Written by:

Audry Thompson—Research Assistant

Brook Duer—Staff Attorney

The Agricultural Law Weekly Review provides an update of recent agricultural law developments from local, state, national, and international levels. Subscribe at pennstateaglaw.com.

Want to listen to this Weekly Review? Check out the Agricultural Law Podcast.

COVID-19: USDA Announces Details of Direct Payments Portion of Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

On May 19, 2020, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the direct payments portion of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (RIN 0503-AA65), which will provide $16 billion in direct payments to producers of wool, livestock, dairy, and specialty and non-specialty crops who have experienced a “five-percent-or-greater price decline due to COVID-19.” Payments are limited to $250,000 “per person or entity” with exceptions for corporate entities of up to three shareholders who “contribute[] substantial labor or management” to operations. USDA will accept applications for assistance beginning May 26, 2020 through August 28, 2020.

Water Quality: Three State Attorneys General Notify EPA of Intent to Sue Over Chesapeake Bay TMDL Non-Compliance of Pennsylvania and New York

On May 18, 2020, the Attorneys General of Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia issued a joint letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stating that they “hereby give notice of their intent to sue EPA,” pursuant to 33 U.S.C. § 1366(a)(2), for failing to ensure that Pennsylvania and New York develop Phase III Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) that achieve and maintain nutrient reductions required by the established Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). The notice alleges that EPA has breached its non-discretionary duty to ensure Pennsylvania and New York comply with their obligations, in violation of Section 117 (g)(1)(A) of the Clean Water Act.

COVID-19: DOJ Issues Antitrust Clearance for Coordinated Euthanization

On May 15, 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a Business Review Letter responding to a request seeking antitrust clearance for hog euthanasia from the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). In its request, the NPCC described the “need to euthanize . . . approximately 700,000 hogs per week,” explaining that decreased restaurant and foodservice demand is causing hogs to exceed 330 pounds and surpass production equipment capacities, thus becoming unmarketable. In its letter, DOJ stated it “does not presently intend to challenge” NPPC’s Proposed Conduct to issue producer euthanasia guidance in conjuction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, although the department specified it “reserves the right to challenge the conduct in the future if it is later revealed to be anticompetitive in purpose or effect.” DOJ stated that its enforcement intentions are effective for one year.

Biotechnology: USDA Publishes Revised Approval Process Regulations for Genetically Engineered Organisms

On May 18, 2020, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published in the Federal Register a rule titled “Movement of Certain Genetically Engineered Organisms” (85 FR 29790), also called the “Sustainable, Ecological, Consistent, Uniform, Responsible, Efficient,” or “SECURE” rule. The rule regulates the “importation, interstate movement, and environmental release” of genetically engineered organisms, and substantially overhauls the identification and review/permit process of plants subject to regulation for genetically engineered “plant pest risk” by focusing on a plant’s properties instead of “whether a plant pest was used in [its] development.” The rule becomes effective in four stages following its publication, with full implementation by October 21, 2021

Pesticides: Maryland Governor Vetoes Chlorpyrifos Ban Legislation But MD Joins States Invoking Regulatory Ban

On May 7, 2020, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan vetoed S.B.300, which would have prohibited chlorpyrifos use throughout the state. In a letter accompanying the veto, the governor cited the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s promulgation of emergency regulations, effective March 27, 2020, which implement a 2021 phase-out of chlorpyrifos as “render[ing] moot” the legislative action. See also Agricultural Law Weekly Review, March 26, 2020 —Maryland Bill Enacting Chlorpyrifos Ban Awaits Governor’s Action.

Food Policy: USDA Appeals SNAP Ruling

On May 12, 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture filed notice appealing a preliminary injunction issued in D.C., et al. v. U.S. Dep’t of Agric., et al., No. 20-119, which barred the implementation of a rule publishsed a 84 FR 66782 that would have toughened SNAP benefit work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents.

Biofuels: PA Governor Requests Renewable Fuel Standard Waiver

On May 11, 2020, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf issued a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) restating his November 2018 request to reduce or waive Renewable Fuel Standard volume requirements. This is Governor Wolf’s third such request. The first was made in November 2017, to which EPA issued a letter in response seeking additional information. The second request of November 2018 generated no EPA response.

Agricultural Transportation: FMCSA Extends Trucking Hours of Service Waiver Until June 14, 2020

On May 13, 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a further extension and expansion of its Emergency Declaration No. 2020-002, which waives hours of service limits for transport of “essential supplies,” including food, feed and livestock, until June 14, 2020. The Emergency Declaration, which had been set to expire on May 15, 2020, was originally issued on March 13, 2020 and further extended on April 8, 2020.

From National Ag Law Authorities & Sources:

Peggy Kirk Hall, Agritourism Litigation Around the U.S. (May 12, 2020).

Roger A. McEowen, Solar “Farms” and The Associated Tax Credit (May 15, 2020).

Brigit Rollins, Two Cases Dismissed and One Advances in ESA Dispute (May 20, 2020).

Marlene van Nelson, Reopening Pennsylvania: Legal Considerations For You And Your Business (May 14, 2020).

Dairy Stream podcast features USDA Undersecretary Greg Ibach

Penn State Research & News:

New Institute to Help Address Complex Food-Energy-Water-Land Challenges (May 20, 2020).

AGENCY PRESS RELEASES—STATE/FEDERAL

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Press Releases:

Secretary of Agriculture Urges Congressional Support of Pennsylvania’s Vital Agriculture, Food Industries through Federal Stimulus (May 13, 2020).

Secretary of Agriculture: We’re all in this Together, Remember the Risk Essential Workers are Taking to Serve (May 13, 2020).

Wolf Administration Advocates for Senior Feeding Program Flexibilities, Congressional Action Needed to Protect Vulnerable Populations (May 14, 2020).

Department of Agriculture Outlines Order of Restaurant Enforcement Actions, Urges Compliance (May 14, 2020).

Department of Agriculture Highlights Pennsylvania Food Rescues, Outlines Steps to Reduce Food Waste, Feed Hungry during COVID-19 (May 15, 2020).

Wolf Administration to Distribute $255,000 in ‘Farm to Food Banks’ Funding, Redirect Agricultural Surplus to Address Food Insecurity (May 18, 2020).

Department of Agriculture Warns Consumers to Discard Moo Echo Dairy Products Purchased in Somerset, Westmoreland Counties (May 20, 2020).

U.S. Department of Agriculture Press Releases:

USDA Invests $22.5 Million in High-Speed Broadband for Rural Michigan (May 13, 2020).

USDA Approves Program to Feed Kids in New Hampshire (May 14, 2020).

USDA Invests More Than $500,000 in High-Speed Broadband in Rural Iowa (May 14, 2020).

USDA SECURE Rule Paves Way for Agricultural Innovation (May 14, 2020).

USDA Approves Wyoming to Accept SNAP Benefits Online (May 14, 2020).

USDA Extends Flexibilities, Paves the Way for Meals for Kids to Continue through Summer (May 15, 2020).

USDA Begins Accepting Applications for Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program Grants Today (May 15, 2020).

USDA Approves Program to Feed Kids in Louisiana and Indiana (May 15, 2020).

USDA Approves Program to Feed Kids in Colorado, Missouri, and Wyoming (May 18, 2020).

USDA Announces Details of Direct Assistance to Farmers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (May 19, 2020).

USDA, FDA Strengthen U.S. Food Supply Chain Protections During COVID-19 Pandemic (May 19, 2020).

SNAP Online Purchasing to Cover 90% of Households (May 20, 2020).

USDA Approves Program to Feed Kids in Kentucky, Tennessee, and DC (May 20, 2020).

USDA and USTR Announce Continued Progress on Implementation of U.S.-China Phase One Agreement (May 21, 2020).

USDA to Provide $1 Billion in Loan Guarantees for Rural Businesses and Ag Producers (May 22, 2020).

USDA Approves Program to Feed Kids in Arkansas (May 22, 2020).

WTAS: USDA Delivers Relief to America’s Farmers and Ranchers Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic (May 22, 2020).

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service & Farm Service Agency Press Releases:

USDA Announces Grants for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (May 6, 2020).

USDA Announces Cooperative Agreements for Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction (May 11, 2020).

USDA Designates Six Texas Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas (May 15, 2020).

USDA Designates Three Michigan Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas (May 15, 2020).

USDA Designates 17 South Dakota Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas (May 15, 2020).

USDA Designates Four Florida Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas (May 15, 2020).

USDA Market Access Gains for U.S. Products to China Valued At More Than $700 Million: Demonstrates Continued Progress Under the U.S.-China Phase One Agreement (May 21, 2020).

STATE ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE

Pennsylvania Executive Agencies—Actions and Notices:

Fish and Boat Commission

50 Pa.B. 2607 “Classification of Wild Trout Streams; Proposed Additions; July 2020,” Notice (May 16, 2020).

50 Pa.B. 2611 “Proposed Changes to List of Class A Wild Trout Waters; July 2020,” Notice (May 16, 2020).

Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission

50 Pa.B. 2521 “Certificated Water and Wastewater Utility Acquisitions, Mergers, and Transfers; Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking,” Proposed Rulemaking (May 16, 2020).

Pennsylvania Legislature

H.B. 2493 “An Act amending Title 3 (Agriculture) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for pandemic of 2020 guidelines for grocery stores.” Referred to Agricultural and Rural Affairs [House] (May 12, 2020).

H.B. 2492 “An Act amending Title 3 (Agriculture) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for pandemic of 2020 guidelines for food establishments. Referred to Agricultural and Rural Affairs [House] (May 12, 2020).

S.B. 1041 “An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in sales and use tax, further providing for exclusions from tax.” Re-referred to Appropriations [Senate] (May 12, 2020).

H.B. 333 “An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in personal income tax, further providing for classes of income [Small Business Tax Package].” Removed from table [House] (May 12, 2020).

H. Res. 872 “A Resolution encouraging food donations and recognizing the importance of liability protections under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act and the Donated Food Limited Liability Act during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Referred to Agricultural and Rural Affairs [House] (May 13, 2020).

H.B. 1348 “An Act providing for limited civil liability for agritourism activity providers, for notice of limited civil liability and for acknowledgment of limited civil liability.” Removed from table [House] (May 14, 2020).

H.B. 2529 “An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929, providing for emergency COVID-19 provisions.” Referred to Agricultural and Rural Affairs [House] (May 19, 2020).

H.B. 2513 “An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929, providing for establishment indoor space operation [Re-Open Restaurants—Two Part Package/Bill 1 and Bill 2 H.B. 2506]. Third consideration and final passage [House] (May 19, 2020).

H.B. 2477 “An Act amending the act of July 10, 1981 (P.L.234, No.76), known as the Donated Food Limited Liability Act, further providing for donor immunity.” Third consideration and final passage [House] (May 20, 2020).

H.B. 327 “An Act amending . . . the Liquor Code, in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in licenses and regulations, liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, providing for prepared beverages and mixed drinks for off-premises consumption during disaster emergency and reenacting provisions relating to local option.” Approved by Governor, Act No. 21 (May 22, 2020).

FEDERAL ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE

Federal Executive Agencies—Actions and Notices:

Agricultural Department

85 FR 30925 “Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request [National Agricultural Statistics Service: Current Agricultural Industrial Reports],” Notice (May 21, 2020).

85 FR 30825 “Coronavirus Food Assistance Program,” Notice (May 21, 2020).

85 FR 31062 “Notice of Funding Availability; Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) Additional Commodities Request for Information,” Proposed Rule—Comment Period (May 22, 2020).

Agricultural Marketing Service

85 FR 28928 “Proposed Posting, and Posting of Stockyards,” Notice—Comment Period (May 14, 2020).

85 FR 28927 “Notice of Request for an Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection: Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service Delivery,” Notice—Comment Period (May 14, 2020).

85 FR 28841 “Olives Grown in California; Decreased Assessment Rate,” Rule (May 14, 2020).

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

85 FR 29393 “General Conference Committee of the National Poultry Improvement Plan; Solicitation for Membership; Correction,” Notice (May 15, 2020).

85 FR 29392 “Notice of Request for Reinstatement of an Information Collection; Imported Seeds and Screenings,” Notice—Comment Period (May 15, 2020).

85 FR 29790 “Movement of Certain Genetically Engineered Organisms,” Final Rule (May 18, 2020).

85 FR 31136 “Notice of Request for Reinstatement of an Information Collection; Conditions for Payment of Avian Influenza Indemnity Claims,” Notice—Comment Period (May 22, 2020).

85 FR 31135 “Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Environmental Monitoring,” Notice—Comment Period (May 22, 2020).

85 FR 31137 “Oral Rabies Vaccine Program; Notice of Availability of Decision and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Environmental Assessment,” Notice (May 22, 2020).

Employment and Training Administration

85 FR 29746 “Notice of a Change in Status of the Extended Benefit (EB) Program for Nevada,” Notice (May 18, 2020).

85 FR 29747 “Notice of a Change in Status of the Extended Benefit (EB) Program for Montana,” Notice (May 18, 2020).

85 FR 29748 “Notice of a Change in Status of the Extended Benefit (EB) Program for Minnesota,” Notice (May 18, 2020).

85 FR 29746 “Notice of a Change in Status of the Extended Benefit (EB) Program for Massachusetts,” Notice (May 18, 2020).

85 FR 29747 “Notice of a Change in Status of the Extended Benefit (EB) Program for Alaska,” Notice (May 18, 2020).

85 FR 29747 “Notice of a Change in Status of the Extended Benefit (EB) Program for West Virginia,” Notice (May 18, 2020).

85 FR 29748 “Notice of a Change in Status of the Extended Benefit (EB) Program for Washington,” Notice (May 18, 2020).

85 FR 29749 “Notice of a Change in Status of the Extended Benefit (EB) Program for Vermont,” Notice (May 18, 2020).

85 FR 29745 “Notice of a Change in Status of the Extended Benefit (EB) Program for Puerto Rico,” Notice (May 18, 2020).

85 FR 29745 “Notice of a Change in Status of the Extended Benefit Program for Pennsylvania,” Notice (May 18, 2020).

85 FR 29745 “Notice of a Change in Status of the Extended Benefit (EB) Program for New York,” Notice (May 18, 2020).

85 FR 29748 “Notice of a Change in Status of the Extended Benefit (EB) Program for New Jersey,” Notice (May 18, 2020).

85 FR 30608 “Rules Concerning Discretionary Review by the Secretary [Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals],” Rule (May 20, 2020).

Engineers Corps

85 FR 29689 “National Wetland Plant List,” Notice (May 18, 2020).

Environmental Protection Agency

85 FR 28944 “Pesticide Registration Review; Draft Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessments for Several Pesticides for Several Isothiazolinones; Notice of Availability,” Notice—Comment Period (May 14, 2020).

85 FR 29340 “Isoxaben; Pesticide Tolerances,” Rule—Comment Period (May 15, 2020).

85 FR 29338 “Acequinocyl; Pesticide Tolerances,” Rule—Comment Period (May 15, 2020).

85 FR 29630 “Methyl Mercaptan; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance,” Rule—Comment Period (May 18, 2020).

85 FR 29633 “Fluridone; Pesticide Tolerances,” Rule—Comment Period (May 18, 2020).

85 FR 29941 “Pesticide Registration Review; Interim Decisions and Case Closures for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability,” Notice (May 19, 2020).

85 FR 29942 “Pesticide Registration Review; Proposed Interim Decisions for Several Neonicotinoid Pesticides; Reopening of Comment Period,” Notice—Comment Period (May 19, 2020).

85 FR 30953 “Request for Comment on Whether EPA's Approval of a Clean Water Act Section 404 Program Is Non-Discretionary for Purposes of Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation,” Notice—Comment Period (May 21, 2020).

85 FR 31130 “Dipropylene Glycol and Triethylene Glycol; Exemption From the Requirement of a Pesticide Tolerance,” Proposed Rule—Comment Period (May 22, 2020).

85 FR 31184 “Draft Ambient Water Quality Criteria Recommendations for Lakes and Reservoirs of the Conterminous United States: Information Supporting the Development of Numeric Nutrient Criteria,” Notice—Comment Period (May 22, 2020).

Federal Emergency Management Agency

85 FR 31202 “Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; National Flood Insurance Program Policy Forms,” Notice—Comment Period (May 22, 2020).

Fish and Wildlife Service

85 FR 29532 “Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Southern Sierra Nevada Distinct Population Segment of Fisher,” Rule (May 15, 2020).

85 FR 29962 “Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Eagle Take Permits and Fees,” Notice—Comment Period (May 19, 2020).

85 FR 29963 “Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications and Reports-Migratory Birds,” Notice—Comment Period (May 19, 2020).

Food and Drug Administration

85 FR 28951 “Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Third Party Disclosure and Recordkeeping Requirements for Reportable Food,” Notice—Comment Period (May 14, 2020).

85 FR 28898 “Food Additives Permitted in Feed and Drinking Water of Animals; Spent Bleaching Clay,” Proposed Rule—Comment Period (May 14, 2020).

85 FR 30711 “Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Comment Request; Food Labeling Regulations,” Notice—Comment Period (May 20, 2020).

85 FR 30713 “Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Comment Request; Prior Notice of Imported Food,” Notice—Comment Period (May 20, 2020).

Food and Nutrition Service

85 FR 29393 “Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request-User Access Request Form FNS-674,” Notice—Comment Period (May 15, 2020).

85 FR 29673 “Employment and Training Opportunities in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Extension of Comment Period,” Proposed Rule—Comment Period (May 18, 2020).

International Trade Commission

85 FR 30736 “Raspberries for Processing: Conditions of Competition Between U.S. and Foreign Suppliers, With a Focus on Washington State,” Notice (May 20, 2020).

85 FR 31209 “Andean Trade Preference Act: Impact on U.S. Industries and Consumers and on Drug Crop Eradication and Crop Substitution,” Notice (May 22, 2020).

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

85 FR 29394 “Solicitation of Applications for the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) for Fiscal Year 2020,” Notice (May 15, 2020).

85 FR 31035 “Guaranteed Loanmaking and Servicing Regulations,” Rule (May 22, 2020).

85 FR 31139 “The Business and Industry Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) Guaranteed Loan Program,” Notice (May 22, 2020).

Rural Utilities Service

85 FR 29680 “Announcement of Application Deadlines and Requirements for Section 313A Guarantees for Bonds and Notes Issued for Utility Infrastructure Loans for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020,” Notice (May 18, 2020).

85 FR 29593 “Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program,” Rule (May 18, 2020).

Small Business Administration

85 FR 29774 “Presidential Declaration Amendment of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Tennessee,” Notice (May 18, 2020).

85 FR 29774 “Presidential Declaration of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of North Carolina,” Notice (May 18, 2020).

85 FR 29774 “Presidential Declaration of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Mississippi,” Notice (May 18, 2020).

85 FR 29775 “Declaration Amendment of a Major Disaster for the State of Mississippi,” Notice (May 18, 2020).

85 FR 29842 “Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program-Loan Increases,” Rule—Comment Period (May 19, 2020).

85 FR 29845 “Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program-Requirements-Extension of Limited Safe Harbor With Respect to Certification Concerning Need for PPP Loan Request,” Rule—Comment Period (May 19, 2020).

85 FR 29994 “Presidential Declaration of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Arkansas,” Notice (May 19, 2020).

85 FR 29994 “Presidential Declaration Amendment of a Major Disaster for the State of South Carolina,” Notice (May 19, 2020).

85 FR 30835 “Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program-Treatment of Entities With Foreign Affiliates,” Rule—Comment Period (May 21, 2020).

Susquehanna River Basin Commission

85 FR 29995 “Grandfathering Registration Notice [Susquehanna Valley Country Club, BCI Municipal Authority, Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission]” Notice (May 19, 2020).

85 FR 29995 “Grandfathering (GF) Registration Notice,” Notice (May 19, 2020).

85 FR 29998 “Commission Meeting [ June 19, 2020],” Notice (May 19, 2020).

85 FR 29998 “Projects Approved for Consumptive Uses of Water [April 1-30, 2020],” Notice (May 19, 2020).

85 FR 29996 “Projects Approved for Consumptive Uses of Water [March 1-31, 2020],” Notice (May 19, 2020)

U.S. House Agriculture Committee Actions:

H.R.6834 “To amend the Agricultural Act of 2014 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a program to facilitate the partnership of certain dairy distributors and certain dairy organizations, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (May 12, 2020).

H.R.6846 “To .amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to provide for the participation of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in the supplemental nutrition assistance program, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (May 12, 2020).

H.R.6889 “To modernize the Fallon Range Training Complex in Churchill County, Nevada, through the withdrawal and reservation of additional public lands for military use, to allow for transfer of ownership of certain Federal parcels in Nevada, to allow for disposal of Federal lands in Nevada for economic development, to make technical corrections to existing law, for conservation, and for other purposes.” Referred to Committees on Natural Resources, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and Armed Services (May 15, 2020).

H.R.6904 “To increase access to food delivery under the supplemental nutrition assistance program to address the Coronavirus Disease 2019, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on the Budget (May 15, 2020).

H.R.6921 “To amend the Animal Health Protection Act with respect to the importation of live dogs, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (May 19, 2020).

H.R.6951 “To assist older Americans and people with disabilities affected by COVID-19. Referred to the Committees on Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, Education and Labor, and Agriculture (May 19, 2020).

H.R.6956 “To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to provide food and agriculture emergency aid to States, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (May 19, 2020).

U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, And Forestry Committee Actions:

S.3693 “A bill to amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to foster efficient markets and increase competition and transparency among packers that purchase livestock from producers.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (May 12, 2020).

S.3697 “A bill to modify the Restaurant Meals Program under the supplemental nutrition assistance program in response to COVID-19, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (May 12, 2020).

S.3719 “A bill to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to require that supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits be calculated using the value of the low-cost food plan, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (May 13, 2020).

S.3736 “A bill to increase access to food delivery under the supplemental nutrition assistance program to address the Coronavirus Disease 2019, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (May 14, 2020).

S.3756 “A bill to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a renewable fuel feedstock reimbursement program.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (May 19, 2020).

S.3785 “A bill to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to provide food and agriculture emergency aid to States, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (May 20, 2020).

S.3797 “A bill to provide overtime and holiday fee relief for small meat, poultry, and egg processing plants, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (May 21, 2020).

S.3840 “A bill to protect the continuity of the food supply chain of the United States in response to COVID-19, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (May 21, 2020).

May 13–21, 2020 Top #AgLaw links:

March Margin Triggers Dairy Margin Coverage Program Payment, USDA (May 20, 2020).

Trump Floats Halt to U.S. Cattle Imports as Pandemic Hurts Ranchers, Reuters (May 19, 2020).

A Closer Look at the CFAP Assistance for Dairy, Brownfield (May 20, 2020).

USDA Outlines CFAP Program Payment Limits, Brownfield (May 19, 2020).

Model of Critical Infrastructures Reveals Vulnerabilities, Morning Ag Clips (May 18, 2020).

EPA Provides $6 Million to Reduce Excess Ag Runoff to the Chesapeake Bay, EPA (May 18, 2020).

USDA Announces Details of Direct Assistance to Farmers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, USDA (May 19, 2020).

Meat Production to Rebound Sharply After Coronavirus Slowdown – USDA, Successful Farming (May 19, 2020).

Farmers: COVID-19 Aid Signup Begins May 26, FarmProgress (May 19, 2020).

DOJ Greenlights NPPC Plan to Euthanize Hogs, Meat+Poultry (May 18, 2020).

Meat Shortage Problem Has Nothing to do with Livestock Numbers, AgWeek (May 18, 2020).