7 USC CHAPTER 106, SUBCHAPTER III: PEANUTS
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7 USC CHAPTER 106, SUBCHAPTER III: PEANUTS
From Title 7—AGRICULTURECHAPTER 106—COMMODITY PROGRAMS

SUBCHAPTER III—PEANUTS

§7951. Definitions

In this subchapter:

(1) Base acres for peanuts

The term "base acres for peanuts" means the number of acres assigned to a farm by historic peanut producers pursuant to section 7952(b) of this title.

(2) Counter-cyclical payment

The term "counter-cyclical payment" means a payment made under section 7954 of this title.

(3) Effective price

The term "effective price" means the price calculated by the Secretary under section 7954 of this title for peanuts to determine whether counter-cyclical payments are required to be made under that section for a crop year.

(4) Direct payment

The term "direct payment" means a payment made under section 7953 of this title.

(5) Historic peanut producer

The term "historic peanut producer" means a producer on a farm in the United States that produced or was prevented from planting peanuts during any or all of the 1998 through 2001 crop years.

(6) Payment acres

The term "payment acres" means—

(A) for the 2002 crop of peanuts, 85 percent of the average acreage determined under section 7952(a)(2) of this title for an historic peanut producer; and

(B) for the 2003 through 2007 crops of peanuts, 85 percent of the base acres for peanuts assigned to a farm under section 7952(b) of this title.

(7) Payment yield

The term "payment yield" means the yield assigned to a farm by historic peanut producers pursuant to section 7952(b) of this title.

(8) Producer

The term "producer" means an owner, operator, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper that shares in the risk of producing a crop on a farm and is entitled to share in the crop available for marketing from the farm, or would have shared had the crop been produced. In determining whether a grower of hybrid seed is a producer, the Secretary shall not take into consideration the existence of a hybrid seed contract and shall ensure that program requirements do not adversely affect the ability of the grower to receive a payment under this subchapter.

(9) Secretary

The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Agriculture.

(10) State

The term "State" means each of the several States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any other territory or possession of the United States.

(11) Target price

The term "target price" means the price per ton of peanuts used to determine the payment rate for counter-cyclical payments.

(12) United States

The term "United States", when used in a geographical sense, means all of the States.

(Pub. L. 107–171, title I, §1301, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 166.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

This subchapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this subtitle", meaning subtitle C (§§1301–1310) of title I of Pub. L. 107–171, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 166, which enacted this subchapter, amended sections 1361, 1371, 1373, 1378, 1428, and 1441 of this title, and repealed sections 1357 to 1359a and 7271 of this title. For complete classification of subtitle C to the Code, see Tables.

§7952. Establishment of payment yield and base acres for peanuts for a farm

(a) Average yield and acreage average for historic peanut producers

(1) Determination of average yield

(A) In general

The Secretary shall determine, for each historic peanut producer, the average yield for peanuts on each farm on which the historic peanut producer planted peanuts for harvest for the 1998 through 2001 crop years, excluding any crop year in which the producer did not plant or was prevented from planting peanuts.

(B) Assigned yields

For the purposes of determining the 4-year average yield for an historic peanut producer under this paragraph, the historic peanut producer may elect to substitute for a farm, for not more than 3 of the 1998 through 2001 crop years in which the producer planted peanuts on the farm, the average yield for peanuts produced in the county in which the farm is located for the 1990 through 1997 crop years.

(2) Determination of acreage average

(A) In general

The Secretary shall determine, for each historic peanut producer, the 4-year average of the following:

(i) Acreage planted to peanuts on each farm on which the historic peanut producer planted peanuts for harvest for the 1998 through 2001 crop years.

(ii) Any acreage on each farm that the historic peanut producer was prevented from planting to peanuts during the 1998 through 2001 crop years because of drought, flood, or other natural disaster, or other condition beyond the control of the historic peanut producer, as determined by the Secretary.

(B) Inclusion of all 4 years in average

For the purposes of determining the 4-year acreage average for an historic peanut producer under this paragraph, the Secretary shall not exclude any crop year in which the producer did not plant peanuts.

(C) Proportional shares

If more than 1 historic peanut producer shared in the risk of producing the crop on a farm, the historic peanut producers shall receive their proportional share of the number of acres planted (or prevented from being planted) to peanuts for harvest on the farm based on the sharing arrangement that was in effect among the producers for the crop.

(3) Time for determinations

The Secretary shall make the determinations required by this subsection as soon as practicable after May 13, 2002.

(4) Special considerations

In making the determinations required by this subsection, the Secretary shall take into account changes in the number, identity, or interest of producers sharing in the risk of producing a peanut crop since the 1998 crop year, including providing a method for the assignment of average acres and average yield to a farm—

(A) when an historic peanut producer is no longer living;

(B) when an entity composed of historic peanut producers has been dissolved; or

(C) in other appropriate situations, as determined by the Secretary.

(b) Assignment of average yields and average acreage to farms

(1) Assignment by historic peanut producers

The Secretary shall give each historic peanut producer an opportunity to assign the average peanut yield and average acreage determined under subsection (a) for each farm of the historic peanut producer to cropland on that farm or another farm in the same State or a contiguous State.

(2) Limitation on acreage assignment

Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the average acreage determined under subsection (a)(2) for a farm may not be assigned to a farm in a contiguous State unless—

(A) the historic peanut producer making the assignment produced peanuts in that State during at least 1 of the 1998 through 2001 crop years; or

(B) as of March 31, 2003, the historic peanut producer is a producer on a farm in that State.

(3) Notice of assignment opportunity

The Secretary shall provide notice to historic peanut producers regarding their opportunity to assign average peanut yields and average acreages to farms under paragraph (1). The notice shall include the following:

(A) Notice that the opportunity to make the assignments is being provided only once.

(B) A description of the limitation in paragraph (2) on their ability to make the assignments.

(C) Information regarding the manner in which the assignments must be made and the time periods and manner in which notice of the assignments must be submitted to the Secretary.

(4) Assignment deadlines

Not later than March 31, 2003, an historic peanut producer shall submit to the Secretary notice of the assignments made by the producer under this subsection. If an historic peanut producer fails to submit the notice by that date, the notice shall be submitted in such other manner as the Secretary may prescribe.

(c) Payment yield

The average of all of the yields assigned by historic peanut producers under subsection (b) to a farm shall be considered to be the payment yield for that farm for the purpose of making direct payments and counter-cyclical payments under this subchapter.

(d) Base acres for peanuts

Subject to subsection (e), the total number of acres assigned by historic peanut producers under subsection (b) to a farm shall be considered to be the farm's base acres for peanuts for the purpose of making direct payments and counter-cyclical payments under this subchapter.

(e) Treatment of conservation reserve contract acreage

(1) In general

The Secretary shall provide for an adjustment, as appropriate, in the base acres for peanuts for a farm whenever either of the following circumstances occur:

(A) A conservation reserve contract entered into under section 1231 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831) with respect to the farm expires or is voluntarily terminated.

(B) Cropland is released from coverage under a conservation reserve contract by the Secretary.

(2) Special payment rules

For the crop year in which a base acres for peanuts adjustment under paragraph (1) is first made, the owner of the farm shall elect to receive either direct payments and counter-cyclical payments with respect to the acreage added to the farm under this subsection or a prorated payment under the conservation reserve contract, but not both.

(f) Prevention of excess base acres for peanuts

(1) Required reduction

If the sum of the base acres for peanuts for a farm, together with the acreage described in paragraph (2), exceeds the actual cropland acreage of the farm, the Secretary shall reduce the base acres for peanuts for the farm or the base acres for 1 or more covered commodities under subchapter I for the farm so that the sum of the base acres for peanuts and acreage described in paragraph (2) does not exceed the actual cropland acreage of the farm.

(2) Other acreage

For purposes of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall include the following:

(A) Any base acres for the farm under subchapter I.

(B) Any acreage on the farm enrolled in the conservation reserve program or wetlands reserve program under chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3830 et seq.).

(C) Any other acreage on the farm enrolled in a conservation program for which payments are made in exchange for not producing an agricultural commodity on the acreage.

(3) Selection of acres

The Secretary shall give the owner of the farm the opportunity to select the base acres for peanuts or the subchapter I base acres against which the reduction required by paragraph (1) will be made.

(4) Exception for double-cropped acreage

In applying paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make an exception in the case of double cropping, as determined by the Secretary.

(5) Coordinated application of requirements

The Secretary shall take into account section 7911(g) of this title when applying the requirements of this subsection.

(g) Permanent reduction in base acres for peanuts

The owner of a farm may reduce, at any time, the base acres for peanuts assigned to the farm. The reduction shall be permanent and made in the manner prescribed by the Secretary.

(Pub. L. 107–171, title I, §1302, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 167.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

This subchapter, referred to in subsecs. (c) and (d), was in the original "this subtitle", meaning subtitle C (§§1301–1310) of Pub. L. 107–171, title I, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 166, which is classified principally to this subchapter. For complete classification of subtitle C to the Code, see References in Text note set out under section 7951 of this title and Tables.

The Food Security Act of 1985, referred to in subsec. (f)(2)(B), is Pub. L. 99–198, Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1354. Chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Act is classified generally to part I (§3830 et seq.) of subchapter IV of chapter 58 of Title 16, Conservation. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1985 Amendment note set out under section 1281 of this title and Tables.

§7953. Availability of direct payments for peanuts

(a) Payment required

(1) 2002 crop year

For the 2002 crop year, the Secretary shall make direct payments under this section to historic peanut producers.

(2) Subsequent crop years

For each of the 2003 through 2007 crop years for peanuts, the Secretary shall make direct payments to the producers on a farm to which a payment yield and base acres for peanuts are assigned under section 7952 of this title.

(b) Payment rate

The payment rate used to make direct payments with respect to peanuts for a crop year shall be equal to $36 per ton.

(c) Payment amount for 2002 crop year

The amount of the direct payment to be paid to an historic peanut producer for the 2002 crop of peanuts shall be equal to the product of the following:

(1) The payment rate specified in subsection (b).

(2) The payment acres of the historic peanut producer.

(3) The average peanut yield determined under section 7952(a)(1) of this title for the historic peanut producer.

(d) Payment amount for subsequent crop years

The amount of the direct payment to be paid to the producers on a farm for the 2003 through 2007 crops of peanuts shall be equal to the product of the following:

(1) The payment rate specified in subsection (b).

(2) The payment acres on the farm.

(3) The payment yield for the farm.

(e) Time for payment

(1) In general

The Secretary shall make direct payments—

(A) in the case of the 2002 crop year, as soon as practicable after May 13, 2002; and

(B) in the case of each of the 2003 through 2007 crop years, not later than September 30 of the calendar year in which the crop is harvested.

(2) Advance payments

At the option of the producers on a farm, up to 50 percent of the direct payment for any of the 2003 through 2005 crop years, up to 40 percent of the direct payment for the 2006 crop year, and up to 22 percent of the direct payment for the 2007 crop year, shall be paid to the producers in advance. The producers shall select the month within which the advance payment for a crop year will be made. The month selected may be any month during the period beginning on December 1 of the calendar year before the calendar year in which the crop is harvested through the month within which the direct payment would otherwise be made. The producers may change the selected month for a subsequent advance payment by providing advance notice to the Secretary.

(3) Repayment of advance payments

If a producer on a farm that receives an advance direct payment for a crop year ceases to be a producer on that farm, or the extent to which the producer shares in the risk of producing a crop changes, before the date the remainder of the direct payment is made, the producer shall be responsible for repaying the Secretary the applicable amount of the advance payment, as determined by the Secretary.

(Pub. L. 107–171, title I, §1303, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 170; Pub. L. 109–171, title I, §1102(b), Feb. 8, 2006, 120 Stat. 5.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

2006—Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 109–171 substituted "2005 crop years, up to 40 percent of the direct payment for the 2006 crop year, and up to 22 percent of the direct payment for the 2007 crop year," for "2007 crop years".

§7954. Availability of counter-cyclical payments for peanuts

(a) Payment required

(1) In general

During the 2002 through 2007 crop years for peanuts, the Secretary shall make counter-cyclical payments under this section with respect to peanuts if the Secretary determines that the effective price for peanuts is less than the target price for peanuts.

(2) 2002 crop year

If counter-cyclical payments are required for the 2002 crop year, the Secretary shall make the payments to historic peanut producers.

(3) Subsequent crop years

If counter-cyclical payments are required for any of the 2003 through 2007 crop years for peanuts, the Secretary shall make the payments to the producers on a farm to which a payment yield and base acres for peanuts are assigned under section 7952 of this title.

(b) Effective price

For purposes of subsection (a), the effective price for peanuts is equal to the sum of the following:

(1) The higher of the following:

(A) The national average market price for peanuts received by producers during the 12-month marketing year for peanuts, as determined by the Secretary.

(B) The national average loan rate for a marketing assistance loan for peanuts in effect for the applicable period under this subchapter.


(2) The payment rate in effect under section 7953 of this title for the purpose of making direct payments.

(c) Target price

For purposes of subsection (a), the target price for peanuts shall be equal to $495 per ton.

(d) Payment rate

The payment rate used to make counter-cyclical payments for a crop year shall be equal to the difference between—

(1) the target price; and

(2) the effective price determined under subsection (b).

(e) Payment amount for 2002 crop year

If counter-cyclical payments are required to be paid for the 2002 crop of peanuts, the amount of the counter-cyclical payment to be paid to an historic peanut producer for that crop year shall be equal to the product of the following:

(1) The payment rate specified in subsection (d).

(2) The payment acres of the historic peanut producer.

(3) The average peanut yield determined under section 7952(a)(1) of this title for the historic peanut producer.

(f) Payment amount for subsequent crop years

If counter-cyclical payments are required to be paid for any of the 2003 through 2007 crops of peanuts, the amount of the counter-cyclical payment to be paid to the producers on a farm for that crop year shall be equal to the product of the following:

(1) The payment rate specified in subsection (d).

(2) The payment acres on the farm.

(3) The payment yield for the farm.

(g) Time for payments

(1) General rule

If the Secretary determines under subsection (a) that counter-cyclical payments are required to be made under this section for a crop year, the Secretary shall make the counter-cyclical payments as soon as practicable after the end of the 12-month marketing year for the crop.

(2) Availability of partial payments

If, before the end of the 12-month marketing year, the Secretary estimates that counter-cyclical payments will be required under this section for a crop year, the Secretary shall give producers on a farm (or, in the case of the 2002 crop year, historic peanut producers) the option to receive partial payments of the counter-cyclical payment projected to be made for that crop.

(3) Time for partial payments

(A) 2002 through 2006 crop years

When the Secretary makes partial payments available under paragraph (2) for any of the 2002 through 2006 crop years—

(i) the first partial payment for the crop year shall be made not earlier than October 1, and, to the maximum extent practicable, not later than October 31, of the calendar year in which the crop is harvested;

(ii) the second partial payment shall be made not earlier than February 1 of the next calendar year; and

(iii) the final partial payment shall be made as soon as practicable after the end of the 12-month marketing year for that crop.

(B) 2007 crop year

When the Secretary makes partial payments available for the 2007 crop year—

(i) the first partial payment shall be made after completion of the first 6 months of the marketing year for that crop; and

(ii) the final partial payment shall be made as soon as practicable after the end of the 12-month marketing year for that crop.

(4) Amount of partial payments

(A) 2002 crop year

(i) First partial payment

In the case of the 2002 crop year, the first partial payment under paragraph (3) to an historic peanut producer may not exceed 35 percent of the projected counter-cyclical payment for the crop year, as determined by the Secretary.

(ii) Second partial payment

The second partial payment may not exceed the difference between—

(I) 70 percent of the projected counter-cyclical payment (including any revision thereof) for the 2002 crop year; and

(II) the amount of the payment made under clause (i).

(iii) Final payment

The final payment shall be equal to the difference between—

(I) the actual counter-cyclical payment to be made to the historic peanut producer; and

(II) the amount of the partial payments made to the historic peanut producer under clauses (i) and (ii).

(B) 2003 through 2006 crop years

(i) First partial payment

For each of the 2003 through 2006 crop years, the first partial payment under paragraph (3) to the producers on a farm may not exceed 35 percent of the projected counter-cyclical payment for the crop year, as determined by the Secretary.

(ii) Second partial payment

The second partial payment for a crop year may not exceed the difference between—

(I) 70 percent of the projected counter-cyclical payment (including any revision thereof) for the crop year; and

(II) the amount of the payment made under clause (i).

(iii) Final payment

The final payment for a crop year shall be equal to the difference between—

(I) the actual counter-cyclical payment to be made to the producers for that crop year; and

(II) the amount of the partial payments made to the producers under clauses (i) and (ii) for that crop year.

(C) 2007 crop year

(i) First partial payment

For the 2007 crop year, the first partial payment under paragraph (3) to the producers on a farm may not exceed 40 percent of the projected counter-cyclical payment for the crop year, as determined by the Secretary.

(ii) Final payment

The final payment for the 2007 crop year shall be equal to the difference between—

(I) the actual counter-cyclical payment to be made to the producers for that crop year; and

(II) the amount of the partial payment made to the producers under clause (i).

(5) Repayment

The producers on a farm (or, in the case of the 2002 crop year, historic peanut producers) that receive a partial payment under this subsection for a crop year shall repay to the Secretary the amount, if any, by which the total of the partial payments exceed the actual counter-cyclical payment to be made for that crop year.

(Pub. L. 107–171, title I, §1304, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 171.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

This subchapter, referred to in subsecs. (b)(1)(B), was in the original "this subtitle", meaning subtitle C (§§1301–1310) of Pub. L. 107–171, title I, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 166, which is classified principally to this subchapter. For complete classification of subtitle C to the Code, see References in Text note set out under section 7951 of this title and Tables.

§7955. Producer agreement required as condition on provision of direct payments and counter-cyclical payments

(a) Compliance with certain requirements

(1) Requirements

Before the producers on a farm may receive direct payments or counter-cyclical payments under this subchapter with respect to the farm, the producers shall agree, during the crop year for which the payments are made and in exchange for the payments—

(A) to comply with applicable conservation requirements under subtitle B of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq.);

(B) to comply with applicable wetland protection requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act (16 U.S.C. 3821 et seq.);

(C) to comply with the planting flexibility requirements of section 7956 of this title;

(D) to use the land on the farm, in a quantity equal to the attributable base acres for peanuts and any base acres for the farm under subchapter I, for an agricultural or conserving use, and not for a nonagricultural commercial or industrial use, as determined by the Secretary; and

(E) to effectively control noxious weeds and otherwise maintain the land in accordance with sound agricultural practices, as determined by the Secretary, if the agricultural or conserving use involves the noncultivation of any portion of the land referred to in subparagraph (D).

(2) Compliance

The Secretary may issue such rules as the Secretary considers necessary to ensure producer compliance with the requirements of paragraph (1).

(3) Modification

At the request of the transferee or owner, the Secretary may modify the requirements of this subsection if the modifications are consistent with the objectives of this subsection, as determined by the Secretary.

(b) Transfer or change of interest in farm

(1) Termination

Except as provided in paragraph (2), a transfer of (or change in) the interest of the producers on a farm in the base acres for peanuts for which direct payments or counter-cyclical payments are made shall result in the termination of the payments with respect to those acres, unless the transferee or owner of the acreage agrees to assume all obligations under subsection (a). The termination shall take effect on the date determined by the Secretary.

(2) Exception

If a producer entitled to a direct payment or counter-cyclical payment dies, becomes incompetent, or is otherwise unable to receive the payment, the Secretary shall make the payment, in accordance with rules issued by the Secretary.

(c) Acreage reports

As a condition on the receipt of direct payments, counter-cyclical payments, marketing assistance loans, or loan deficiency payments under this subchapter, the Secretary shall require the producers on a farm to which a payment yield and base acres for peanuts are assigned under section 7952 of this title to submit to the Secretary annual acreage reports with respect to all cropland on the farm.

(d) Tenants and sharecroppers

In carrying out this subchapter, the Secretary shall provide adequate safeguards to protect the interests of tenants and sharecroppers.

(e) Sharing of payments

The Secretary shall provide for the sharing of direct payments and counter-cyclical payments among the producers on a farm on a fair and equitable basis.

(Pub. L. 107–171, title I, §1305, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 173.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

This subchapter, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1), (c), and (d), was in the original "this subtitle", meaning subtitle C (§§1301–1310) of Pub. L. 107–171, title I, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 166, which is classified principally to this subchapter. For complete classification of subtitle C to the Code, see References in Text note set out under section 7951 of this title and Tables.

The Food Security Act of 1985, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(A), (B), is Pub. L. 99–198, Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1354. Subtitles B and C of title XII of the Act are classified generally to subchapters II (§3811 et seq.) and III (§3821 et seq.), respectively, of chapter 58 of Title 16, Conservation. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1985 Amendment note set out under section 1281 of this title and Tables.

§7956. Planting flexibility

(a) Permitted crops

Subject to subsection (b), any commodity or crop may be planted on the base acres for peanuts on a farm.

(b) Limitations regarding certain commodities

(1) General limitation

The planting of an agricultural commodity specified in paragraph (2) shall be prohibited on base acres for peanuts unless the commodity, if planted, is destroyed before harvest.

(2) Treatment of trees and other perennials

The planting of an agricultural commodity specified in paragraph (3) that is produced on a tree or other perennial plant shall be prohibited on base acres for peanuts.

(3) Covered agricultural commodities

Paragraphs (1) and (2) apply to the following agricultural commodities:

(A) Fruits.

(B) Vegetables (other than lentils, mung beans, and dry peas).

(C) Wild rice.

(c) Exceptions

Paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b) shall not limit the planting of an agricultural commodity specified in paragraph (3) of that subsection—

(1) in any region in which there is a history of double-cropping of peanuts with agricultural commodities specified in subsection (b)(3), as determined by the Secretary, in which case the double-cropping shall be permitted;

(2) on a farm that the Secretary determines has a history of planting agricultural commodities specified in subsection (b)(3) on the base acres for peanuts, except that direct payments and counter-cyclical payments shall be reduced by an acre for each acre planted to such an agricultural commodity; or

(3) by the producers on a farm that the Secretary determines has an established planting history of a specific agricultural commodity specified in subsection (b)(3), except that—

(A) the quantity planted may not exceed the average annual planting history of such agricultural commodity by the producers on the farm in the 1991 through 1995 or 1998 through 2001 crop years (excluding any crop year in which no plantings were made), as determined by the Secretary; and

(B) direct payments and counter-cyclical payments shall be reduced by an acre for each acre planted to such agricultural commodity.

(Pub. L. 107–171, title I, §1306, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 174.)

§7957. Marketing assistance loans and loan deficiency payments for peanuts

(a) Nonrecourse loans available

(1) Availability

For each of the 2002 through 2007 crops of peanuts, the Secretary shall make available to producers on a farm nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for peanuts produced on the farm. The loans shall be made under terms and conditions that are prescribed by the Secretary and at the loan rate established under subsection (b).

(2) Eligible production

The producers on a farm shall be eligible for a marketing assistance loan under this subsection for any quantity of peanuts produced on the farm.

(3) Treatment of certain commingled commodities

In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall make loans to producers on a farm that would be eligible to obtain a marketing assistance loan, but for the fact the peanuts owned by the producers on the farm are commingled with other peanuts in facilities unlicensed for the storage of agricultural commodities by the Secretary or a State licensing authority, if the producers obtaining the loan agree to immediately redeem the loan collateral in accordance with section 7286 of this title.

(4) Options for obtaining loan

A marketing assistance loan under this subsection, and loan deficiency payments under subsection (e), may be obtained at the option of the producers on a farm through—

(A) a designated marketing association or marketing cooperative of producers that is approved by the Secretary; or

(B) the Farm Service Agency.

(5) Storage of loan peanuts

As a condition on the Secretary's approval of an individual or entity to provide storage for peanuts for which a marketing assistance loan is made under this section, the individual or entity shall agree—

(A) to provide such storage on a nondiscriminatory basis; and

(B) to comply with such additional requirements as the Secretary considers appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this section and promote fairness in the administration of the benefits of this section.

(6) Payment of peanut storage costs

Effective for the 2002 through 2006 crops of peanuts, to ensure proper storage of peanuts for which a loan is made under this section, the Secretary shall use the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to pay storage, handling, and other associated costs. This authority terminates beginning with the 2007 crop of peanuts.

(7) Marketing

A marketing association or cooperative may market peanuts for which a loan is made under this section in any manner that conforms to consumer needs, including the separation of peanuts by type and quality.

(b) Loan rate

The loan rate for a marketing assistance loan under for peanuts subsection (a) shall be equal to $355 per ton.

(c) Term of loan

(1) In general

A marketing assistance loan for peanuts under subsection (a) shall have a term of 9 months beginning on the first day of the first month after the month in which the loan is made.

(2) Extensions prohibited

The Secretary may not extend the term of a marketing assistance loan for peanuts under subsection (a).

(d) Repayment rate

(1) In general

The Secretary shall permit producers on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan for peanuts under subsection (a) at a rate that is the lesser of—

(A) the loan rate established for peanuts under subsection (b), plus interest (determined in accordance with section 7283 of this title); or

(B) a rate that the Secretary determines will—

(i) minimize potential loan forfeitures;

(ii) minimize the accumulation of stocks of peanuts by the Federal Government;

(iii) minimize the cost incurred by the Federal Government in storing peanuts; and

(iv) allow peanuts produced in the United States to be marketed freely and competitively, both domestically and internationally.

(2) Good faith exception to beneficial interest requirement

For the 2002 crop year only, in the case of the producers on a farm that marketed or otherwise lost beneficial interest in the peanuts for which a marketing assistance loan was made under this section before repaying the loan, the Secretary shall permit the producers to repay the loan at the applicable repayment rate that was in effect for peanuts under this subsection on the date that the producers lost beneficial interest, as determined by the Secretary, if the Secretary determines the producers acted in good faith.

(e) Loan deficiency payments

(1) Availability

The Secretary may make loan deficiency payments available to producers on a farm that, although eligible to obtain a marketing assistance loan for peanuts under subsection (a), agree to forgo obtaining the loan for the peanuts in return for loan deficiency payments under this subsection.

(2) Computation

A loan deficiency payment under this subsection shall be computed by multiplying—

(A) the payment rate determined under paragraph (3) for peanuts; by

(B) the quantity of the peanuts produced by the producers, excluding any quantity for which the producers obtain a marketing assistance loan under subsection (a).

(3) Payment rate

For purposes of this subsection, the payment rate shall be the amount by which—

(A) the loan rate established under subsection (b); exceeds

(B) the rate at which a loan may be repaid under subsection (d).

(4) Effective date for payment rate determination

(A) In general

The Secretary shall determine the amount of the loan deficiency payment to be made under this subsection to the producers on a farm with respect to a quantity of peanuts using the payment rate in effect under paragraph (3) as of the date the producers request the payment.

(B) Special rule for 2002 crop year

For the 2002 crop year only, the Secretary shall determine the amount of the loan deficiency payment to be made under this subsection to the producers on a farm with respect to a quantity of peanuts using the payment rate in effect under paragraph (3) as of the earlier of the following:

(i) The date on which the producers marketed or otherwise lost beneficial interest in the crop, as determined by the Secretary.

(ii) The date the producers request the payment.

(f) Compliance with conservation and wetlands requirements

As a condition of the receipt of a marketing assistance loan under subsection (a), the producer shall comply with applicable conservation requirements under subtitle B of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq.) and applicable wetland protection requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act (16 U.S.C. 3821 et seq.) during the term of the loan.

(g) Reimbursable agreements and payment of administrative expenses

The Secretary may implement any reimbursable agreements or provide for the payment of administrative expenses under this subchapter only in a manner that is consistent with such activities in regard to other commodities.

(Pub. L. 107–171, title I, §1307, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 175.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Food Security Act of 1985, referred to in subsec. (f), is Pub. L. 99–198, Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1354. Subtitles B and C of title XII of the Act are classified generally to subchapters II (§3811 et seq.) and III (§3821 et seq.), respectively, of chapter 58 of Title 16, Conservation. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1985 Amendment note set out under section 1281 of this title and Tables.

This subchapter, referred to in subsec. (g), was in the original "this subtitle", meaning subtitle C (§§1301–1310) of Pub. L. 107–171, title I, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 166, which is classified principally to this subchapter. For complete classification of subtitle C to the Code, see References in Text note set out under section 7951 of this title and Tables.

§7958. Miscellaneous provisions

(a) Mandatory inspection

All peanuts marketed in the United States shall be officially inspected and graded by Federal or Federal-State inspectors.

(b) Termination of Peanut Administrative Committee

The Peanut Administrative Committee established under Marketing Agreement No. 146 issued pursuant to the Agricultural Adjustment Act (7 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, is terminated.

(c) Peanut Standards Board

(1) Establishment and purpose

The Secretary shall establish a Peanut Standards Board for the purpose of advising the Secretary regarding the establishment of quality and handling standards for domestically produced and imported peanuts.

(2) Membership and appointment

(A) Total members

The Board shall consist of 18 members, with representation equally divided between peanut producers and peanut industry representatives.

(B) Appointment process for producers

The Secretary shall appoint—

(i) 3 producers from the Southeast (Alabama, Georgia, and Florida) peanut producing region;

(ii) 3 producers from the Southwest (Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico) peanut producing region; and

(iii) 3 producers from the Virginia/Carolina (Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina) peanut producing region.

(C) Appointment process for industry representatives

The Secretary shall appoint 3 peanut industry representatives from each of the 3 peanut producing regions in the United States.

(3) Terms

(A) In general

A member of the Board shall serve a 3-year term.

(B) Initial appointment

In making the initial appointments to the Board, the Secretary shall stagger the terms of the members so that—

(i) 1 producer member and peanut industry member from each peanut producing region serves a 1-year term;

(ii) 1 producer member and peanut industry member from each peanut producing region serves a 2-year term; and

(iii) 1 producer member and peanut industry member from each peanut producing region serves a 3-year term.

(4) Consultation required

The Secretary shall consult with the Board in advance whenever the Secretary establishes or changes, or considers the establishment of or a change to, quality and handling standards for peanuts.

(5) Chapter 10 of title 5

Chapter 10 of title 5 shall not apply to the Board.

(d) Priority

The Secretary shall make identifying and combating the presence of all quality concerns related to peanuts a priority in the development of quality and handling standards for peanuts and in the inspection of domestically produced and imported peanuts. The Secretary shall consult with appropriate Federal and State agencies to provide adequate safeguards against all quality concerns related to peanuts.

(e) Consistent standards

Imported peanuts shall be subject to the same quality and handling standards as apply to domestically produced peanuts.

(f) Authorization of appropriations

(1) In general

In addition to other funds that are available to carry out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.

(2) Treatment of Board expenses

The expenses of the Peanut Standards Board shall not be counted toward any general limitation on the expenses of advisory committees, panels, commissions, and task forces of the Department of Agriculture, whether enacted before, on, or after May 13, 2002, unless the limitation specifically refers to this paragraph and specifically includes the Peanut Standards Board within the general limitation.

(g) Transition rule

(1) Temporary designation of Peanut Administrative Committee members

Notwithstanding the appointment process specified in subsection (c) for the Peanut Standards Board, during the transition period, the Secretary may designate persons serving as members of the Peanut Administrative Committee on the day before May 13, 2002, to serve as members of the Peanut Standards Board for the purpose of carrying out the duties of the Board described in this section.

(2) Funds

The Secretary may transfer any funds available to carry out the activities of the Peanut Administrative Committee to the Peanut Standards Board to carry out the duties of the Board described in this section.

(3) Transition period

In paragraph (1), the term "transition period" means the period beginning on May 13, 2002, and ending on the earlier of—

(A) the date the Secretary appoints the members of the Peanut Standards Board pursuant to subsection (c); or

(B) 180 days after May 13, 2002.

(h) Effective date

This section shall take effect with the 2002 crop of peanuts.

(Pub. L. 107–171, title I, §1308, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 178; Pub. L. 115–334, title XII, §12517, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 5000; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(41), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4309.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Agricultural Adjustment Act, as reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, referred to in subsec. (b), is title I of act May 12, 1933, ch. 25, 48 Stat. 31, which is classified generally to chapter 26 (§601 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 601 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted "Chapter 10 of title 5" for "Federal Advisory Committee Act" in heading and "Chapter 10 of title 5" for "The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)" in text.

2018—Subsec. (c)(2)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 115–334 substituted "Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina" for "Virginia and North Carolina".

§7959. Termination of marketing quota programs for peanuts and compensation to peanut quota holders for loss of quota asset value

(a) Repeal of marketing quota

(1) Omitted

(2) Treatment of 2001 crop

Part VI of subtitle B of title III of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1357–1359a), as in effect on the day before May 13, 2002, shall continue to apply with respect to the 2001 crop of peanuts notwithstanding the amendment made by paragraph (1). Section 7958(g)(2) of this title shall also apply to the 2001 crop of peanuts.

(b) Compensation contract required

(1) In general

The Secretary shall offer to enter into a contract with each person that the Secretary determines is an eligible peanut quota holder under subsection (f) for the purpose of providing compensation for the lost value of the quota on account of the repeal of the marketing quota program for peanuts under subsection (a).

(2) Payment period

The Secretary shall make payments under the contracts during fiscal years 2002 through 2006.

(c) Time for payment

(1) Payment in installments

The payments required under the contracts shall be provided in 5 equal installments not later than September 30 of each of fiscal years 2002 through 2006.

(2) Single payment

At the request of an eligible peanut quota holder entitled to payments under a contract, the Secretary shall provide the entire payment amount determined under subsection (d) with respect to the eligible peanut quota holder for the 5 fiscal years in a single lump sum during the fiscal year specified by the eligible peanut quota holder.

(d) Payment amount

The amount of the payment for a fiscal year to an eligible peanut quota holder under a contract shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying—

(1) $0.11 per pound; by

(2) the number of pounds of quota with respect to which the person qualifies as a peanut quota holder under subsection (f).

(e) Assignment of payments

The provisions of section 590h(g) of title 16, relating to assignment of payments, shall apply to the payments made under the contracts. A person making an assignment of the payment, or the assignee, shall provide the Secretary with notice, in such manner as the Secretary may require, of any assignment made under this subsection.

(f) Eligible peanut quota holder

(1) In general

Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the Secretary shall consider a person to be an eligible peanut quota holder for the purposes of this section if the person, as of May 13, 2002, owned a farm that, also as of that date, was eligible for a permanent peanut quota under section 358–1(b) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1358–1(b)), irrespective of temporary leases, transfers of quotas for seed, or quotas for experimental purposes.

(2) Effect of purchase contract

If there was a written contract for the purchase of all or a portion of a farm described in paragraph (1) as of May 13, 2002, and the parties to the sale are unable to agree to the disposition of eligibility for payments under this section, the Secretary, taking into account any incomplete permanent transfer of quota that has otherwise been agreed to, shall provide for the equitable division of the payments among the parties by adjusting the determination of who is the eligible peanut quota holder with respect to particular pounds of the quota.

(3) Effect of agreement for permanent quota transfer

If the Secretary determines that there was in existence, as of May 13, 2002, an agreement for the permanent transfer of quota, but that the transfer was not completed by that date, the Secretary shall consider the peanut quota holder to be the party to the agreement who, as of that date, was the owner of the farm to which the quota was to be transferred.

(4) Protected bases

A person that owns a farm with a peanut poundage quota which is protected under a conservation reserve program contract entered into under section 3831 of title 16 shall be considered to be an eligible quota holder with respect to the protected poundage.

(5) Secretarial discretion

Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs, the Secretary may declare a person to be the eligible peanut quota holder with respect to certain pounds of quota or otherwise for purposes of this section if the Secretary considers the declaration is needed to insure a fair and equitable administration of the payments provided for in this section, so long as the Secretary does not, in exercising this authority, effectively increase the total quota in excess of the quota that was available to all producers for the 2001 crop year for other than seed or experimental use.

(6) Limitation on quantity of quota held

A person shall be considered an eligible peanut quota holder for purposes of this section only with respect to that number of permanent pounds that qualifies the person as a peanut quota holder under one of the preceding paragraphs. The determination of the peanut poundage amount for which the person qualifies shall be made based on the 2001 crop quota levels and shall take into account sales of the farm that occurred before May 13, 2002, and any permanent transfers of quota that took place before that date, consistent with the preceding paragraphs. The Secretary shall not take into account, or allow eligibility for, quotas for seed, granted as experimental quotas, or obtained by temporary lease or transfer.

(g) Successions in payment eligibility and attachment of eligibility to persons

(1) Eligibility attaches to persons

Once a person is eligible for payments under this section, as determined under subsection (f), the continued eligibility of the person for the payments does not run with a farm, but shall remain with the person for the term of this section irrespective of whether the person sells, or continues to have an interest in, the farm that had the quota that qualified the person as an eligible peanut quota holder under subsection (f) and irrespective of whether the person has a continuing interest in the production of peanuts.

(2) Succession

If a person eligible for payments under this section dies, in the case of an individual, or ceases to exist, in the case of other persons, the payment eligibility of the person shall pass to the person's personal or organizational successor, as determined by the Secretary.

(Pub. L. 107–171, title I, §1309, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 179.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, referred to in subsecs. (a)(2) and (f)(1), is act Feb. 16, 1938, ch. 30, 52 Stat. 31. Part VI of subtitle B of title III of the Act was classified generally to subpart VI (§1357 et seq.) of part B of subchapter II of chapter 35 of this title prior to repeal by subsec. (a)(1) of this section. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1281 of this title and Tables.

Codification

Section is comprised of section 1309 of Pub. L. 107–171. Subsec. (a)(1) of section 1309 of Pub. L. 107–171 repealed sections 1357 to 1359a of this title. Subsec. (h) of section 1309 amended sections 1361, 1371, 1373, and 1378 of this title.

§7960. Repeal of superseded price support authority and effect of repeal

(a) Omitted

(b) Disposal

Notwithstanding any other provision of law or previous declaration made by the Secretary, the Secretary shall ensure that the disposal of all peanuts for which a loan for the 2001 crop of peanuts was made under section 7271 of this title before May 13, 2002, is carried out in a manner that prevents price disruptions in the domestic and international markets for peanuts.

(c) Treatment of crop insurance policies for 2002 crop year

(1) Applicability

This subsection shall apply for the 2002 crop year only notwithstanding any other provision of law or crop insurance policy.

(2) Price election

The nonquota price election for segregation I, II, and III peanuts shall be 17.75 cents per pound and shall be used for all aspects of the policy relating to the calculations of premium, liability, and indemnities.

(3) Quality adjustment

For the purposes of quality adjustment only, the average support price per pound of peanuts shall be a price equal to 17.75 cents per pound. Quality under the crop insurance policy for peanuts shall be adjusted under procedures issued by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation.

(Pub. L. 107–171, title I, §1310, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 182.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

Section is comprised of section 1310 of Pub. L. 107–171. Subsec. (a) of section 1310 of Pub. L. 107–171 amended sections 1428 and 1441 of this title and repealed 7271 of this title.