This bill matters because it addresses a significant challenge for small and beginning farmers: the cost of complying with food safety requirements. Many larger buyers, like supermarkets, require farms to pass expensive 'Good Agricultural Practices' (GAP) audits to ensure food safety. These audit costs can be a major hurdle for smaller operations, limiting their ability to expand and sell to broader markets.
If this bill becomes law, it could help level the playing field, making it easier for small and new farmers to compete and grow their businesses. Without this bill, these farmers might continue to struggle with the audit costs, potentially remaining locked out of certain retail opportunities, which could impact the diversity of food sources available to consumers and the economic viability of smaller farms.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Establishes a program for the Secretary of Agriculture to pay 'covered producers' the full cost of 'Good Agricultural Practices' (GAP) audits.
This directly reduces a significant financial burden for eligible farmers seeking food safety certification.
PROVISION 02
Defines 'covered producers' as small farms with an adjusted gross income under $350,000 annually or beginning farmers/ranchers.
This provision targets the financial assistance to specific groups of farmers deemed most in need of support.
PROVISION 03
Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports for five years on the program's activities, including market access impact.
This ensures accountability and provides data on whether the program effectively helps farmers gain market access.
PROVISION 04
Funds the program using the Commodity Credit Corporation and includes a sunset clause, terminating the authority after five years.
This outlines the funding mechanism and sets a clear expiration date, making the program temporary.
This bill matters because it addresses a significant challenge for small and beginning farmers: the cost of complying with food safety requirements. Many larger buyers, like supermarkets, require farms to pass expensive 'Good Agricultural Practices' (GAP) audits to ensure food safety. These audit costs can be a major hurdle for smaller operations, limiting their ability to expand and sell to broader markets.
If this bill becomes law, it could help level the playing field, making it easier for small and new farmers to compete and grow their businesses. Without this bill, these farmers might continue to struggle with the audit costs, potentially remaining locked out of certain retail opportunities, which could impact the diversity of food sources available to consumers and the economic viability of smaller farms.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Establishes a program for the Secretary of Agriculture to pay 'covered producers' the full cost of 'Good Agricultural Practices' (GAP) audits.
This directly reduces a significant financial burden for eligible farmers seeking food safety certification.
high
Defines 'covered producers' as small farms with an adjusted gross income under $350,000 annually or beginning farmers/ranchers.
This provision targets the financial assistance to specific groups of farmers deemed most in need of support.
med
Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports for five years on the program's activities, including market access impact.
This ensures accountability and provides data on whether the program effectively helps farmers gain market access.
med
Funds the program using the Commodity Credit Corporation and includes a sunset clause, terminating the authority after five years.
This outlines the funding mechanism and sets a clear expiration date, making the program temporary.
A third-party inspection that checks if a farm is following 'Good Agricultural Practices,' which are standards for growing, harvesting, packing, and holding produce safely to prevent contamination.
Covered producer
A farmer or rancher who operates a small farm (with an average adjusted gross income under $350,000 annually) or is new to farming, and is eligible to receive payments under this program.
Secretary of Agriculture
The head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, responsible for implementing agricultural and food policies.
Commodity Credit Corporation
A government-owned corporation within the USDA that provides financial support for agricultural programs, including price supports and conservation initiatives.
Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
A measure of income used for tax purposes, calculated by subtracting certain deductions from gross income.
Beginning farmer or rancher
An individual or entity who has not operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 consecutive years and meets other specific requirements set by the USDA.
Retail food store
ACTION TIMELINE
6 EVENTS
JAN 13
Referred to the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit.
COMMITTEE
JAN 13
Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture.
