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LOBBYING REPORT |
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (Section 5) - All Filers Are Required to Complete This Page
2. Address
Address1 | 1320 Capitol Street, NE |
Address2 | Suit 200 |
City | Salem |
State | OR |
Zip Code | 97301 |
Country | USA |
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5. Senate ID# 400263203-12
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6. House ID# 400040000
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TYPE OF REPORT | 8. Year | 2019 |
Q1 (1/1 - 3/31) | Q2 (4/1 - 6/30) | Q3 (7/1 - 9/30) | Q4 (10/1 - 12/31) |
9. Check if this filing amends a previously filed version of this report
10. Check if this is a Termination Report | Termination Date |
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11. No Lobbying Issue Activity |
INCOME OR EXPENSES - YOU MUST complete either Line 12 or Line 13 | |||||||||
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12. Lobbying | 13. Organizations | ||||||||
INCOME relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period was: | EXPENSE relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period were: | ||||||||
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Provide a good faith estimate, rounded to the nearest $10,000, of all lobbying related income for the client (including all payments to the registrant by any other entity for lobbying activities on behalf of the client). | 14. REPORTING Check box to indicate expense accounting method. See instructions for description of options. | ||||||||
Method A.
Reporting amounts using LDA definitions only
Method B. Reporting amounts under section 6033(b)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code Method C. Reporting amounts under section 162(e) of the Internal Revenue Code |
Signature | Digitally Signed By: Gail Greenman |
Date | 6/13/2019 2:03:12 PM |
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code AGR
16. Specific lobbying issues
USDA Update on Farm Bill Implementation Progress
Implementation Progress:
TITLE I - Commodity Programs
Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy): On March 22, 2019, Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that dairy producers who elected to participate in the Livestock Gross Margin for Dairy Cattle Program in 2018 can now retroactively participate in the MPP-Dairy for 2018.
Dairy Margin Coverage Program: On March 28, 2019, the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) revised monthly price survey reports to include prices for high-quality alfalfa hay in the top five milk producing states to be utilized in the new Dairy Margin Coverage feed calculation.
FSA will begin offering reimbursements to eligible producers for MPP-Dairy premiums paid between 2014-2017 by May 1.
FSA will open sign-up for the new Dairy Margin Coverage Program beginning June 17, providing coverage retroactive to January 1, 2019, with applicable payments following soon after enrollment.
Emergency Conservation Program (ECP): On April 4, 2019, FSA announced several changes to ECP as provided by the 2018 Farm Bill, including increasing the payment limit from $200,000 per person or legal entity per natural event to $500,000.
On April 4, 2019, FSA announced that socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers or ranchers are now eligible for up to 90 percent ECP cost share of their total allowable cost.
Noninsurance Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP): On April 8, 2019, FSA announced that producers now have a one-time opportunity until May 24, 2019, to obtain buy-up coverage for 2019 or 2020 eligible crops for which the NAP application closing date has passed. In addition, qualified military veteran farmers and ranchers are now eligible for a service fee waiver and premium reduction.
Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL): On April 10, 2019, FSA announced the 2019 Marketing Assistance Loan rates for wheat, feed grains, oilseeds, rice and pulse crops. Relative to 2018-crop MAL levels, the 2018 Farm Bill increased the national loan rates for most of these commodities for each of the 2019-2023 crops.
Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) Programs: FSA will open ARC/PLC elections for the 2019 and 2020 crop years beginning in September 2019.
TITLE II - Conservation
Conservation Innovation Grants: On March 26, 2019, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) state offices began publishing notices of funding availability for the Conservation Innovation Grants state competitions.
Agricultural Conservation Easement Program: On March 27, USDA published an announcement regarding the availability of $450 million for wetland and agricultural land easements that will help private landowners, tribes, land trusts and other groups wanting to restore and protect critical wetlands and protect agricultural lands and grasslands.
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): On April 5, 2019, NRCS announced the next deadline for CSP applications to be raked and considered for funding this year is May 10, 2019. It includes higher payments for enhancements that include cover crops, resource conserving crop rotations, and advanced grazing.
Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP): On April 9, 2019, NRCS determined that RCPP projects with agreements entered into prior to September 30, 2018, may continue to enter into new RCPP-CSP contracts with eligible producers, which will be administered under the new CSP authority.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program: This program operates through a continuous signup process. Applications may be submitted throughout the year. At the state level, NRCS has periodic funding cutoff periods when applications are evaluated for selection.
TITLE III - Trade
Agricultural Trade Promotion and Facilitation Funding: On February 7, 2019, the Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) allocated more than $204 million in Market Access Program and Foreign Market and Development Program.
Food for Progress: On March 26, 2019, FAS announced $155 million funding opportunity for the Food for Progress program.
McGovern-Dole School Feeding Program: On March 26, 2019, FAS announced $191 million in a funding opportunity for the McGovern-Dole School Feeding Program.
Local and Regional Food Aid Procurement: On March 26, 2019, FAS announced up to $15 million funding opportunity for Local and Regional Food Aid Procurement.
Cochran Fellowship Program 2019: On March 26, 2019, FAS announced the availability of $1.8 million for the Cochran Fellowship Program.
TITLE IV - Nutrition Programs
Simplified Homeless Housing Costs: On February 8, 2019, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) issued an informational memorandum on Simplified Homeless Housing Costs.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training: On March 6, 2019, FNS issued an information memorandum on the Employment and Training provisions, including those that are self-executing.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): On March 7, 2019, FNS issued an information memorandum for the self-enacting provisions of the SNAP Provisions of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): On March 8, 2019, FNS issued the information memorandum for CSFP and the exception for temporary monthly certification periods.
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR): On February 14, 2019, FNS held an in-person consultation with tribal leaders to discuss a variety of topics regarding FDPIR, including Farm Bill provisions. On April 5, 2019, FNS issued an informational memorandum to announce the availability of FDPIR administrative funding for two-years at the State/Indian Tribal Organization level.
TITLE V - Credit
Modified Micro Loan Limits: On March 7, 2019, FSA implemented a change to allow agricultural producers to receive both a $50,000 Direct Operating Microloan and a $50,000 Direct Farm Ownership Microloan. Previously, agricultural producers were limited to a combined total of $50,000.
Increase in Percent of Guarantee for Beginning and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers: On March 7, 2019, FSA increased the percent for new guaranteed loans to any beginning or socially disadvantaged agricultural producer to 95 percent.
Increased Loan Limits: On April 11, 2019, FSA announced that eligible agricultural producers have access to higher loan amounts, to better provide them with the credit needed during this period of lower market prices and numerous natural disasters.
TITLE VI - Rural Development
Cushion of Credit Program: On December 21, 2018, Rural Development informed all the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) borrowers of the new provisions in the 2018 Farm Bill affecting the borrowers participation in the Cushion of Credit Program.
American Broadband Initiative: On February 13, 2019, Rural Development released the American Broadband Initiatives Milestones report, describing how the Federal government is partnering with the private sector expand rural broadband.
Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Program: On April 1, 2019, the Rural Housing Service began soliciting applications for the Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Programs.
Council on Rural Community Innovation and Economic Development: The Council is the successor to the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity. The Council held its first call on April 8, 2019, to coordinate rural community innovation and economic development across the federal government.
Rural Water and Waste Water Technical Assistance and Training Programs: On April 1, 2019, the Rural Utilities Service published a Notice of Solicitation of Applications in the Federal Register.
TITLE VII - Research and Related Matters
Matching Fund Requirements: On March 20, 2019, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) published the updated matching requirements chart on its website, sent an update to all stakeholders via the weekly NIFA Stakeholder Update. Relevant future RFAs will include updated matching requirements.
Indirect Cost Limitations: On March 20, 2019, NIFA published the updated indirect cost rate requirements by program chart on its website. Relevant future Requests for Applications (RFAs) will include updated indirect cost rate requirements.
The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP): On April 5, 2019, NIFA published the Request for Applications (RFA) for BFRDP.
Nominations of Members: On March 28, 2019, the Request for Nominations of Members for the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board, Specialty Crop Committee, Citrus Disease Subcommittee, and National Genetic Resources Advisory Council published in the Federal Register.
TITLE VIII - Forestry
Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 Amendments - On March 14, 2019, the Forest Service announced the changes and the extension to 2023 of these provisions.
TITLE IX - Energy
Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program:On April 1, 2019, the Rural Business and Cooperative Service posted an Administrative Notice to the Rural Development web site implementing the Farm Bill provisions for Section 9003 administratively. The Administrative Notice applies to all existing active 9003 program applications.
TITLE X - Horticulture
Hemp: On February 27, 2019, AMS issued a Notice to Trade regarding the hemp provisions in the Farm Bill and on March 13, 2019, AMS held a listening session on the hemp provisions in the Farm Bill. The 2018 Farm Bill extended the 2014 Farm Bill provisions for hemp production by 12 months to allow USDA to complete the required rulemaking process, and USDA intends to issue regulations in the Fall of 2019 in order to accommodate the 2020 planting season. For the 2019 planting season, the 2018 Farm Bill provides that States, Tribes, and institutions of higher education can continue operating under authorities of the 2014 Farm Bill.
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program: On March 7, 2019, AMS announced the availability of approximately $70 million for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.
National Organic Standards Board (NOSB): In March 2019, AMS issued a Call for Nominations for the NOSB that included 2018 Farm Bill provisions that will lead to a more diverse candidate pool for the NOSB.
TITLE XI - Crop Insurance
Specialty Crop Insurance: On March 6, 2019, Risk Management Agency (RMA) created a dedicated Specialty Crop website to fulfill the requirements of the 2018 Farm Bill. The website lists specialty crop liaisons by Regional Office and provides a link to the 2019 Specialty Crop Report as well as a link to archived prior reports.
Beginning Farmer and Rancher: On March 12, 2019, RMA implemented the new definition for the Whole Farm Revenue Protection program that extends the time for new beginning farmer and rancher eligibility from 5 years to 10 years for the sales closing dates after the passage of the farm bill.
Multi-County Enterprise Units: Starting with sales closing dates after the passage of the farm bill RMA is offering a new endorsement for farmers. Producers of corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, cotton, canola, peanuts, rice, barley, wheat, and sunflowers now have the option to combine acreage in one county that does not qualify for enterprise units with crop acreage in another county that does qualify. The option offers flexibility and a low-cost option for producers.
TITLE XII - Miscellaneous
Agriculture and Food Defense: The Office of Homeland Security has commenced a series of events to educate the Intelligence Community on threats to agriculture and the collection of information on emerging threats.
United States Drought Monitor (USDM): The Office of the Chief Economist has initiated a thorough review of the data being used in the USDM, the geographic coverage of data collection sites, and other climatological data that will improve the USDM.
Agriculture Wool Apparel Manufactures Trust Fund: The Wool Apparel Manufacturing Trust Fund application period closed March 1, 2019. FAS reviewed 38 affidavits and is on course to issue payments by the statutory deadline.
U.S. Grain Standards: On March 5, 2019, AMS posted a Notice to Trade announcing the restoration of certain exceptions under the U.S. Grain Standards Act.
Farm Bill Implementation Hemp Specific Implementation
With passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has been designated as the lead USDA agency to administer the new USDA Hemp Production Program. AMS is in the process of working toward developing regulations to implement the 2018 Farm Bill provisions. It is expected that the final rule will be implemented by the end of calendar year 2019. Until the final rule is implemented, all rules and restrictions must be followed per Section 7606 of the 2014 Farm Bill. In other words, no one should try to implement the 2018 Farm Bill production provisions before the final USDA rule is established. USDA cannot help with interpretation and implementation of the laws related in Oregon.
INDUSTRIAL HEMP RESEARCH
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) deals with research aspects of industrial hemp. Until the final USDA production rule (2018 Farm Bill provisions) is published by AMS, researchers should do nothing that exceeds the interpretation of the 2014 Farm Bill Section 7606. In other words for now, continue following the guidance received regarding Section 7606 of the 2014 Farm Bill.
Researchers should seek their own legal counsel and guidance from their state regulatory agency regarding what is allowable for conducting research in their respective state. The USDA cannot provide advice regarding state specific policies. Dont rely upon the 2018 Farm Bill production provisions until the final USDA rule is published.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Agriculture - Dept of (USDA)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Gail |
Greenman |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code TRD
16. Specific lobbying issues
On May 9, 2019, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) published a notice in the Federal Register of an increase from the existing ten percent to a twenty-five percent import tariff on $200 billion of various goods from China. The tariff takes effect on May 10, 2019.
The ten percent tariff was imposed on $200 billion of Chinese imports in September 2018. The tariffs were imposed because of a Section 301 investigation into Chinas treatment of U.S. business regarding forced technology transfer and intellectual property protection. Initial tariffs on China under Section 301 authority were imposed on $50 billion of Chinese imports, at a twenty-five percent tariff, in July 2018.
China has not yet announced any retaliation against U.S. imports from this increase in the tariff rate. Retaliatory tariffs are currently imposed on most U.S. agricultural and food exports to China.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Gail |
Greenman |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code TRA
16. Specific lobbying issues
On May 2, Reps. Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Greg Pence (R-IN) introduced H.R. 2460, the bipartisan Modernizing Agricultural Transportation Act. The legislation would reform the Hours of Service (HOS) and Electronic Logging Device (ELD) regulations and would delay enforcement of the ELD rule until reforms are proposed by the Secretary of Transportation.
This legislation would require the Secretary of Transportation to establish a working group within 120 days of enactment charged with:
Identifying obstacles to the safe, humane, and market-efficient transport of livestock, insects, and other perishable agricultural commodities and
Developing guidelines and recommending regulatory or legislative action to improve the transportation of these commodities.
The bill designates various stakeholders that the working group would need to consult and ensures it will consider certain issues, including:
The impact of existing HOS rules under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs);
Incompatibilities and other challenges and concerns caused by the HOS rules and ELD rule provisions;
Initiatives and regulatory changes that maintain and protect highway safety and allow for the safe, efficient, and productive marketplace transport of livestock, insects, and perishable agricultural commodities; and
Other related issues that the Secretary considers appropriate.
The working group shall be composed of a cross section of the transportation and agricultural communities, at the Secretarys discretion, but include, the Department of Agriculture, individuals with knowledge and expertise that includes highway safety, the commercial motor vehicle and transportation industries, animal husbandry, and the transportation of livestock, insects, and agricultural commodities.
Within one year after it is established, the working group is to submit a report to the Secretary that includes its findings as well as initiatives and regulatory and legislative changes that the working group identifies as necessary to protect highway safety and allow for the safe, efficient, and productive marketplace transport of the named commodities.
Required Regulatory Rulemaking: Within 120 days of receiving the working groups report, the Secretary is to propose regulatory changes, taking into account the findings and recommendations of the working group. These regulatory changes shall include:
Changes to the HOS regulations, and
Changes to the ELD regulations.
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Delay: The bill would suspend the provisions of the ELD mandate as it would apply to commercial motor vehicles (CMV) hauling livestock, insects, or perishable agricultural commodities until the date on which the Secretary proposes regulatory changes.
On Feb. 28, Sens. Hoeven (R-ND) and Bennet (D-CO) introduced S. 600, the Senate version of the Modernizing Agricultural Transportation Act.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Gail |
Greenman |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code LBR
16. Specific lobbying issues
Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), chair of the House Immigration Subcommittee, has introduced legislation to provide legalization and a path to citizenship for agricultural workers, their spouses and children. AFBF has released a statement on H.R. 641, which was referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
On January 17, 2019, Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Chair of the House Immigration Subcommittee introduced legislation providing a path to legalization and citizenship for agricultural workers. A copy of the bill, numbered H.R. 641, is attached. The draft proposal would provide legal status to agricultural workers, their spouses and children and also a path to citizenship. Rep. Lofgrens staff has indicated that they will shortly engage in discussions on potential guest worker provisions, either based on the current H-2A program or some other proposal.
Policy Progress
H-2A regulatory changes have been proposed and more are expected.
We are working to unify agricultural associations behind one approach that includes meaningful reforms to guest worker programs and addresses current workforce issues.
AFBF expressed willingness to work with Rep. Zoe Lofgren and other members of Congress to provide a path to legalization for our workers and develop a guest worker program that meets the needs of growers in all sectors of agriculture.
Rep. Zoe Lofgren is working with a core group of Republicans, Reps. Newhouse, Simpson, Yoho, and Diaz-Balart, on a bipartisan piece of legislation to be marked up in late-May or early-June and brought to the House floor in July.
Whats Next?
Pursue further H-2A regulatory reform
Legislative activity expected in the next 3 months-Mark-up in the House Judiciary Committee by June and vote on House floor by end of July.
Develop legislation to counter Rep. Lofgrens bill if her legislation does not provide enough H-2A reforms.
Continue conversations in the Senate.
Build on progress made during 115th Congress in support of provisions like those included in H.R. 6417, the AG and Legal Workforce Act
LABOR - MISMATCH LETTERS
The Social Security Administration has resumed the practice of sending out Educational Correspondence/Employer Correction Request letters, better known as no-match letters. These letters inform employers that SSA could not match a name or SSN with records on one or more of their employees W-2 Forms. The impact of these letters could cause uncertainty for the agricultural employers and their workforce.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Gail |
Greenman |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
Information Update Page - Complete ONLY where registration information has changed.
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22. New General description of client’s business or activities
LOBBYIST UPDATE
23. Name of each previously reported individual who is no longer expected to act as a lobbyist for the client
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ISSUE UPDATE
24. General lobbying issue that no longer pertains
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AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
25. Add the following affiliated organization(s)
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26. Name of each previously reported organization that is no longer affiliated with the registrant or client
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FOREIGN ENTITIES
27. Add the following foreign entities:
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28. Name of each previously reported foreign entity that no longer owns, or controls, or is affiliated with the registrant, client or affiliated organization
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CONVICTIONS DISCLOSURE
29. Have any of the lobbyists listed on this report been convicted in a Federal or State Court of an offense involving bribery,
extortion, embezzlement, an illegal kickback, tax evasion, fraud, a conflict of interest, making a false statement, perjury, or money laundering?
Lobbyist Name | Description of Offense(s) |