Fair Access to Agriculture Payments Bill

Official: Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act

IntroducedN/A

Why This Matters

This bill changes rules about how much money farmers can receive from government programs. It helps those who earn most of their income from agriculture by allowing them to receive more support.

If you are a farmer earning most of your income from agriculture, you could qualify for more government payments.

Affects: Farmers and ranchers who rely heavily on agricultural income.

Summary

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 USDALivestock 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.

What changes is this bill making?

1. This bill allows certain farmers to receive more payments without income limits. 2. It applies to individuals or businesses earning most of their income from farming. 3. The bill includes income from ranching, forestry, and related activities. 4. Payments covered include those from specific agricultural programs. 5. It aims to support farmers during crop and fiscal years.