and conditions for the issuance and transfer of bank voting stock to bank for cooperatives customers and other FCS associations. (Sec. 5404) Revises premium provisions regarding: (1) premium determinations if the amount in the Farm Credit Insurance Fund does, or does not, exceed the secure base amount; (2) determination of loan and investment amounts; and (3) allocation of excess reserves to FCS institutions. (Sec. 5405) Requires insured FCS banks to file certified statements of premiums on a date determined by the Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation Board of Directors. (Under current law such statements are due annually.) Revises premium payment provisions. (Sec. 5406) Includes rural utility loans (loans or interest in a loan for electric and telephone facilities) in the definition &quot;qualified loan&quot; for purposes of Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation financing. Establishes a risk-based capital standard for rural utility loans. (Sec. 5407) Equalizes lending authorities among certain FCS district associations. Authorizes, upon board of director and a majority of voting stockholder approval: (1) certain federal land bank associations to make short- and intermediate-term loans; and (2) certain production credit associations to make long-term loans. Subtitle F: Miscellaneous - Permits the Secretary to make and insure specified loans to eligible purchasers of highly fractioned land, excluding trust land, restricted tribal land, or mortgaged tribal corporation land. TitleVI: Rural Development - Subtitle A: Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act - (Sec. 6001) Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize FY2008-FY2012 appropriations for water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility grants. (Sec. 6002) Authorizes the Secretary to establish the Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households (SEARCH) program to make predevelopment planning grants for feasibility studies, design assistance, and technical assistance to financially distressed rural communities with populations of not more than 2,500 for water and waste disposal projects. (Sec. 6003) Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations for rural business opportunity grants. (Sec. 6004) Extends the set-aside date from April 1 to June 1 of a fiscal year for reserved fund grants, loans and loan guarantees for the federal share of developing and constructing day care facilities for children in rural areas. (Sec. 6006) Increases appropriations for the rural water and wastewater circuit rider program. (Sec. 6007) Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations for Tribal College or University essential community facilities. (Sec. 6008) Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations for the emergency and imminent community water assistance grant program. (Sec. 6009) Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations for: (1) water systems for Alaskan rural and Native villages; and (2) the Denali Commission for Alaskan municipalities. (Sec. 6010) Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations for grants to finance rural water well systems for low- or moderate income persons. (Sec. 6011) Sets interest rates for water and waste disposal loans in low-income areas at 60% of the market rate and at 80% of the market rate in other areas. (Sec. 6012) Authorizes business and industry guarantees for loans made for the purchase of preferred stock or similar equity issued by a cooperative organization or a fund that invests primarily in cooperative organizations. (Sec. 6013) Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations for the rural cooperative development grant program. Authorizes multiyear grants (three-year maximum). Limits grantees that have not received prior grants to one-year grants. Authorizes a single 12-month extension for a grantee to use a grant. Directs the Secretary to enter into a cooperative research agreement with one or more academic institutions in each fiscal year to conduct research on the national economic effects of all types of cooperatives. Obligates 20% of appropriations for grants that serve socially disadvantaged groups if total appropriations in a fiscal year exceed a specified amount. (Sec. 6014) Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations for broadcasting system grants. (Sec. 6015) Directs the Secretary to make or guarantee loans to individuals, cooperatives, cooperative organizations, businesses, and other entities to establish enterprises that process, distribute, store, and market locally or regionally produced agricultural food products to support community development and farm and ranch income. Gives priority to projects that benefit underserved communities. Defines: (1) &quot;underserved community&quot;; and (2) &quot;locally or regionally produced agricultural food product.&quot; Obligates specified funds for FY2008-FY2012. (Sec. 6016) Directs the Secretary to establish a national appropriate technology transfer for rural areas program to assist agricultural producers that are seeking information to: (1) reduce input costs; (2) conserve energy resources; (3) diversify operations through new energy crops and energy generation facilities; and (4) expand markets by using practices that enhance the environment, natural resource base, and quality of life. Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations. (Sec. 6017) Directs the Secretary to carry out through September 30, 2012, those rural economic area partnership zones in effect on the date of enactment of this section in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in the memorandums of agreement entered into by the Secretary for the rural economic area partnership zones. (Sec. 6018) Revises the definitions of &quot;rural&quot; and &quot;rural area&quot; for specified agricultural credit and program purposes. (Sec. 6019) Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations for the national rural development partnership program. Establishes the program's termination date as September 30, 2012. (Sec. 6020) Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations for the historic barn preservation program. (Sec. 6021) Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations for grants for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio transmitters. (Sec. 6022) Directs the Secretary to establish a rural microentrepreneur assistance loan (20-year maximum) and grant program to support rural microenterprise development. Defines: (1) &quot;microentrepreneur&quot;; (2) &quot;microenterprise development organization&quot;; and (3) &quot;microloan.&quot; Requires a loan recipient microenterprise development organization to establish a loan loss reserve fund. Obligates specified CCC funds for FY2009-FY2012. Authorizes FY2009-FY2012 appropriations. (Sec. 6023) Directs the Secretary to make grants to eligible nonprofit organizations or nonprofit consortiums to expand rural employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations. (Sec. 6024) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to regional consortiums of academic, research, and health care entities to address health needs in the Delta region for: (1) development of health care services, health education programs, and health care job training programs; and (2) development and expansion of public health-related facilities. Requires grant input from local local governments and public health care providers in the Delta region. Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations. (Sec. 6025) Extends authority and authorizes appropriations for the Delta Regional Authority through FY2012. Amends the Delta Development Act to add the following to the Delta Regional Authority: (1) Beauregard, Bienville, Cameron, Claiborne, DeSoto, Jefferson Davis, Red River, St. Mary, Vermillion, and Webster Parishes in Louisiana; and (2) Jasper and Smith Counties in Mississippi. (Sec. 6026) Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to include Missouri (other than counties included in the Delta Regional Authority) in the Great Northern Plains Regional Authority. Increases the federal share of Authority administrative expenses for FY2008-FY2010. Directs the Authority to provide assistance to states in developing regional plans to address multistate economic issues, including plans to: (1) develop a regional transmission system for the movement of renewable energy to markets outside the region; (2) address regional transportation concerns including the establishment of a Northern Great Plains Regional Transportation Working Group; (3) support interstate collaboration on federally-funded research that is in the national interest; and (4) establish a Regional Working Group on Agriculture Development and Transportation. Includes among multistate economic issues: (1) renewable energy development and transmission; (2) transportation planning and economic development; (3) information technology; (4) movement of freight and persons; (5) conservation land management; and (6) federally funded research. Provides that economic and community development grants may be used for renewable energy transmission infrastructure development. Replaces the definition of &quot;local development district&quot; with a definition of &quot;multistate and local development district or organization.&quot; Authorizes grants (three-year maximum) for administrative expenses to multistate, local, and regional development districts and organizations. Reduces to 50% the amount of funding reserved for distressed counties and isolated areas of distress. Extends authority and authorizes appropriations for the Authority through FY2012. (Sec. 6027) Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations for the rural business investment program. Authorizes debentures to be prepaid at any time. Limits fees to $500. Gives rural business investment companies two years to meet capital requirements. Increases the limitation on funding from FCS institutions to 25%. (Sec. 6028) Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a rural collaborative investment program (in lieu of the rural strategic investment program) to provide rural regions with a flexible investment vehicle to achieve rural competitiveness and prosperity; (2) a National Rural Investment Board; and (3) a National Institute on Regional Rural Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship. Authorizes FY2009-FY2012 appropriations. Directs the Secretary to work with the Board to establish a rural philanthropic initiative. Directs the Secretary to make grants available to Regional Rural Investment Boards (as provided for by this section) to: (1) develop and maintain regional investment strategies; and (2) implement projects and initiatives identified in such strategies. Authorizes the Secretary to provide long-term loans to eligible community foundations to assist in the implementation of regional investment strategies. (Sec. 6029) Directs the Secretary to use specified CCC funds for pending applications for: (1) water or waste disposal grants or direct loans; and (2) emergency community water assistance grants. Subtitle B: Rural Electrification Act of 1936 - (Sec. 6101) Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1934 to authorize the Secretary to extend rural electrification loans to energy efficiency programs. (Sec. 6102) Provides for direct Rural Utilities Service (RUS) lending. Eliminates Federal Financing Bank guaranteed loans. (Sec. 6103) Directs the Secretary to allow borrowers to defer payment of principal and interest (for up to 60 months) on any direct loan to enable the borrower to make loans to residential, commercial, and industrial consumers to: (1) conduct energy efficiency and use audits; and (2) install energy efficient measures or devices. (Sec. 6104) Revises the definition of &quot;rural area.&quot; (Sec. 6105) Authorizes the Secretary to implement an initiative to identify and improve the availability of eligible programs in communities in substantially underserved trust areas (as defined by this section), which may include: (1) low-interest or extended financing; (2) waiver of matching fund or credit support requirements; and (3) priority funding. Requires an annual report to Congress. (Sec. 6106) Extends guarantee eligibility to rural telephone-related bonds and notes. Limits fiscal year electrification and telephone guarantees to $1 billion. Establishes the annual guarantee fee at 30 basis points of the amount of the unpaid principal. Requires that lender fees be paid on a semiannual basis on a schedule structured by the Secretary. Extends the Secretary's guarantee authority to September 30, 2012. (Sec. 6107) Extends 911 access eligibility to: (1) emergency communications; (2) homeland security communications; (3) transportation safety communications; and (4) location technologies used outside an urbanized area. Authorizes appropriations through FY2012. Allows government-imposed fees to emergency communications providers to serve as loan security. Authorizes emergency communications equipment providers to apply for loans on behalf of municipalities if the municipalities are unable to incur such debt. (Sec. 6108) Authorizes the Secretary to make electric loans for electric generation from renewable energy resources for resale to rural and nonrural residents. (Sec. 6109) Directs the Secretary to review RUS bonding requirements to ensure that bonds are not required if: (1) the interests of the Secretary are adequately protected by product warranties; or (2) bond costs or conditions exceed the bond's benefit. (Sec. 6110)Amends the Rural Electrification Act to revise rural broadband access provisions. Defines: (1) &quot;broadband service&quot;; (2) &quot;incumbent service provider&quot;; and (3) &quot;rural area.&quot; Directs the Secretary to make or guarantee loans to eligible entities for rural broadband service construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment. Gives priority to applicants that offer to provide broadband service to the greatest proportion of households without an incumbent service provider. Sets forth loan eligibility provisions, including the requirement that an entity agrees to complete broadband service buildout within three years of loan receipt. Limits an entity that provides telecommunications or broadband service to at least 20% of U.S. households to not more than 15% of fiscal year appropriations. Provides that a loan or guarantee may be used to carry out a project in a proposed service territory only if: (1) not less than 25% of the territory's households are offered broadband service by not more than one incumbent service provider; and (2) broadband service is not provided in any part of the territory by three or more incumbent service providers. States that the 25% requirement shall not apply if a loan or guarantee has been made to the applicant to provide broadband service in the proposed service territory. States that the three or more incumbent service provider requirement shall not apply to an incumbent service provider that is upgrading broadband service to its existing territory unless the applicant is eligible for funding under another title of this Act. States that states, local governments, and Indian tribes are eligible for loans to provide rural broadband service. Sets forth: (1) equity and market survey requirements; (2) reporting requirements; and (3) loan and loan guarantee terms. Permits loan proceeds to be used to refinance loans for deployment of rural broadband service. Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations. Prohibits loan or loan guarantees to be made after September 30, 2012. (Sec. 6111) Directs the Secretary to designate a National Center for Rural Telecommunications Assessment which shall: (1) assess program effectiveness in increasing rural broadband penetration and purchase; (2) work with existing rural development centers to identify appropriate policy initiatives; and (3) publish reports respecting Center activities. Requires an annual report to Congress. Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations. (Sec. 6112) Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide Congress with a comprehensive rural broadband strategy. (Sec. 6113) Directs the Secretary to conduct a study and report to Congress respecting electric power generation needs in rural areas. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous - (Sec. 6201) Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 regarding rural telemedicine and distance learning assistance to: (1) make libraries eligible for assistance; and (2) authorize appropriations through FY2012. (Sec. 6202) Amends the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 regarding the value-added agricultural market development program to: (1) revise the definition of &quot;value-added agricultural product&quot;; (2) limit grants to three years; (3) provide a simplified application for grants of less than $50,000; (4) give project priority to beginning or socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, or to family farms; and (5) reserve 10% of funds for projects that benefit beginning or socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, or mid-tier value chains. Makes specified CCC funds available for the program on October 1, 2008. Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations. (Sec. 6203) Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to authorize FY2008-FY2012 appropriations for the agricultural innovation center demonstration program. (Sec. 6204) Establishes the rural firefighters and emergency medical service assistance program in lieu of the rural firefighters and emergency personnel grant program. Defines &quot;emergency medical services&quot; as: (1) resources used by a public or nonprofit entity to deliver medical care outside of a medical facility under emergency conditions resulting from a patient's condition or a natural disaster; and (2) services delivered by a state-certified/licensed emergency medical services provider as an emergency medical technician, a registered nurse, a physician assistant, or an emergency services physician. Directs the Secretary to make grants to eligible entities in rural areas to: (1) provide for improved emergency medical services; and (2) pay the cost of training firefighters and emergency medical personnel in firefighting, emergency medical practices, and responding to hazardous materials and bioagents. Includes among eligible entities: (1) state emergency medical services offices or associations; (2) state rural health offices; (3) local government entities; (4) Indian tribes; (5) state or local ambulance providers; or (6) other public or nonprofit entities. Sets forth fund use provisions, including training and recruitment, equipment purchase, and public education. Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations. (Sec. 6205) Amends the Housing Act of 1949 regarding loan insurance for domestic farm labor housing to include in the definition of &quot;domestic farm labor&quot; persons who receive a substantial portion of their income from the handling of agricultural or aquacultural commodities in the unprocessed stage, or the processing of agricultural or aquacultural commodities. (Sec. 6206) Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study and report to Congress regarding the transportation of agricultural products, domestically produced renewable fuels, and domestically produced resources for rural area electricity production. Subtitle D: Housing Assistance Council - Housing Assistance Council Authorization Act of 2008 - (Sec. 6302) Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide financial assistance to the Housing Assistance Council to develop the capacity of community-based housing development organizations to undertake community development and affordable housing programs in rural areas. Authorizes FY2009-FY2011 appropriations. (Sec. 6303) Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report to the appropriate congressional committees regarding Council fund use over the past seven years. (Sec. 6304) Prohibits funds under this subtitle from being used to: (1) provide housing assistance to persons not lawfully present in the United States; and (2) lobby or retain a lobbyist for the purpose of influencing a federal, state, or local governmental entity or officer. Title VII: Research and Related Matters - Subtitle A: National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 - (Sec. 7101) Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to include research foundations maintained by colleges or universities within the definition of colleges or universities. Defines: (1) Hispanic-serving institutions as those whose enrollment of full-time undergraduate students is at least 25% Hispanic (as defined in the Higher Education Act of 1965); (2) Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities as Hispanic-serving institutions that offer accredited degree programs in agriculture-related fields; and (3) non-land grant colleges of agriculture (NLGCAs) as public colleges or universities offering a baccalaureate or higher degree in the study of agriculture or forestry (replacing the term American Association of State Colleges of Agriculture and Renewable Resources (ASCARR) institutions). (Sec. 7102) Reduces the membership of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board from 31 to 25. Increases maximum annual appropriations for the Board to $500,000. Extends the Board's existence through FY2012. (Sec. 7103) Requires the specialty crop committee to include a comprehensive analysis of the specialty crop sector in the report it provides to the Advisory Board. (Sec. 7104) Directs the Advisory Board to establish a permanent renewable energy subcommittee to study the scope and effectiveness of research, extension, and economics programs affecting the renewable energy industry. (Sec. 7105) Alters the federal student loan repayment program for veterinarians who agree to serve in veterinary shortage areas by including, and giving priority to, veterinarians in the food animal medicine field. Disapproves a specified transfer of funds from the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) to the Food Safety and Inspection Service. Requires such funds to be rescinded and available for use by the veterinarian student loan repayment program. (Sec. 7106) Makes the University of the District of Columbia eligible to compete for food and agricultural sciences education grants. (Sec. 7107) Allows food and agricultural sciences education grants to be made to schools with significant minority enrollments for the purpose of building their capacity for agricultural extension work. (Sec. 7108) Makes extension and research efforts eligible for National Food and Agricultural Sciences Teaching Awards. Requires the Secretary to make at least one such award per fiscal year in each of the areas of teaching, extension, and research. (Sec. 7109) Expands eligibility for agriscience and agribusiness teaching program grants to include Agriculture in the K-12 Classroom programs, nonprofit organizations, and additional institutions of higher education (IHEs). (Currently, the grant program is available to public secondary schools and IHEs that award an associate's degree.) Requires the Secretary to report biennially to the Congress on the distribution of funds for such teaching program. Reauthorizes appropriations for food and agricultural sciences education grants and fellowships through FY2012. (Sec. 7110) Repeals the grant program for research on the production and marketing of alcohols and industrial hydrocarbons from agricultural commodities and forest products. (Sec. 7111) Lists four research centers that are eligible to receive grants under an existing program for independent research and education regarding public policy on food and agriculture. Reauthorizes appropriations through FY2012. (Sec. 7112) Reauthorizes appropriations through FY2012 for the program providing education grants to Alaska Native- and Native Hawaiian-serving IHEs. Allows consortia of Native Hawaiian-serving institutions to designate fiscal agents for the members of the consortia and allocate education grant funds among their members. (Sec. 7113) Requires the human nutrition intervention and health promotion research program to emphasize proposals that examine the efficacy of current agriculture policies in promoting the health and welfare of economically disadvantaged populations. Reauthorizes appropriations for such program through FY2012. (Sec. 7115) Reauthorizes appropriations through FY2012 for the pilot research program to combine medical and agricultural research. (Sec. 7116) Changes the formula for distributing annual appropriations for the expanded food and nutrition education program, giving land-grant colleges certain amounts and percentages of those appropriations in excess of prior appropriations. Authorizes appropriations of $90 million for such program for each of FY2009-FY2012. (Sec. 7117) Reauthorizes appropriations for the continuing animal health and disease research programs through FY2012. Requires the Secretary to encourage veterinary schools and state agricultural experiment stations that receive funding for such programs to cooperate in setting research priorities through the conduct of regular regional and national meetings. (Sec. 7119) Reauthorizes appropriations through FY2012 for the program of grants for research on national and regional animal health or disease problems. Includes the 1890 land-grant colleges in such program. (Sec. 7121) Increases the minimum federal funding for: (1) extension programs at 1890 land-grant colleges to 20% of the amount appropriated for 1862 land-grant colleges' extension programs; and (2) research at the 1890 land-grant colleges to 30% of the amount appropriated for research at the 1862 land-grant colleges. (Sec. 7123) Reauthorizes appropriations through FY2012 for the grant program to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities and equipment at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University. (Sec. 7124) Establishes grant programs to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities and equipment at the University of the District of Columbia and insular area land-grant colleges. Authorizes appropriations of $750,000 for the UDC program and $8 million for the insular areas program for each of FY2009-FY2012. (Sec. 7126) Reauthorizes appropriations through FY2012 for national research and training virtual centers at 1890 land-grant colleges. (Sec. 7127) Extends through FY2012 the requirement that states completely match, from nonfederal sources, federal formula funds for research and extension activities at 1890 land-grant colleges. (Sec. 7128) Requires that capacity-building grants to Hispanic-serving institutions be awarded on a competitive basis. Doubles the annual authorization of appropriations for such grants to $40 million through FY2012. (Sec. 7129) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities Fund from which amounts will be provided to such schools annually, partly on the basis of their student enrollment, for use in funding their endowments. Authorizes appropriations for such Fund and to provide Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities with: (1) annual payments for use in the manner prescribed for 1890 land-grant colleges; (2) competitive capacity-building grants; (3) competitive grants for fundamental and applied research in agriculture, human nutrition, food science, bioenergy, and environmental science; and (4) agricultural extension work. (Sec. 7130) Directs the Secretary, when expanding the USDA's operational coordination of research, extension, and teaching programs with foreign institutions, to give priority to institutions with existing cooperative agreements with institutions in this country, or federal or state agencies. Extends eligibility for participation in international research, extension, and teaching programs to Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities. Adds anti-hunger, nutrition, and food availability to the purposes of such programs. Requires the Secretary to establish a program providing fellowships to U.S. or foreign students to study at foreign agricultural colleges and universities that are involved in such programs. (Sec. 7131) Reauthorizes appropriations through FY2012 for the program of competitive grants for international agricultural science and education. (Sec. 7132) Raises from 19% to 22% the percentage of a competitive agricultural research, education, or extension grant that an institution may use for indirect costs. (Sec. 7133) Reauthorizes appropriations through FY2012 for: (1) competitive agricultural research equipment grants; (2) agricultural research programs; (3) agricultural extension programs; and (4) research on supplemental and alternative crops. (Sec. 7137) Directs the Secretary to establish a New Era Rural Technology program providing grants to rural community colleges and advanced technological centers for technology development, applied research, and training to support the development of a workforce in bioenergy, agriculture-based renewable energy, and pulp and paper manufacturing. Authorizes appropriations through FY2012. (Sec. 7138) Requires the Secretary to make competitive grants to non-land grant colleges of agriculture (NLGCAs) to assist them in building their capacity to conduct education, research, and outreach activities relating to agriculture, renewable resources, and similar disciplines. Authorizes appropriations through FY2012. (Sec. 7139) Directs the Secretary to establish the Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship program to provide fellowships for scientific training in the United States to individuals from developing countries who specialize in agricultural education, research, and extension. Requires such program to consist of: (1) a graduate program in agriculture; (2) a career improvement program for agricultural scientists; and (3) an agricultural policy executive leadership course for senior agricultural policy makers from such countries. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 7140) Reauthorizes appropriations through FY2012 for: (1) aquaculture research and extension program grants; (2) rangeland research program grants; (3) agricultural research, education, and extension activities for biosecurity planning and response; and (4) grants to insular area IHEs for food and agricultural distance and resident education. Subtitle B: Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 - (Sec. 7201) Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to authorize appropriations through FY2012 for the National Genetics Resources Program. (Sec. 7202) Authorizes appropriations through FY2012 for the National Agricultural Weather Information System. (Sec. 7203) Requires that high-priority research and extension initiative grant proposals must be scientifically meritorious and involve cooperation of multiple entities in order to receive priority consideration. (Current law authorizes such proposals to be granted priority.) (Sec. 7204) Adds specified high-priority research and extension initiatives. Authorizes grants for research on bee colony production and health. Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations. Directs the Secretary to increase Department capacity to address colony collapse disorder and other long-term threats to pollinator health, including the hiring of additional personnel. Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations. Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations to conduct a nationwide honey bee pest and pathogen surveillance program. Directs the Secretary to prioritize regional centers of excellence established for specific agricultural commodities for initiatives funding. Sets forth center criteria. Authorizes appropriations through FY2012 for high-priority research and extension initiatives. (Sec. 7205) Authorizes appropriations through FY2012 for the nutrient management research and extension initiative. Authorizes research and extension grants for innovative methods and technologies regarding the agricultural use of animal waste and other byproducts. (Sec. 7206) Authorizes CCC funding through FY2012 for the organic agriculture research and extension initiative. Authorizes additional appropriations through FY2012 for the initiative. (Sec. 7207) Establishes within the Department an agricultural bioenergy feedstock and energy efficiency research and extension initiative to enhance biomass energy crop production and agricultural energy efficiency. Directs the Secretary to develop a best-practices database. Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations. (Sec. 7208) Authorizes the Secretary to make research and extension grants to: (1) improve agricultural producer farm management skills; and (2) establish a publicly available financial management database to support improved farm management. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 7209) Repeals the agricultural telecommunications program. (Sec. 7210) Authorizes appropriations through FY2012 for the assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities. (Sec. 7211) Repeals the honeybee disease research program. (Sec. 7212) Authorizes appropriations through FY2012 for the National Rural Information Center Clearinghouse. Subtitle C: Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 - (Sec. 7302) Amends the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to repeal: (1) the partnerships for high-value agricultural product quality research program; (2) the precision agriculture program; and (3) the Thomas Jefferson initiative for crop diversification. (Sec. 7304) Extends, and authorizes appropriations for, the biobased products pilot program through FY2012. (Sec. 7306) Authorizes appropriations through FY2012 for the integrated research, education, and extension grants program. (Sec. 7307) Authorizes appropriations through FY2012 for: (1) research grants regarding wheat and barley diseases caused by Fusarium graminearum; (2) the bovine Johnne's disease control program; (3) agricultural biotechnology research and development for developing countries; and (4) the Office of Pest Management Policy. (Sec. 7309) Authorizes appropriations through FY2012 for youth organization grants. Authorizes funding redistribution within organizations. (Sec. 7311) Establishes within the Department a specialty crop research and extension initiative which shall include: (1) plant breeding research to improve crop characteristics; (2) efforts to address threats from pests and diseases; (3) efforts to improve production efficiency and marketing; (4) new innovations and technology; and (5) methods to prevent and respond to potential food safety hazards. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make CCC funds available for FY2008-FY2012; and (2) transfer specified amounts to the Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances of the EPA for use in conducting a meta-analysis relating to methyl bromide. Authorizes additional appropriations through FY2012. (Sec. 7312) Authorizes appropriations through FY2012 for the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database program. Subtitle D: Other Laws - (Sec. 7401) Authorizes appropriations through FY2012 for activities under the Critical Agricultural Materials Act. (Sec. 7402) Amends the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 to include Ilisagvik College as a 1994 tribal land grant Institution. Authorizes appropriations through FY2012 for: (1) endowments; (2) capacity building grants; and (3) research grants. Redistributes endowment funds that would be paid to a 1994 Institution among other 1994 Institutions if an Institution declines to accept funds or fails to meet accreditation requirements. (Sec. 7403) Amends the Smith-Lever Act regarding specified cooperative extension funds for administration, technical, and related services. Eliminates a specified extension reporting requirement. (Sec. 7404) Amends the Hatch Act of 1887 to: (1) require 50% matching funds from the District of Columbia in order to receive formula funds for agricultural research; and (2) eliminate penalty mail authorities for state agricultural experiment stations and the extension service. (Sec. 7405) Amends the Research Facilities Act to authorize appropriations through FY2012 for agricultural research facilities. (Sec. 7406) Amends the the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act to replace the current competitive agricultural research and facilities grant programs with the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative which shall award grants (10 year maximum) for fundamental and applied research, extension, and education to address food and agricultural sciences. Sets forth the following priority areas: (1) plant and animal health, production, and products; (2) food safety, nutrition, and health; (3) renewable energy, natural resources, and environment; (4) agricultural systems and technology; and (5) agricultural economics and rural communities. Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations, of which: (1) not less than 30% shall be be made available for integrated research; and (2) not more than 4% shall be made available for administrative costs. (Sec. 7407) Amends the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 to authorize appropriations through FY2012 for carbon cycle research. (Sec. 7408) Amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to authorize the Secretary, in carrying out Department research functions, to exchange, sell, or otherwise dispose of &quot;qualified personal property items&quot; (an animal, an animal product, a plant, or a plant product excluding new seed varieties and germplasm) and retain and apply the proceeds to: (1) acquire qualified personal property items; or (2) offset costs related to the maintenance, care, or feeding of any qualified personal property item. (Sec. 7409) Authorizes the Secretary to establish a pilot program at the Beltsville, Maryland, Agricultural Research Center to lease for not more than 30 years and at fair market value non-excess property of the Center or the national Agricultural Library to an individual or entity, including state or local agencies. Terminates such authority: (1) on the date that is five years after the date of enactment of this section; or (2) with respect to any particular leased property, on the date of lease termination. (Sec. 7410) Amends the the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to revise the beginning farmer and rancher development grant program to: (1) establish a $250,000 per year grant limit; (2) authorize consecutive grants; (3) establish grant criteria; (4) make CCC funds available for FY2009-FY2012; and (5) authorize additional FY2008-FY2012 appropriations. (Sec. 7411) Repeals the public education program regarding biotechnology use in producing food for human consumption. (Sec. 7412) Amends the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act to authorize the participation of 1890 land grant Institutions in the McIntire-Stennis cooperative forestry program. (Sec. 7413) Amends the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 to extend authority and authorize appropriations through FY2012 for forest and rangeland extension activities. (Sec. 7414) Amends the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 to authorize appropriations through FY2012 for aquaculture activities. (Sec. 7415) Authorizes construction of a Chinese Garden at the National Arboretum. (Sec. 7416) Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act Amendments of 1985 to authorize appropriations through FY2012 for Agricultural Research Service facilities. (Sec. 7417) Amends the the District of Columbia Public Postsecondary Education Reorganization Act to make the University of the District of Columbia eligible for certain land-grant assistance. Subtitle E: Part I: General Provisions - (Sec. 7501) Defines specified terms. (Sec. 7502) States that the federal land and facilities at El Reno, Oklahoma, (administered as the Grazinglands Research Laboratory) shall not at any time be declared to be excess or surplus federal property or otherwise be conveyed for the five-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act. (Sec. 7503) Authorizes the Secretary to lease land to the University of Oklahoma at the Grazinglands Research Laboratory at El Reno, Oklahoma, in furtherance of cooperative research and existing easement arrangements. (Sec. 7504) Directs the Secretary, through the Under Secretary of Research, Education, and Economics, to begin preparation of an agricultural research, education, and extension roadmap. (Sec. 7505) Directs the Secretary to work with extension and research university partners to identify measures to streamline the submission, reporting, and implementation of plan of work requirements under the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, the Hatch Act, and the Smith-Lever Act. (Sec. 7506) Directs the President to include in the annual budget submission to Congress a single budget line item reflecting the total amount requested by the President for research, education, and extension activities of the Research, Education, and Economics mission area for the fiscal year and for the preceding five fiscal years. Part II: Research, Education, and Economics - (Sec. 7511) Amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to revise provisions respecting the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and Economics. State that the Under Secretary shall hold the title of Chief Scientist of the Department. Directs the Under Secretary to organize the Research, Education, and Extension Office which shall consist of the following six research Divisions: (1) renewable energy, natural resources, and environment; (2) food safety, nutrition, and health; (3) plant health and production and plant products; (4) animal health and production and animal products; (5) agricultural systems and technology; and (6) agricultural economics and rural communities. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Transfers to the Authority: (1) capacity and infrastructure programs; (2) competitive programs; and (3) Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service programs. Part III: New Grant and Research Programs - (Sec. 7521) Directs the Secretary to make research and education grants for the study of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations. (Sec. 7522) Directs the Secretary to make grants to state extension services for contracts with nonprofit organizations to establish a farm and ranch stress assistance network. Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations. (Sec. 7523) Directs the Secretary to make grants for a seed distribution program. Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations. (Sec. 7524) Directs the Secretary to issue a required permit to the Secretary of Homeland Security for work on the live virus of foot and mouth disease at any one successor facility to the Plum Island Animal Disease Center that is charged with researching biological threats involving zoonotic and foreign animal diseases. (Sec. 7525) Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department a natural products research program. Authorizes FY2008-FY2012 appropriations. (Sec. 7526) Directs the Secretary to provide grants to the following sun grant centers and subcenter: (1) a north-central sun grant center at South Dakota State University for Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming; (2) a southeastern sun grant center at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville for Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands; (3) a south-central sun grant center at Oklah