Biomass update in 2014 Farm Bill Highlights

Farm Safety Net

• Eliminates direct payments and continues crop insurance.

• Producers will choose between the Price Loss Coverage and Agricultural Risk Coverage. Establishes the Dairy Margin Protection program.

• Restores livestock disaster assistance for losses dating back to 2011, and establishes a permanent livestock disaster program.

Rural Development

• Continues USDA Rural Development programs. Provides $15 million to support rural business development and growth through the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program.

• Provides $150 million for water and wastewater infrastructure.

• Reserves 10% of certain programs for regional, long-term investments to better promote economic development through regional planning and leveraging of resources. Trade and Foreign Agriculture

• Continues authorization for $200 million annually for international market development.

• Authorizes up to $80 million for LRP and makes the program permanent.

• Provides more flexibility for USAID to use cash assistance in administering the Food for Peace program.

• Increases flexibility for assistance in emergency situations. Research

• Endows $200 million for a foundation for agricultural research.

• Doubles the funding for SCRI to $80 million annually

Conservation

• Consolidates conservation programs for flexibility, accountability and adaptability at the local level.

• Links basic conservation practices to crop insurance premium subsidy for highly erodible lands and wetlands.

• Builds upon previous successful partnerships and encourages agricultural producers and partners to design conservation projects that focus on and address regional priorities.

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

2014 Farm Bill

• Reauthorizes and provides $880 million for energy programs established in the 2008 Farm Bill.

• Expands Biorefinery Assistance Program to include biobased product and renewable chemical manufacturing.

• Expands Biopreferred program to include forestry products.

Forestry

• Makes Stewardship Contracting Authority permanent, allowing FS to conduct restoration work and stimulate job growth.

• Makes the Good Neighbor Authority permanent and available nationwide.

Nutrition

• Maintains SNAP eligibility for millions of low-income families.

• Provides $200 million for job training and $100 million to increase fruit and vegetable purchases.

• Provides $250 million in additional funding for TEFAP.

• Authorizes $125 million for the Healthy Food Financing Initiative to make nutritious food more accessible.

Next Generation Farmers and Ranchers

• Provides $100 million for the Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program.

• Increases access to capital and supports crop insurance and risk management tools, including reducing crop insurance premiums during the first 5 years of farming.

Local and Regional Food Systems

• Renames FMPP to “Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program” and provides $30 million annually.

• Continues to reserve funds in the Business & Industry Loan Program for locally- and regionally- focused businesses.

• Advances growth of local and regional food systems with $65 million for Value Added Product Market Development Grants.

Specialty Crops and Organics

• Provides $72.5 million annually for SCBG.

• Provides new resources for organic farmers, including funding the Organic Cost Share program at $11.5 million annually.

• Increases funding for pest and disease management and disaster prevention to $62.5 million per year, and $75 million in FY 2018 and beyond.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. March 2014