To amend the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 to reauthorize the dairy business innovation initiatives.

Bill Number

H.R. 985

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Agriculture and Food

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-03-14: Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.

Last Updated

2025-03-25T12:45:40Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This bill (H.R. 985) aims to reauthorize and strengthen the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives, a program under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. The program supports innovation and growth in the U.S. dairy industry by providing grants and technical assistance to dairy businesses, farmers, and cooperatives.

Key Provisions

• Extension of Program Duration: Updates the program's authorization period by changing references from "3" to "4" in subsections (b) and (g)(1)(A) of Section 12513. This likely extends the number of years the program operates or the duration of specific grants.
• Increased Funding: Raises the appropriated amount in subsection (i) from $20,000,000 to $36,000,000, providing more resources for grants, partnerships, and innovation projects in the dairy sector.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The amendments modify Section 12513 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (codified at 7 U.S.C. 1632d), which originally authorized the initiatives for a shorter period and with lower funding.
• These changes extend the program's lifespan by one year (from 3 to 4) and nearly double the funding level, ensuring continued support beyond the previous expiration while addressing potential funding shortfalls.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will manage an expanded program with higher funding, potentially increasing administrative workload but enabling more grants and partnerships with universities and nonprofits.
• On Citizens: Dairy farmers, processors, and rural communities may benefit from enhanced access to innovation resources, such as technology upgrades and market expansion, which could improve business viability and job opportunities in agriculture.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though a stronger U.S. dairy sector could enhance competitiveness in global markets.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Dairy Industry Participants: Farmers, cooperatives, and businesses involved in milk production, processing, and distribution, who can apply for grants to innovate and grow.
• Support Organizations: Universities, research institutions, and nonprofits partnering with USDA to deliver training and technical assistance.
• Government Entities: Primarily the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service, responsible for program implementation.
• Consumers and Taxpayers: Indirectly affected through potential stabilization of dairy prices and efficient use of federal funds.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens existing agricultural policy without introducing new regulatory burdens; aligns with congressional authority under the Commerce Clause to support interstate agriculture.
• Constitutional: No apparent conflicts, as it involves routine reauthorization of a spending program authorized by prior law.
• Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (by Reps. Van Orden and Carbajal) signals broad support for rural economies; could influence future farm bills by setting a precedent for increased dairy funding amid challenges like market volatility and climate adaptation.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3]

Cosponsors (2)

Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. Steil, Bryan [R-WI-1]

Recent Actions

• 2025-03-14: Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
• 2025-02-05: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
• 2025-02-05: Introduced in House
• 2025-02-05: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• To amend the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 to reauthorize the dairy business innovation initiatives. — issued 2025-02-05 — PDF (2 pages)