A bill to establish as a permanent program the organic market development grant program of the Department of Agriculture.
Impact
This bill introduces significant new funding provisions, indicating a commitment of $75 million annually from the Commodity Credit Corporation to support the organic sector. The inclusion of various project types for grant recipients—ranging from market development and promotion to the expansion of storage and processing capacity—demonstrates a strategic approach to ensuring that American farmers can compete effectively in the growing organic market. Additionally, it mandates that eligible entities demonstrate compliance with food safety and quality standards, further enhancing consumer trust in organic products.
Summary
SB2936 is a bill aimed at establishing the Organic Market Development Grant Program as a permanent initiative. The program, managed by the Secretary of Agriculture, is focused on enhancing the domestic organic product supply chain, supporting producers, handlers, suppliers, and processors of certified organic products. By offering grants, the bill seeks to modernize systems related to manufacturing, storage, and distribution, thereby improving market access for organic goods. These efforts are designed to bolster the capacity of the organic sector within the agricultural framework of the United States.
Contention
While SB2936 aims to streamline support for organic farmers and enhance their economic viability, it may face scrutiny from traditional agricultural sectors concerned about the allocation of federal resources. Critics may argue that focusing on organic farming increases regulatory complexity and could disproportionately benefit larger organic operations at the expense of smaller, local producers. This potential contention reflects a broader debate on the balance of agricultural investment and the role of government in fostering specific farming practices amid diverse agricultural needs.
A bill to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish and administer a pilot program to provide grants to support Food is Medicine programs, and for other purposes.
To amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program under which the Secretary will award grants to specialty crop producers to acquire certain equipment and provide training with respect to the use of such equipment.
To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2029, and for other purposes.
A bill to require training for State and regional employees of the Department of Agriculture on the rural housing and development programs of the Department.
Agriculture Grants for Veterans Education and Training Services Act or the AG VETS ActThis bill directs the Department of Agriculture to provide competitive grants to eligible entities for the purpose of establishing and enhancing farming and ranching opportunities for veterans through education and training services.Entities eligible for the grants include cooperative extension services, land-grant colleges and universities, non-land-grant colleges of agriculture, state departments of agriculture, and nonprofit organizations.
Making Agricultural Products Locally Essential Act or the MAPLE ActThis bill includes maple syrup as one of the eligible foods under the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). As background, the Department of Agriculture's SFMNP provides grants to participating states to provide low-income seniors with coupons/vouchers that may be used at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs to purchase eligible foods (i.e., fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally-grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey).