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H.R.5450 / 115th Congress

To increase the access of small farmers in Puerto Rico to Federal agriculture programs, and for other purposes.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Apr 10, 2018

This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Advocacy and Outreach to increase the access of small farmers who grow specialty crops in Puerto Rico to loans under several USDA programs. (Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops, including floriculture.) The programs covered by the bill include microloan programs, programs for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, programs for beginning farmers, and the emergency loan program.

The USDA Office of Advocacy and Outreach must also carry out a training program to teach best farming practices to small farmers in Puerto Rico.

The Department of the Interior must develop a program to allow small farmers to farm on federal land in Puerto Rico if: (1) the land is not environmentally sensitive, (2) farming on the land will not harm endangered native species or natural habitats, and (3) the land is suitable for farming.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9] · D–FL

Committees

  • Agriculture Committee
  • Natural Resources Committee
0 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

    Actions

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    1. Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit.

    2. Referred to the Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs.

    3. Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.

    4. Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

    5. Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

    6. Introduced in House

    7. Introduced in House

    Bill text & related measures

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    Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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    Source last updated: Jan 3, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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