Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act
Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act
Plain Language Summary
# Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act - Summary **What It Does:** This bill would change income eligibility rules for USDA disaster assistance programs. Currently, farmers and agricultural businesses earning more than $900,000 per year cannot receive certain disaster benefits—even if farming is their main income source. The bill would eliminate this income cap for people or businesses that get 75% or more of their income from farming, ranching, forestry, or related activities like agritourism or direct-to-consumer sales. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects larger agricultural operations and farming businesses with higher gross incomes that have been excluded from disaster aid under current rules.
It applies to programs that help farmers recover from livestock losses, feed shortages, and other agricultural emergencies. **Current Status:** The bill (S. 984) was introduced by Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs ActThis bill waives the adjusted gross income limitations for payments or benefits under specific Department of Agriculture (USDA) disaster assistance programs for a person or legal entity that derives a portion of their income from agriculture. Currently, a person or entity is not eligible to receive certain benefits during a crop, fiscal, or program year if their average gross income exceeds $900,000.Specifically, in the case of an excepted payment or benefit, the adjusted gross income limitation is waived if 75% or more of the average adjusted gross income for the person or entity is derived from farming, ranching, or silviculture activities. These activities include agritourism, direct-to-consumer marketing of agricultural products, and the sale of agricultural equipment owned by such person or entity.The bill applies to the USDALivestock Indemnity Program;Livestock Forage Disaster Program;Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program;Tree Assistance Program; andNoninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1706)