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Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act

3/29/2025, 2:23 AM

Summary of Bill S 984

Bill 119 s 984, also known as the "Agricultural Income Limitation Exception Act," aims to amend the Food Security Act of 1985 by creating an exception to certain payment limitations for individuals or legal entities that earn income from agriculture. The bill seeks to address concerns that current payment limitations may unfairly restrict the ability of some agricultural producers to receive necessary financial support.

Under the proposed legislation, individuals or legal entities that derive a significant portion of their income from agriculture would be eligible for an exception to these payment limitations. This exception would allow them to receive additional financial assistance to support their agricultural operations.

In addition to establishing this exception, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to agricultural income and support. These provisions are intended to promote the economic viability of agricultural producers and ensure that they have access to the resources they need to continue their operations. Overall, Bill 119 s 984 seeks to address the unique financial challenges faced by individuals and legal entities that rely on agriculture for their income. By providing an exception to payment limitations and other forms of support, the legislation aims to promote the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector in the United States.

Congressional Summary of S 984

Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act

This 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 USDA

  • Livestock Indemnity Program;
  • Livestock Forage Disaster Program;
  • Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program;
  • Tree Assistance Program; and
  • Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program.

Current Status of Bill S 984

Bill S 984 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 12, 2025. Bill S 984 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on March 12, 2025.  Bill S 984's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1706) as of March 12, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 984

Total Number of Sponsors
4
Democrat Sponsors
4
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
1
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
1
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 984

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 984

A bill to amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to establish an exception to certain payment limitations in the case of person or legal entity that derives income from agriculture, and for other purposes.
A bill to amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to establish an exception to certain payment limitations in the case of person or legal entity that derives income from agriculture, and for other purposes.

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