2021 US Code Title 7 – Agriculture
Title 7 of the United States Code, “Agriculture,” is a comprehensive compilation of laws and regulations that govern various aspects of the agricultural industry, from commodity trading to crop research and food assistance programs. This vast and diverse title is a testament to the importance of agriculture in the United States. In this article, we will explore the key provisions of some of the chapters within Title 7, highlighting their significance in shaping the nation’s agricultural policies and practices.
Chapter 1 – Commodity Exchanges (Sections 1 – 27f)
Section 1 – Short title: This section provides the short title of Chapter 1, which is the “Commodity Exchange Act.”
Chapter 1, known as the “Commodity Exchange Act,” regulates the trading of commodities and futures contracts, ensuring transparency and fairness in commodity markets.
Section 6 – Regulation of commodity trading advisors, commodity pool operators, and introducing brokers: This section outlines the regulatory framework for commodity trading advisors, commodity pool operators, and introducing brokers, enhancing market integrity and protecting investors.
Section 6 is vital for maintaining the integrity of commodity markets and safeguarding the interests of investors and traders.
Chapter 2 – Cotton Standards (Sections 51 – 65)
Section 51 – Cotton classification and standards: This section establishes the standards for classifying cotton, ensuring consistent quality in the cotton industry.
Uniform cotton standards are essential for both domestic and international trade, helping to maintain the reputation of U.S. cotton as a high-quality product.
Section 65 – Cotton storage: This section addresses the proper storage of cotton to prevent damage and maintain its quality during storage.
Proper storage practices are critical to preserving the quality of cotton until it reaches its intended markets.
Chapter 3 – Grain Standards (Sections 71 – 87k)
Section 71 – Standards for corn: This section sets standards for grading and classification of corn, promoting fair trade and accurate pricing in the grain industry.
Grain standards ensure that buyers and sellers can trade with confidence, knowing the quality of the product they are dealing with.
Section 87k – Authorization of appropriations: This section authorizes appropriations for implementing and enforcing grain standards and quality control measures.
Funding is crucial to support the enforcement of grain standards and quality control programs.
Chapter 9 – Packers and Stockyards (Sections 181 – 231)
Section 181 – Short title: This section provides the short title of Chapter 9, which is the “Packers and Stockyards Act.”
Chapter 9, known as the “Packers and Stockyards Act,” regulates the practices of meatpackers, livestock dealers, and poultry integrators to ensure fair competition and protect farmers and ranchers.
Section 202 – Unlawful practices; right of farmer or rancher to sue: This section prohibits unfair practices in the livestock and poultry industries and provides farmers and ranchers with legal recourse if they believe they have been treated unfairly.
Section 202 is crucial for maintaining fair and competitive markets for livestock and poultry producers.
Chapter 10 – Warehouses (Sections 241 – 256)
Section 241 – Warehouse Act: This section establishes the “Warehouse Act,” which regulates the operation of public warehouses to protect the interests of depositors and ensure the safe storage of agricultural products.
Chapter 10 safeguards the integrity of agricultural products stored in warehouses, instilling trust in the storage and handling of these goods.
Section 255 – Examination of accounts and records: This section grants authority for government inspection of warehouse accounts and records to ensure compliance with warehouse regulations.
Ensuring compliance with regulations is essential to maintain the transparency and integrity of the warehouse system.
Title 7 of the United States Code underscores the importance of agriculture in the nation’s economy and daily life. Its various chapters address a wide range of issues, from commodity trading and quality standards to livestock protection and grain inspections. By providing a legal framework for the agricultural industry, this title helps ensure the fairness, quality, and sustainability of agricultural practices in the United States.
Chapter 11 – Honeybees (Sections 281 – 286)
Section 281 – Definitions: This section provides definitions related to honeybees, establishing a common understanding of terms used throughout Chapter 11.
Defining key terms is essential for clarity and consistency in the regulation of honeybee-related matters.
Section 283 – Administrative authority: This section outlines the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture in administering programs related to honeybees, ensuring effective oversight and support for the industry.
The administrative authority ensures that programs and regulations related to honeybees are implemented efficiently and effectively.
Chapter 18 – Cooperative Marketing (Sections 451 – 457)
Section 451 – Short title: This section provides the short title of Chapter 18, which is the “Agricultural Marketing Act of 1929.”
Chapter 18, known as the “Agricultural Marketing Act of 1929,” encourages cooperative efforts among agricultural producers to enhance marketing and sales opportunities for their products.
Section 456 – Definitions: This section defines various terms used in Chapter 18, clarifying their meanings for the purpose of cooperative marketing provisions.
Defining key terms is essential for the proper implementation of cooperative marketing programs.
Chapter 26 – Agricultural Adjustment (Sections 601 – 659)
Section 601 – Declaration of policy: This section establishes the policy of regulating production and marketing of agricultural commodities to stabilize prices and protect the income of farmers.
Chapter 26, often referred to as the “Agricultural Adjustment Act,” seeks to maintain stable and fair prices for agricultural products while providing support to farmers.
Section 608 – Loans and payments: This section authorizes loans and payments to farmers to support commodity prices, ensuring that they receive fair compensation for their products.
Loans and payments are critical tools for helping farmers weather market fluctuations and economic challenges.
Chapter 36 – Crop Insurance (Sections 1501 – 1531)
Section 1501 – Purpose: This section outlines the purpose of federal crop insurance programs, which aim to provide financial protection to farmers in the event of crop losses due to natural disasters or other risks.
Crop insurance plays a vital role in safeguarding the financial stability of farmers and ensuring food security.
Section 1522 – Availability of policies: This section ensures that crop insurance policies are available to a wide range of crops and regions, enhancing the accessibility and effectiveness of these programs.
Expanding the availability of crop insurance policies ensures that more farmers can benefit from risk mitigation.
Chapter 38 – Distribution and Marketing of Agricultural Products (Sections 1621 – 1639s)
Section 1621 – Findings and declaration of policy: This section outlines the findings and policy objectives related to the distribution and marketing of agricultural products, emphasizing the importance of efficient markets and fair competition.
Efficient distribution and marketing channels are essential for connecting farmers with consumers and ensuring fair pricing.
Section 1638 – Technical assistance for specialty crops: This section provides technical assistance and support for specialty crop producers, promoting the growth of these sectors in agriculture.
Supporting specialty crop producers helps diversify agricultural production and expand market opportunities.
Chapter 64 – Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching (Sections 3101 – 3371)
Section 3101 – Findings: This section outlines the findings related to agricultural research, extension, and teaching, emphasizing the importance of scientific innovation, education, and outreach in agriculture.
Chapter 64 promotes the advancement of agricultural knowledge, technology, and education to benefit farmers and improve food production.
Section 3151 – National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board: This section establishes the advisory board responsible for advising the Secretary of Agriculture on research, extension, and education programs.
The advisory board plays a crucial role in ensuring that agricultural research and educational initiatives align with the needs of the farming community.
Chapter 68 – Agricultural Subterminal Facilities (Sections 3701 – 3703)
Section 3701 – Definitions: This section provides definitions for key terms used in Chapter 68, clarifying the scope and purpose of agricultural subterminal facilities.
Defining terms is essential for precise regulation and management of subterminal facilities in agriculture.
Section 3702 – Regulations and standards: This section authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish regulations and standards for the operation of subterminal facilities, ensuring safety and efficiency.
Regulations and standards help maintain the integrity and effectiveness of subterminal facilities in handling agricultural products.
Chapter 71 – Agricultural Trade Suspension Adjustment (Sections 4001 – 4005)
Section 4001 – Findings and declaration of policy: This section outlines the findings and policy objectives related to agricultural trade suspension adjustment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining fair and open international trade in agriculture.
Ensuring fair and open trade is vital for American agriculture’s competitiveness and access to global markets.
Section 4004 – Funds: This section authorizes the use of funds to implement agricultural trade suspension adjustment programs, supporting U.S. agricultural interests in international trade negotiations.
Funding is essential to advance and protect U.S. agricultural interests in global trade negotiations.
Chapter 92 – Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information (Sections 6301 – 6311)
Section 6302 – Purpose and definitions: This section outlines the purpose and definitions for the soybean promotion, research, and consumer information program, aimed at advancing the soybean industry and providing consumers with accurate information.
The program supports the soybean industry’s growth while ensuring consumers have access to reliable information about soybean products.
Section 6309 – Referendum: This section establishes procedures for holding referendums among soybean producers to determine their support for the soybean promotion and research program.
Referendums allow soybean producers to have a say in the program’s continuation and funding.
Chapter 115 – Agricultural Security (Sections 8901 – 8922)
Section 8901 – Short title: This section provides the short title of Chapter 115, which is the “Agricultural Security Improvement Act of 2008.”
Chapter 115 addresses the security of agricultural facilities and resources to protect the nation’s food supply.
Section 8913 – Authorization of appropriations: This section authorizes appropriations for implementing and enforcing agricultural security measures, safeguarding the food supply from potential threats.
Funding is critical for maintaining the security of agricultural resources and facilities.
Chapter 116 – National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (Sections 9201 – 9206)
Section 9201 – Short title: This section provides the short title of Chapter 116, which is the “National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility Act of 2009.”
Chapter 116 addresses the establishment and operation of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, focusing on research and defense against biological threats to agriculture.
Section 9205 – Authorization of appropriations: This section authorizes appropriations for the construction and operation of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, ensuring the availability of funds to support its mission.
Funding is crucial for the facility to conduct research and develop countermeasures against threats to agricultural and animal health.
Chapter 64 – Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching (Sections 3101 – 3371)
Section 3101 – Findings: This section outlines the findings related to agricultural research, extension, and teaching, emphasizing the importance of scientific innovation, education, and outreach in agriculture.
Chapter 64, often referred to as the “Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Act of 1977,” underscores the critical role of research, extension, and education in advancing agricultural practices and ensuring the sustainability of American agriculture.
Section 3151 – National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board: This section establishes the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board, responsible for advising the Secretary of Agriculture on research, extension, and education programs.
The advisory board plays a vital role in shaping the direction of agricultural research and education, ensuring that it aligns with the evolving needs of the agriculture industry.
Chapter 68 – Agricultural Subterminal Facilities (Sections 3701 – 3703)
Section 3701 – Definitions: This section provides definitions for key terms used in Chapter 68, clarifying the scope and purpose of agricultural subterminal facilities.
Clear definitions are essential to the precise regulation and management of subterminal facilities, which play a crucial role in handling and transporting agricultural products efficiently.
Section 3702 – Regulations and standards: This section grants the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to establish regulations and standards for the operation of subterminal facilities, ensuring safety and efficiency in the handling of agricultural products.
Regulations and standards are vital tools for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of subterminal facilities, which are essential components of the agricultural supply chain.
Chapter 71 – Agricultural Trade Suspension Adjustment (Sections 4001 – 4005)
Section 4001 – Findings and declaration of policy: This section outlines the findings and policy objectives related to agricultural trade suspension adjustment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining fair and open international trade in agriculture.
The policy objectives underscore the significance of fair and open trade practices in supporting American agriculture’s competitiveness and access to global markets.
Section 4004 – Funds: This section authorizes the use of funds to implement agricultural trade suspension adjustment programs, ensuring that resources are available to advance and protect U.S. agricultural interests in international trade negotiations.
Funding is essential for promoting and safeguarding U.S. agricultural interests in global trade negotiations, enabling the industry to thrive in international markets.
Chapter 92 – Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information (Sections 6301 – 6311)
Section 6302 – Purpose and definitions: This section outlines the purpose and definitions for the soybean promotion, research, and consumer information program, aimed at advancing the soybean industry and providing consumers with accurate information.
The program serves as a crucial tool for supporting the soybean industry’s growth while ensuring consumers have access to reliable information about soybean products.
Section 6309 – Referendum: This section establishes procedures for holding referendums among soybean producers to determine their support for the soybean promotion and research program.
Referendums enable soybean producers to have a voice in the program’s continuation and funding, ensuring that it aligns with their interests and priorities.