TITLE 7 - US CODE - CHAPTER 87 - EXPORT PROMOTION

TITLE 7 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER I - GENERAL PROVISIONS

7 USC 5601 - Purpose

It is the purpose of this chapter to increase the profitability of farming and to increase opportunities for United States farms and agricultural enterprises by

(1) increasing the effectiveness of the Department of Agriculture in agricultural export policy formulation and implementation;

(2) improving the competitiveness of United States agricultural commodities and products in the world market; and

(3) providing for the coordination and efficient implementation of all agricultural export programs.

7 USC 5602 - Definitions

As used in this chapter

(1) Agricultural commodity
The term agricultural commodity means any agricultural commodity, food, feed, fiber, or livestock (including livestock as it is defined in section 1471 (2) of this title and insects), and any product thereof.

(2) Developing country
The term developing country means a country that

(A) has a shortage of foreign exchange earnings and has difficulty accessing sufficient commercial credit to meet all of its food needs, as determined by the Secretary; and

(B) has the potential to become a commercial market for agricultural commodities.

(3) Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture.

(4) Service
The term Service means the Foreign Agricultural Service of the Department of Agriculture.

(5) Unfair trade practice

(A) In general
Subject to subparagraph (B), the term unfair trade practice means any act, policy, or practice of a foreign country that

(i) violates, or is inconsistent with, the provisions of, or otherwise denies benefits to the United States under, any trade agreement to which the United States is a party;

(ii) in the case of a monopolistic state trading enterprise engaged in the export sale of an agricultural commodity, implements a pricing practice that is inconsistent with sound commercial practice;

(iii) provides a subsidy that

(I) decreases market opportunities for United States exports; or

(II) unfairly distorts an agricultural market to the detriment of United States exporters;

(iv) imposes an unfair technical barrier to trade, including

(I) a trade restriction or commercial requirement (such as a labeling requirement) that adversely affects a new technology (including biotechnology); and

(II) an unjustified sanitary or phytosanitary restriction (including any restriction that, in violation of the Uruguay Round Agreements, is not based on scientific principles;^[1]

(v) imposes a rule that unfairly restricts imports of United States agricultural commodities in the administration of tariff rate quotas; or

(vi) fails to adhere to, or circumvents any obligation under, any provision of a trade agreement with the United States.

(B) Consistency with 1974 Trade Act
Nothing in this chapter may be construed to authorize the Secretary to make any determination regarding an unfair trade practice that is inconsistent with section 2411 of title 19.

(6) United States
The term United States includes each of the States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the territories and possessions of the United States.

(7) United States agricultural commodity
The term United States agricultural commodity means

(A) an agricultural commodity or product entirely produced in the United States; or

(B) a product of an agricultural commodity

(i) 90 percent or more of the agricultural components of which by weight, excluding packaging and added water, is entirely produced in the United States; and

(ii) that the Secretary determines to be a high value agricultural product.

For purposes of this paragraph, fish entirely produced in the United States include fish harvested by a documented fishing vessel as defined in title 46 in waters that are not waters (including the territorial sea) of a foreign country.

(8) Independent states of the former Soviet Union
The term independent states of the former Soviet Union means the following: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

[1] So in original. There probably should be a closing parenthesis.

7 USC 5603 - Agricultural export promotion strategy

(a) In general
The Secretary shall develop a strategy for implementing Federal agricultural export promotion programs that takes into account the new market opportunities for agricultural products, including opportunities that result from

(1) the North American Free Trade Agreement and the Uruguay Round Agreements;

(2) any accession to membership in the World Trade Organization;

(3) the continued economic growth in the Pacific Rim; and

(4) other developments.

(b) Purpose of strategy
The strategy developed under subsection (a) of this section shall encourage the maintenance, development, and expansion of export markets for United States agricultural commodities and related products, including high-value and value-added products.

(1) Increase the value of United States agricultural exports each year.

(2) Increase the value of United States agricultural exports each year at a faster rate than the rate of increase in the value of overall world export trade in agricultural products.

(3) Increase the value of United States high-value and value-added agricultural exports each year.

(4) Increase the value of United States high-value and value-added agricultural exports each year at a faster rate than the rate of increase in the value of overall world export trade in high-value and value-added agricultural products.

(5) Ensure that to the extent practicable

(A) all obligations undertaken in the Uruguay Round Agreement on Agriculture that significantly increase access for United States agricultural commodities are implemented to the extent required by the Uruguay Round Agreements; or

(B) applicable United States laws are used to secure United States rights under the Uruguay Round Agreement on Agriculture.

(d) Priority markets

(1) Identification of markets
In developing the strategy required under subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary shall annually identify as priority markets

(A) those markets in which imports of agricultural products show the greatest potential for increase; and

(B) those markets in which, with the assistance of Federal export promotion programs, exports of United States agricultural products show the greatest potential for increase.

(2) Identification of supporting offices
The President shall identify annually in the budget of the United States Government submitted under section 1105 of title 31 each overseas office of the Foreign Agricultural Service that provides assistance to United States exporters in each of the priority markets identified under paragraph (1).

7 USC 5603a - Global market strategy

(a) In general
Not later than 180 days after May 13, 2002, and biennially thereafter, the Secretary of Agriculture shall consult with the Committee on Agriculture, and the Committee on International Relations, of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate on the formulation and implementation of a global market strategy for the Department of Agriculture that, to the maximum extent practicable

(1) identifies opportunities for the growth of agricultural exports to overseas markets;

(2) ensures that the resources, programs, and policies of the Department are coordinated with those of other agencies; and

(3) remove^[1] barriers to agricultural trade in overseas markets.

(b) Review
The consultations under subsection (a) of this section shall include a review of

(1) the strategic goals of the Department; and

(2) the progress of the Department in implementing the strategic goals through the global market strategy.

[1] So in original. Probably should be “removes”.

7 USC 5604 - Preservation of traditional markets

The Secretary shall, in implementing programs of the Department of Agriculture intended to encourage or assist exports of agricultural commodities, seek to preserve traditional markets for United States agricultural commodities.

7 USC 5605 - Independence of authorities

Each authority granted under this chapter shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any authority granted to the Secretary or the Commodity Credit Corporation under any other provision of law.

7 USC 5606 - Implementation of commitments under Uruguay Round Agreements

Not later than September 30 of each year, the Secretary shall evaluate whether the obligations undertaken by foreign countries under the Uruguay Round Agreement on Agriculture are being fully implemented. If the Secretary has reason to believe (based on the evaluation) that any foreign country, by not implementing the obligations of the country, may be significantly constraining an opportunity for United States agricultural exports, the Secretary shall

(1) submit the evaluation to the United States Trade Representative; and

(2) transmit a copy of the evaluation to the Committee on Agriculture, and the Committee on Ways and Means, of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and the Committee on Finance, of the Senate.

7 USC 5607 - Exporter assistance initiative

To provide a comprehensive source of information to facilitate exports of United States agricultural commodities, the Secretary shall maintain on a website on the Internet information to assist exporters and potential exporters of United States agricultural commodities.

TITLE 7 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER II - AGRICULTURAL EXPORT PROGRAMS

Part A - Programs

7 USC 5621 - Direct credit sales program

(a) Short-term program
To promote the sale of agricultural commodities, the Commodity Credit Corporation may finance the commercial export sale of such commodities from privately owned stocks on credit terms for not to exceed a 3-year period.

(b) Intermediate-term program
Subject to subsection (c) of this section, to promote the sale of agricultural commodities the Commodity Credit Corporation may finance the commercial export sales of agricultural commodities from privately owned stocks on credit terms for a period of not less than 3 years nor in excess of 10 years in a manner that will directly benefit United States agricultural producers.

(c) Determinations
The Commodity Credit Corporation shall not finance an export sale under subsection (b) of this section unless the Secretary determines that such sale will

(1) develop, expand, or maintain the importing country as a foreign market, on a long-term basis, for the commercial sale and export of United States agricultural commodities, without displacing normal commercial sales;

(2) improve the capability of the importing country to purchase and use, on a long-term basis, United States agricultural commodities; or

(3) otherwise promote the export of United States agricultural commodities.

The reference in paragraphs (1) and (2) to on a long-term basis shall not apply in the case of determinations with respect to sales to the independent states of the former Soviet Union.

(d) Use of program

(1) General uses
The Commodity Credit Corporation may use export sales financing authorized under this section

(A) to increase exports of agricultural commodities;

(B) to compete against foreign agricultural exports;

(i) developing countries; and

(ii) countries that are emerging markets that have committed to carry out, or are carrying out, policies that promote economic freedom, private domestic production of food commodities for domestic consumption, and the creation and expansion of efficient domestic markets for the purchase and sale of agricultural commodities; and

(D) for such other purposes as the Secretary determines appropriate consistent with the provisions of subsection (c) of this section.

(2) General restrictions
Export sales financing authorized under this section shall not be used for foreign aid, foreign policy, or debt rescheduling purposes. The provisions of the cargo preference laws shall not apply to export sales financed under this section.

(e) Terms of credit assistance
Any contract for the financing of exports by the Commodity Credit Corporation under this section shall include

(1) a requirement that repayment shall be made in dollars with interest accruing thereon as determined appropriate by the Secretary; and

(2) a requirement, if the Secretary determines such requirement appropriate to protect the interests of the United States, that an initial payment be made by the purchaser at the time of sale or shipment of the agricultural commodity that is subject to the contract.

(f) Restrictions
The Commodity Credit Corporation may not make export sales financing authorized under this section available in connection with sales of an agricultural commodity to any country that the Secretary determines cannot adequately service the debt associated with such sale.

7 USC 5622 - Export credit guarantee program

(a) Short-term credit guarantees
The Commodity Credit Corporation may guarantee the repayment of credit made available to finance commercial export sales of agricultural commodities, including processed agricultural products and high-value agricultural products, from privately owned stocks on credit terms that do not exceed a 3-year period.

(b) Purpose of program
The Commodity Credit Corporation may use export credit guarantees authorized under this section

(1) to increase exports of agricultural commodities;

(2) to compete against foreign agricultural exports;

(3) to assist countries in meeting their food and fiber needs, particularly

(A) developing countries; and

(B) countries that are emerging markets that have committed to carry out, or are carrying out, policies that promote economic freedom, private domestic production of food commodities for domestic consumption, and the creation and expansion of efficient domestic markets for the purchase and sale of agricultural commodities; and

(4) for such other purposes as the Secretary determines appropriate.

(c) Restrictions on use of credit guarantees
Export credit guarantees authorized by this section shall not be used for foreign aid, foreign policy, or debt rescheduling purposes. The provisions of the cargo preference laws shall not apply to export sales with respect to which credit is guaranteed under this section.

(d) Restrictions
The Commodity Credit Corporation shall not make credit guarantees available in connection with sales of agricultural commodities to any country that the Secretary determines cannot adequately service the debt associated with such sale.

(e) Terms
Export credit guarantees issued pursuant to this section shall contain such terms and conditions as the Commodity Credit Corporation determines to be necessary.

(f) United States agricultural commodities
The Commodity Credit Corporation shall finance or guarantee under this section only United States agricultural commodities.

(g) Ineligibility of financial institutions

(1) In general
A financial institution shall be ineligible to receive an assignment of a credit guarantee issued by the Commodity Credit Corporation under this section if it is determined by the Corporation, at the time of the assignment, that such financial institution

(A) is the financial institution issuing the letter of credit or a subsidiary of such institution; or

(B) is owned or controlled by an entity that owns or controls that financial institution issuing the letter of credit.

(2) Third country banks
The Commodity Credit Corporation may guarantee under subsection (a) of this section the repayment of credit made available to finance an export sale irrespective of whether the obligor is located in the country to which the export sale is destined.

(h) Conditions for fish and processed fish products
In making available any guarantees of credit under this section in connection with sales of fish and processed fish products, the Secretary shall make such guarantees available under terms and conditions that are comparable to the terms and conditions that apply to guarantees provided with respect to sales of other agricultural commodities under this section.

(i) Processed and high-value products

(1) In general
In issuing export credit guarantees under this section, the Commodity Credit Corporation shall, subject to paragraph (2), ensure that not less than 25 percent for each of fiscal years 1996 and 1997, 30 percent for each of fiscal years 1998 and 1999, and 35 percent for each of fiscal years 2000 through 2007, of the total amount of credit guarantees issued for a fiscal year is issued to promote the export of processed or high-value agricultural products and that the balance is issued to promote the export of bulk or raw agricultural commodities.

(2) Limitation
The percentage requirement of paragraph (1) shall apply for a fiscal year to the extent that a reduction in the total amount of credit guarantees issued for the fiscal year is not required to meet the percentage requirement.

(j) Consultation on agricultural export credit programs
The Secretary and the United States Trade Representative shall consult on a regular basis with the Committee on Agriculture, and the Committee on International Relations, of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate on the status of multilateral negotiations regarding agricultural export credit programs.

(k) Administration

(1) Definition of long term
In this subsection, the term long term means a period of 10 or more years.

(2) Guarantees
In administering the export credit guarantees authorized under this section, the Secretary shall

(A) maximize the export sales of agricultural commodities;

(B) maximize the export credit guarantees that are made available and used during the course of a fiscal year;

(C) develop an approach to risk evaluation that facilitates accurate country risk designations and timely adjustments to the designations (on an ongoing basis) in response to material changes in country risk conditions, with ongoing opportunity for input and evaluation from the private sector;

(D) adjust risk-based guarantees as necessary to ensure program effectiveness and United States competitiveness; and

(E) work with industry to ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that risk-based fees associated with the guarantees cover, but do not exceed, the operating costs and losses over the long term.

7 USC 5623 - Market access program

(a) In general
The Commodity Credit Corporation shall establish and carry out a program to encourage the development, maintenance, and expansion of commercial export markets for agricultural commodities (including commodities that are organically produced (as defined in section 6502 of this title)) through cost-share assistance to eligible trade organizations that implement a foreign market development program.

(b) Type of assistance
Assistance under this section may be provided in the form of funds of, or commodities owned by, the Commodity Credit Corporation, as determined appropriate by the Secretary.

(1) be an eligible trade organization;

(2) prepare and submit a marketing plan to the Secretary that meets the guidelines governing such plans established by the Secretary; and

(3) meet any other requirements established by the Secretary.

(d) Eligible trade organizations
An eligible trade organization shall be

(1) a United States agricultural trade organization or regional State-related organization that promotes the export and sale of agricultural commodities and that does not stand to profit directly from specific sales of agricultural commodities;

(2) a cooperative organization or State agency that promotes the sale of agricultural commodities; or

(3) a private organization that promotes the export and sale of agricultural commodities if the Secretary determines that such organization would significantly contribute to United States export market development.

(e) Approved marketing plan

(1) In general
A marketing plan submitted by an eligible trade organization under this section shall describe the advertising or other market oriented export promotion activities to be carried out by the eligible trade organization with respect to which assistance under this section is being requested.

(2) Requirements
To be approved by the Secretary, a marketing plan submitted under this subsection shall

(A) specifically describe the manner in which assistance received by the eligible trade organization in conjunction with funds and services provided by the eligible trade organization will be expended in implementing the marketing plan;

(B) establish specific market goals to be achieved as a result of the market access program; and

(3) Amendments
A marketing plan may be amended by the eligible trade organization at any time, with the approval of the Secretary.

(4) Branded promotion
An agreement entered into under this section may provide for the use of branded advertising to promote the sale of agricultural commodities in a foreign country under such terms and conditions as may be established by the Secretary.

(f) Other terms and conditions

(1) Multi-year basis
The Secretary may provide assistance under this section on a multi-year basis, subject to annual review by the Secretary for compliance with the approved marketing plan.

(2) Termination of assistance
The Secretary may terminate any assistance made, or to be made, available under this section if the Secretary determines that

(A) the eligible trade organization is not adhering to the terms and conditions of the program established under this section;

(B) the eligible trade organization is not implementing the approved marketing plan or is not adequately meeting the established goals of the market access program;

(D) the Secretary determines that termination of assistance in a particular instance is in the best interests of the program.

(3) Evaluations
The Secretary shall monitor the expenditure of funds received under this section by recipients of such funds. The Secretary shall make evaluations of such expenditure, including

(A) an evaluation of the effectiveness of the program in developing or maintaining markets for United States agricultural commodities;

(B) an evaluation of whether assistance provided under this section is necessary to maintain such markets; and

The Secretary shall make an initial evaluation of expenditures of a recipient not later than 15 months after the initial provision of funds to the recipient.

(4) Use of funds
Funds made available to carry out this section

(A) shall not be used to provide direct assistance to any foreign for-profit corporation for the corporations use in promoting foreign-produced products;

(B) shall not be used to provide direct assistance to any for-profit corporation that is not recognized as a small-business concern described in section 632 (a) of title 15, excluding

(i) a cooperative;

(ii) an association described in section 291 of this title; and

(iii) a nonprofit">nonprofit trade association; and

(C) may be used by a United States trade association, cooperative, or small business for individual branded promotional activity related to a United States branded product, if the beneficiaries of the activity have provided funds for the activity in an amount that is at least equivalent to the amount of assistance provided under this section.

(g) Level of marketing assistance

(1) In general
The Secretary shall justify in writing the level of assistance provided to an eligible trade organization under the program under this section and the level of cost-sharing required of such organization.

(2) Limitation
Assistance provided under this section for activities described in subsection (e)(4) of this section shall not exceed 50 percent of the cost of implementing the marketing plan, except that the Secretary may determine not to apply such limitation in the case of agricultural commodities with respect to which there has been a favorable decision by the United States Trade Representative under section 2411 of title 19. Criteria for determining that the limitation shall not apply shall be consistent and documented.

(3) Staged reduction in assistance
In the case of participants that received assistance under section 1736s of this title prior to November 28, 1990, and with respect to which assistance under this section would be limited under paragraph (2), any such reduction in assistance shall be phased down in equal increments over a 5-year period.

7 USC 5624 - Barter of agricultural commodities

(a) In general
The Secretary or the Commodity Credit Corporation may provide eligible commodities in barter for foreign products under such terms and conditions as the Secretary or the Corporation shall prescribe.

(b) Eligible commodities
Unless otherwise specified, eligible commodities shall include

(1) agricultural commodities acquired by the Commodity Credit Corporation through price support operations; and

(2) agricultural commodities acquired by the Secretary or the Commodity Credit Corporation in the normal course of business and available for disposition.

(1) Purpose
The Secretary or the Commodity Credit Corporation shall encourage exporters of agricultural commodities to barter such commodities for foreign products

(A) to acquire such foreign products needed by such exporters; and

(B) to develop, maintain, or expand foreign markets for United States agricultural exports.

(2) Eligible activities
The Secretary or the Commodity Credit Corporation may provide eligible commodities to exporters to assist such exporters in barter transactions.

(3) Technical assistance
The Secretary or the Commodity Credit Corporation shall provide technical advice and assistance relating to the barter of agricultural commodities to any United States exporter who requests such advice or assistance.

(d) Transfer of foreign products to other Government agencies
The Secretary or the Commodity Credit Corporation may transfer any foreign products that the Secretary or such Corporation obtains through barter activities to other Government agencies if the Corporation receives assurances that it will receive full reimbursement from the agency within the same fiscal year in which such transfer occurs.

(e) Corporation authority not limited
Nothing contained in this section shall limit the authority of the Commodity Credit Corporation to acquire, hold, or dispose of such foreign materials as such Corporation determines appropriate in carrying out the functions and protecting the assets of the Corporation.

(f) Prohibited activities
The Secretary or the Commodity Credit Corporation shall take reasonable precautions to prevent the misuse of eligible commodities in a barter or exchange program, including activities that

(1) displace or interfere with commercial sales of United States agricultural commodities that otherwise might be made;

(2) unduly disrupt world prices of agricultural commodities or the normal patterns of commercial trade with recipient countries; or

(3) permit the resale or transshipment of eligible commodities to countries other than the intended recipient country.

7 USC 5625 - Combination of programs

The Commodity Credit Corporation may carry out a program under which commercial export credit guarantees available under section 5622 of this title are combined with direct credits from the Commodity Credit Corporation under section 5621 of this title to reduce the effective rate of interest on export sales of agricultural commodities.

Part B - Implementation

7 USC 5641 - Funding levels

(a) Direct credit programs
The Commodity Credit Corporation may make available for each fiscal year such funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation as it determines necessary to carry out any direct credit program established under section 5621 of this title.

(b) Export credit guarantee programs
The Commodity Credit Corporation shall make available for each of fiscal years 1996 through 2012 credit guarantees under section 5622 (a) of this title in an amount equal to but not more than the lesser of

(1) $5,500,000,000 in credit guarantees; or

(2) the sum of

(A) the amount of credit guarantees that the Commodity Credit Corporation can make available using budget authority of $40,000,000 for each fiscal year for the costs of the credit guarantees; and

(B) the amount of credit guarantees that the Commodity Credit Corporation can make available using unobligated budget authority for prior fiscal years.

(1) In general
The Commodity Credit Corporation or the Secretary shall make available for market access activities authorized to be carried out by the Commodity Credit Corporation under section 5623 of this title

(A) in addition to any funds that may be specifically appropriated to implement a market access program, not more than $90,000,000 for fiscal year 2001, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2002, $110,000,000 for fiscal year 2003, $125,000,000 for fiscal year 2004, $140,000,000 for fiscal year 2005, and $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012, of the funds of, or an equal value of commodities owned by, the Commodity Credit Corporation; and

(B) any funds that may be specifically appropriated to carry out a market access program under section 5623 of this title.

(2) Program priorities
In providing any amount of funds made available under paragraph (1)(A) for any fiscal year that is in excess of the amount made available under paragraph (1)(A) for fiscal year 2001, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable

(A) give equal consideration to

(i) proposals submitted by organizations that were participating organizations in prior fiscal years; and

(ii) proposals submitted by eligible trade organizations that have not previously participated in the program established under this subchapter; and

(B) give equal consideration to

(i) proposals submitted for activities in emerging markets; and

(ii) proposals submitted for activities in markets other than emerging markets.

TITLE 7 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER III - BARRIERS TO EXPORTS

7 USC 5651 - Repealed. Pub. L. 110246, title III, 3103(a), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1832

Section, Pub. L. 95–501, title III, § 301, as added Pub. L. 101–624, title XV, § 1531, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3678; amended Pub. L. 102–237, title III, § 311, Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1856; Pub. L. 102–511, title VII, § 709(b), Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3352; Pub. L. 103–465, title IV, § 411(a)(3), (4), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 4963; Pub. L. 104–127, title II, § 245, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 968; Pub. L. 107–171, title III, § 3104(a), May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 290, related to an export enhancement program and cash bonuses to exporters, users, and processors.

7 USC 5652 - Relief from unfair trade practices

(a) Use of programs

(1) In general
The Secretary may, for each article described in paragraph (2), make available some or all of the commercial export promotion programs of the Department of Agriculture and the Commodity Credit Corporation to help mitigate or offset the effects of the unfair trade practice serving as the basis for the proceeding described in paragraph (2).

(2) Commodities specified
Paragraph (1) shall apply in the case of articles for which the United States has instituted, under any international trade agreement, any dispute settlement proceeding based on an unfair trade practice if such proceeding has been prevented from progressing to a decision by the refusal of the party maintaining the unfair trade practice to permit the proceeding to progress.

(b) Consultations required
For any article described in subsection (a)(2) of this section, the Secretary shall

(1) promptly consult with representatives of the industry producing such articles and other allied groups or individuals regarding specific actions or the development of an integrated marketing strategy utilizing some or all of the commercial export programs of the Department of Agriculture and the Commodity Credit Corporation to help mitigate or offset the effects of the unfair trade practice identified in subsection (a)(2) of this section; and

(2) ascertain and take into account the industry preference for the practical use of available commercial export promotion programs in implementing subsection (a)(1) of this section.

7 USC 5653 - Equitable treatment of high-value and value-added United States agricultural commodities

In the case of any program operated by the Secretary or the Commodity Credit Corporation during the fiscal years 1991 through 1995, for the purpose of discouraging unfair trade practices, the Secretary shall establish as an objective to expend annually at least 25 percent of the total funds available (or 25 percent of the value of any commodities employed) for program activities involving the export sales of high-value agricultural commodities and value-added products of United States agricultural commodities.

TITLE 7 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER IV - GENERAL PROVISIONS

Part A - Program Controls

7 USC 5661 - Program controls for export programs

(a) Arrival certification
With respect to a commodity provided, or for which financing or a credit guarantee or other assistance is made available, under a program authorized in section 5621 or 5622 of this title, the Commodity Credit Corporation shall require the exporter of the commodity to maintain records of an official or customary commercial nature or other documents as the Secretary may require, and shall allow representatives of the Commodity Credit Corporation access to the records or documents as needed, to verify the arrival of the commodity in the country that is the intended destination of the commodity.

(b) Diversion
The unauthorized diversion of commodities under the programs authorized in sections 5621 and 5622 of this title is prohibited. The Commodity Credit Corporation shall establish procedures providing for the annual audit of a sufficient number of export transactions under such programs to ensure that the agricultural commodities that were the subject of such transactions arrived in the country of destination as provided in the sales agreement.

(c) Good faith
The failure of an exporter, seller or other person to comply with the provisions of this section shall not affect the validity of any credit guarantee or other obligation of the Commodity Credit Corporation under the programs under this chapter with respect to any exporter, seller, or person who had no knowledge of such failure to comply at the time such exporter, seller, or person was assigned the credit guarantee or at the time the Corporation entered into such obligation.

7 USC 5662 - Compliance provisions

(a) Records

(1) In general
In the administration of the programs established under sections 5621, 5622, and 5623 of this title the Secretary shall require by regulation each exporter or other participant under the program to maintain all records concerning a program transaction for a period of not to exceed 5 years after completion of the program transaction, and to permit the Secretary to have full and complete access, for such 5-year period, to such records.

(2) Confidentiality
The personally identifiable information contained in reports under subsection (a) of this section may be withheld in accordance with section 552 (b)(4) of title 5. Any officer or employee of the Department of Agriculture who knowingly discloses confidential information as defined by section 1905 of title 18 shall be subject to section 1905 of title 18. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to authorize the withholding of information from Congress.

(b) Violation
If any exporter, assignee, or other participant has engaged in fraud with respect to the programs authorized under this chapter, or has otherwise violated program requirements under this chapter, the Commodity Credit Corporation may

(1) hold such exporter, assignee, or participant liable for any and all losses to the Corporation resulting from such fraud or violation;

(2) require a refund of any assistance provided to such exporter, assignee, or participant plus interest, as determined by the Secretary; and

(3) collect liquidated damages from such exporter, assignee, or participant in an amount determined appropriate by the Secretary.

The provisions of this subsection shall be without prejudice to any other remedy that is available under any other provision of law.

(c) Suspension and debarment
The Commodity Credit Corporation may suspend or debar for 1 or more years any exporter, assignee, or other participant from participation in one or more of the programs authorized by this chapter if the Corporation determines, after opportunity for a hearing, that such exporter, assignee, or other participant has violated the terms and conditions of the program or of this chapter and that the violation is of such a nature as to warrant suspension or debarment.

(d) False certifications
The provisions of section 1001 of title 18 shall apply to any false certifications issued under this chapter.

7 USC 5663 - Departmental administration system

(a) In general
With respect to each commercial export promotion program of the Department of Agriculture or the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall

(1) specify by regulation the criteria used to evaluate and approve proposals for that program;

(2) establish a centralized system to permit the Foreign Agricultural Service to provide the history and current status of any proposal;

(3) provide for regular audits of program transactions to determine compliance with program objectives and requirements; and

(4) establish criteria to evaluate loans eligible for guarantees by the Commodity Credit Corporation, so as to ensure that the Corporation does not assume undue risk in providing such guarantees.

(b) Accessibility of information
Information pertaining to the status of a particular proposal shall be retrievable within the central system by appropriate categories, as determined appropriate by the Secretary.

7 USC 5664 - Repealed. Pub. L. 104127, title II, 248, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 969

Section, Pub. L. 95–501, title IV, § 404, as added Pub. L. 101–624, title XV, § 1531, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3682; amended Pub. L. 102–237, title III, § 312, Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1856, related to regulations to implement export promotion provisions.

Part B - Miscellaneous Provisions

7 USC 5671 - Agricultural embargo protection

(a) Prerequisites; scope of compensation
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if

(1) the President or other member of the executive branch of the Federal Government causes the export of any agricultural commodity to any country or area of the world to be suspended or restricted for reasons of national security or foreign policy under the Export Administration Act of 1979 (50 App. U.S.C. 2401 et seq.) or under any other provision of law;

(2) such suspension or restriction of the export of such agricultural commodity is imposed other than in connection with a suspension or restriction of all exports from the United States to such country or area of the world; and

(3) sales of such agricultural commodity for export from the United States to such country or area of the world during the year preceding the year in which the suspension or restriction is imposed exceeds 3 percent of the total sales of such commodity for export from the United States to all foreign countries during the year preceding the year in which the suspension or restriction is in effect;

the Secretary shall compensate producers of the commodity involved by making payments available to such producers, as provided in subsection (b) of this section.

(b) Amount of payments
If the Secretary makes payments available to producers under subsection (a) of this section, the amount of such payment shall be determined

(1) in the case of an agricultural commodity for which payments are authorized to be made to producers under Title I of the Agricultural Act of 1949 (7 U.S.C. 1441 et seq.), by multiplying

(A) the farm program payment yield for the producer or the yield established for the farm for the commodity involved; by

(B) the crop acreage base established for the commodity; by

(C) the amount by which the average market price per unit of such commodity received by producers during the 60-day period immediately following the date of the imposition of the suspension or restriction is less than 100 percent of the parity price for such commodity, as determined by the Secretary on the date of the imposition of the suspension or restriction; or

(2) in the case of other agricultural commodities for which price support is authorized for producers under the Agricultural Act of 1949 (7 U.S.C. 1421 et seq.), by multiplying the amount by which the average market price per unit of such commodity received by the producers during the 60-day period immediately following the date of the imposition of the suspension or restriction is less than 100 percent of the parity price for such commodity, as determined by the Secretary on the date of the imposition of the suspension or restriction, by the quantity of such commodity sold by the producer during the period that the suspension or restriction is in effect.

(c) Time for payments
Payments under paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of this section shall be made for each marketing year or part thereof during which the suspension or restriction is in effect and shall be made in equal amounts at 90-day intervals, beginning 90 days after the date of the imposition of the suspension or restriction.

(d) Commodity Credit Corporation
The Secretary shall use the Commodity Credit Corporation in carrying out the provisions of this section.

(e) Regulations
The Secretary may issue such regulations as are determined necessary to carry out this section.

7 USC 5672 - Development of plans to alleviate adverse impact of embargoes

To alleviate, to the maximum extent possible, the adverse impact on farmers, elevator operators, common carriers, and exporters of agricultural commodities of the President or other member of the executive branch of the Federal Government causing the export of any agricultural commodity to any country or area of the world to be suspended or restricted, the Secretary of Agriculture shall

(1) develop a comprehensive contingency plan that shall include

(A) an assessment of existing farm programs with a view to determining whether such programs are sufficiently flexible to enable the Secretary to efficiently and effectively offset the adverse impact of such a suspension or restriction on farmers, elevator operators, common carriers, and exporters of commodities provided for under such programs;

(B) an evaluation of the kinds and availability of information needed to determine, on an emergency basis, the extent and severity of the impact of such a suspension or restriction on producers, elevator operators, common carriers, and exporters; and

(C) the development of criteria for determining the extent, if any, to which the impact of such a suspension or restriction should be offset in the case of each of the sectors referred to in paragraph (1)(B);

(2) for any suspension or restriction for which compensation is not provided under section 5671 of this title, prepare and submit to the appropriate Committees of Congress such recommendations for changes in existing agricultural programs, or for new programs, as the Secretary considers necessary to handle effectively, efficiently, economically, and fairly the impact of any such suspension or restriction;

(3) for any suspension or restriction for which compensation is provided under section 5671 of this title, prepare and submit to the appropriate Committees of Congress a plan for implementing and administering section 5671 of this title; and

(4) require the Commodity Credit Corporation, prior to such Corporation purchasing any contracts for the purpose of offsetting the impact of a commodity suspension or restriction, to

(A) prepare an economic justification for each commodity involved in the suspension or restriction to determine if such a purchase is necessary;

(B) estimate any suspension- or restriction-related benefits and detrimental effects to the exporters, and use both estimates in determining the extent, if any, Federal assistance is needed; and

(C) limit its purchases to only those types and grades of commodities suspended or restricted from shipment and make such purchases at prices at or near the current market prices.

7 USC 5673 - Contracting authority to expand agricultural export markets

(a) In general
The Secretary may contract with individuals for services to be performed outside the United States as the Secretary determines necessary or appropriate for carrying out programs and activities to maintain, develop, or enhance export markets for United States agricultural commodities and products.

(b) Not employees of United States
Individuals referred to in subsection (a) of this section shall not be regarded as officers or employees of the United States.

7 USC 5674 - Trade consultations concerning imports

(a) Consultation between agencies
The Secretary shall require consultation between the Administrator of the Service and the heads of other appropriate agencies and offices of the Department of Agriculture, including the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, prior to relaxing or removing any restriction on the importation of any agricultural commodity into the United States.

(b) Consultation with Trade Representative
The Secretary shall consult with the United States Trade Representative prior to relaxing or removing any restriction on the importation of any agricultural commodity or a product thereof into the United States.

(c) Monitoring compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary measures
The Secretary shall monitor the compliance of World Trade Organization member countries with the sanitary and phytosanitary measures of the Agreement on Agriculture of the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. If the Secretary has reason to believe that any country may have failed to meet the commitment on sanitary and phytosanitary measures under the Agreement in a manner that adversely impacts the exports of a United States agricultural commodity, the Secretary shall

(1) provide such information to the United States Trade Representative of the circumstances surrounding the matter arising under this subsection; and

(2) with respect to any such circumstances that the Secretary considers to have a continuing adverse effect on United States agricultural exports, report to the Committee on Agriculture, and the Committee on Ways and Means, of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and the Committee on Finance, of the Senate

(A) that a country may have failed to meet the sanitary and phytosanitary commitments; and

(B) any notice given by the Secretary to the United States Trade Representative.

7 USC 5675 - Technical assistance in trade negotiations

The Secretary shall provide technical services to the United States Trade Representative on matters pertaining to agricultural trade and with respect to international negotiations on issues related to agricultural trade.

7 USC 5676 - Limitation on use of certain export promotion programs

(a) In general
The Secretary may provide that a person shall be ineligible for participation in an export program established under title I of the Food for Peace Act [7 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.], or in any other export credit, credit guarantee, bonus, or other export program carried out through, or administered by, the Commodity Credit Corporation or carried out with funds made available pursuant to section 612c of this title with respect to the export of any agricultural commodity or product that has been or will be used as the basis for a claim of a refund, as drawback, pursuant to section 1313 (j)(2) of title 19, of any duty, tax, or fee imposed under Federal law on an imported commodity or product.

(b) Vegetable oil
A person shall be ineligible for participation in any of the export programs referred to in subsection (a) of this section with respect to the export of vegetable oil or a vegetable oil product that has been or will be used as the basis for a claim of a refund, as a drawback, pursuant to section 1313 of title 19, of any duty, tax, or fee imposed under Federal law on an imported commodity or product.

(c) Certification
If the Secretary takes action under the authority granted under subsection (a) of this section, a person applying to export any agricultural commodity under the export programs referred to in subsection (a) of this section shall certify that none of the commodity has been or will be used as the basis of a claim for any refund specified in subsection (a) of this section, except that regardless of whether the Secretary takes action under the authority granted under subsection (a) of this section, a person applying to export any vegetable oil or vegetable oil product under such programs shall certify that none of the vegetable oil or vegetable oil product has been or will be used as the basis of a claim for any refund specified in subsection (b) of this section.

(d) Regulations
The Secretary shall promulgate regulations to carry out this section.

(e) Applicability
This section shall not apply to quantities of agricultural commodities and products with respect to which an exporter has entered into a contract, prior to November 28, 1990, for an export sale.

7 USC 5677 - Trade compensation and assistance programs

(a) In general
Except as provided in subsection (f) of this section, notwithstanding any other provision of law, if, after April 4, 1996, the President or any other member of the executive branch causes exports from the United States to any country to be unilaterally suspended for reasons of national security or foreign policy, and if within 90 days after the date on which the suspension is imposed on United States exports no other country with an agricultural economic interest agrees to participate in the suspension, the Secretary shall carry out a trade compensation assistance program in accordance with this section (referred to in this section as a program).

(b) Compensation or provision of funds
Under a program, the Secretary shall, based on an evaluation by the Secretary of the method most likely to produce the greatest compensatory benefit for producers of the commodity involved in the suspension

(1) compensate producers of the commodity by making payments available to producers, as provided by subsection (c)(1) of this section; or

(2) make available an amount of funds calculated under subsection (c)(2) of this section, to promote agricultural exports or provide agricultural commodities to developing countries under any authorities available to the Secretary.

(1) Compensation
If the Secretary makes payments available to producers under subsection (b)(1) of this section, the amount of the payment shall be determined by the Secretary based on the Secretarys estimate of the loss suffered by producers of the commodity involved due to any decrease in the price of the commodity as a result of the suspension.

(2) Determination of amount of funds
For each fiscal year of a program, the amount of funds made available under subsection (b)(2) of this section shall be equal to 90 percent of the average annual value of United States agricultural exports to the country with respect to which exports are suspended during the most recent 3 years prior to the suspension for which data are available.

(d) Duration of program
For each suspension of exports for which a program is implemented under this section, funds shall be made available under subsection (b) of this section for each fiscal year or part of a fiscal year for which the suspension is in effect, but not to exceed 3 fiscal years.

(e) Commodity Credit Corporation
The Secretary shall use funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out this section.

(f) Exception to carrying out program
This section shall not apply to any suspension of trade due to a war or armed hostility.

(g) Partial year embargoes
If the Secretary makes funds available under subsection (b)(2) of this section, regardless of whether an embargo is in effect for only part of a fiscal year, the full amount of funds as calculated under subsection (c)(2) of this section shall be made available under a program for the fiscal year. If the Secretary determines that making the required amount of funds available in a partial fiscal year is impracticable, the Secretary may make all or part of the funds required to be made available in the following fiscal year (in addition to any funds otherwise required under a program to be made available in the following fiscal year).

(h) Short supply embargoes
If the President or any other member of the executive branch causes exports to be suspended based on a determination of short supply, the Secretary shall carry out section 1310 of this title.

7 USC 5678 - Edward R. Madigan United States Agricultural Export Excellence Award

(a) Findings
Congress finds that

(1) United States producers of agricultural products are some of the most productive and efficient producers of agricultural products in the world;

(2) continued growth and expansion of markets for United States agricultural exports is crucial to the continued development and economic well-being of rural areas of the United States and the agricultural sector of the United States economy;

(3) in recent years, United States agricultural exports have steadily increased, surpassing $54,000,000,000 in value in 1995;

(4) as United States agricultural producers move toward a market-oriented system in which planting and other decisions by producers are driven by national and international market signals, developing new and expanding agricultural export markets is vital to maintaining a vibrant and healthy agricultural sector and rural economy; and

(5) a United States agricultural export excellence award will increase United States agricultural exports by

(A) identifying efforts of United States entities to develop and expand markets for United States agricultural exports through the development of new products and services and through the use of innovative marketing techniques;

(B) recognizing achievements of those who have exhibited or supported entrepreneurial efforts to expand and create new markets for United States agricultural exports or increase the volume or value of United States agricultural exports; and

(C) disseminating information on successful methods used to develop and expand markets for United States agricultural exports.

(b) Establishment
There is established the Edward R. Madigan United States Agricultural Export Excellence Award, which shall be evidenced by a medal bearing the inscription Edward R. Madigan United States Agricultural Export Excellence Award. The medal shall be of such design and materials and bear such additional inscriptions as the Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this section as the Secretary) may prescribe.

(c) Selection of recipient
The President or the Secretary (on the basis of recommendations received from the board established under subsection (h) of this section) shall periodically provide the award to companies and other entities that in the judgment of the President or the Secretary substantially encourage entrepreneurial efforts in the food and agriculture sector for advancing United States agricultural exports.

(d) Presentation of award
The presentation of the award shall be made by the President or the Secretary with such ceremonies as the President or the Secretary considers proper.

(e) Publication of award
An entity to which an award is made under this section may publicize the receipt of the award by the entity and use the award in advertising of the entity.

(f) Categories for which award may be given
Separate awards shall be made to qualifying entities in each of the following categories:

(1) Development of new products or services for agricultural export markets.

(2) Development of new agricultural export markets.

(3) Creative marketing of products or services in agricultural export markets.

(g) Criteria for qualification
An entity may qualify for an award under this section only if the entity

(1)

(A) applies to the board established under subsection (h) of this section in writing for the award; or

(B) is recommended for the award by a Governor of a State;

(2)

(A) has exhibited significant entrepreneurial effort to create new markets for United States agricultural exports or increase United States agricultural exports; or

(B) has provided significant assistance to others in an effort to create new markets for United States agricultural exports or increase United States agricultural exports;

(3) has not received another award in the same category under subsection (f) of this section during the preceding 5-year period; and

(4) meets such other requirements and specifications as the Secretary determines are appropriate to achieve the objectives of this section.

(h) Board

(1) Selection
The Secretary shall appoint a board of evaluators, consisting of at least 5 individuals from the private sector selected for their knowledge and experience in exporting United States agricultural products.

(2) Meetings
The board shall meet at least once annually to review and evaluate all applicants and entities recommended by States under subsection (g)(1) of this section.

(3) Recommendations of board
The board shall report its recommendations concerning the making of the award to the Secretary.

(4) Term
Each member of the board may serve a term of not to exceed 3 years.

(i) Funding
The Secretary may seek and accept gifts from public and private sources to carry out this section.

7 USC 5679 - Biotechnology and agricultural trade program

(a) Establishment
There is established in the Department the biotechnology and agricultural trade program.

(b) Purpose
The purpose of the program shall be to remove, resolve, or mitigate significant regulatory nontariff barriers to the export of United States agricultural commodities (as defined in section 5602 of this title) into foreign markets through public and private sector projects funded by grants that address

(1) quick response intervention regarding nontariff barriers to United States exports involving

(A) United States agricultural commodities produced through biotechnology;

(B) food safety;

(D) other sanitary or phytosanitary concerns; or

(2) developing protocols as part of bilateral negotiations with other countries on issues such as animal health, grain quality, and genetically modified commodities.

(c) Eligible programs
Depending on need, as determined by the Secretary, activities authorized under this section may be carried out through

(1) this section;

(2) the emerging markets program under section 1542;^[1] or

(3) the Cochran Fellowship Program under section 3293 of this title.

(d) Funding
There is authorized to be appropriated $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2007.

[1] See References in Text note below.

7 USC 5680 - Technical assistance for specialty crops

(a) Establishment
The Secretary of Agriculture shall establish an export assistance program (referred to in this section as the program) to address unique barriers that prohibit or threaten the export of United States specialty crops.

(b) Purpose
The program shall provide direct assistance through public and private sector projects and technical assistance to remove, resolve, or mitigate sanitary and phytosanitary and related barriers to trade.

(1) trade effect on market retention, market access, and market expansion; and

(2) trade impact.

(d) Annual report
Not later than 180 days after June 18, 2008, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that contains, for the period covered by the report, a description of each factor that affects the export of specialty crops, including each factor relating to any

(1) significant sanitary or phytosanitary issue; or

(2) trade barrier.

(e) Funding

(1) Commodity Credit Corporation
The Secretary shall use the funds, facilities, and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out this section.

(2) Funding amounts
Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section

(A) $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;

(B) $7,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;

(D) $9,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; and

(E) $9,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.

TITLE 7 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER V - FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE

7 USC 5691 - Repealed. Pub. L. 103354, title II, 225(e)(1), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3214

Section, Pub. L. 95–501, title V, § 501, as added Pub. L. 101–624, title XV, § 1531, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3686, established position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for International Affairs and Commodity Programs. A prior section 501 of Pub. L. 95–501 enacted section 2211a of this title, amended section 5314 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and enacted provisions set out as a note under section 2211a of this title, prior to the complete revision of Pub. L. 95–501 by Pub. L. 101–624.

7 USC 5692 - Administrator of Foreign Agricultural Service

(a) Establishment
There is hereby established in the Department of Agriculture the position of Administrator of the Foreign Agricultural Service.

(b) Duties
The Administrator of the Foreign Agricultural Service is authorized to exercise such functions and perform such duties related to foreign agriculture, and shall perform such other duties, as may be required by law or prescribed by the Secretary of Agriculture.

(c) Use of Service
In carrying out the duties under this section, the Administrator shall oversee the operations of the Foreign Agricultural Service, the General Sales Manager, and the Agricultural Attache Service.

7 USC 5693 - Duties of Foreign Agricultural Service

The Service shall assist the Secretary in carrying out the agricultural trade policy and international cooperation policy of the United States by

(1) acquiring information pertaining to agricultural trade;

(2) carrying out market promotion and development activities;

(3) providing agricultural technical assistance and training; and

(4) carrying out the programs authorized under this chapter, the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1691 et seq.), and other Acts.

7 USC 5694 - Staff of Foreign Agricultural Service

(a) Personnel of Service
To ensure that the agricultural export programs of the United States are carried out in an effective manner, the authorized number of personnel for the Service shall not be less than 900 staff years each fiscal year.

(b) Rank of Foreign Agricultural Service officers in foreign missions
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of State shall, on the request of the Secretary of Agriculture, accord the diplomatic title of Minister-Counselor to the senior Service officer assigned to any United States mission abroad. The number of Service officers holding such diplomatic title at any time may not exceed twelve.

7 USC 5695 - Authorization of appropriations

There are hereby authorized to be appropriated for the Service such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this subchapter.

TITLE 7 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER VI - REPORTS

7 USC 5711 - Repealed. Pub. L. 104127, title II, 241(c)(1), Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 964

Section, Pub. L. 95–501, title VI, § 601, as added Pub. L. 101–624, title XV, § 1531, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3687; amended Pub. L. 102–237, title III, § 315, Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1856, required Secretary to periodically prepare long-term agricultural trade strategy reports.

7 USC 5712 - Export reporting and contract sanctity

(a) Export sales reports

(1) In general
All exporters of wheat and wheat flour, feed grains, oil seeds, cotton, beef, and products thereof, and other commodities that the Secretary may designate produced in the United States shall report to the Secretary of Agriculture, on a weekly basis, the following information regarding any contract for export sales entered into or subsequently modified in any manner during the reporting period:

(A) type, class, and quantity of the commodity sought to be exported;

(B) the marketing year of shipment; and

(2) Confidentiality and compilation of reports
Individual reports shall remain confidential but shall be compiled by the Secretary and published in compilation form each week following the week of reporting.

(3) Immediate reporting
All exporters of agricultural commodities produced in the United States shall, upon request of the Secretary, immediately report to the Secretary any information with respect to export sales of agricultural commodities and at such times as the Secretary may request. When the Secretary requires that such information be reported by exporters on a daily basis, the information compiled from individual reports shall be made available to the public daily.

(4) Monthly reporting permitted
The Secretary may, with respect to any commodity or type or class thereof during any period in which the Secretary determines that

(A) there is a domestic supply of such commodity substantially in excess of the quantity needed to meet domestic requirements,

(B) total supplies of such commodity in the exporting countries are estimated to be in surplus,

(D) to require the reports to be made will unduly hamper export sales,

provide for such reports by exporters and publishing of such data to be on a monthly basis rather than on a weekly basis.

(b) Failure to report
Any person who knowingly fails to make any report required under this section shall be fined not more than $25,000 or imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both.

(c) Contract sanctity
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the President shall not prohibit or curtail the export of any agricultural commodity under an export sales contract

(1) that is entered into before the President announces an action that would otherwise prohibit or curtail the export of the commodity, and

(2) the terms of which require delivery of the commodity within 270 days after the date of the suspension of trade is imposed,

except that the President may prohibit or curtail the export of any agricultural commodity during a period for which the President has declared a national emergency or for which the Congress has declared war.

7 USC 5713 - Other reports to Congress

Subject to section 6917 of this title, the Secretary shall, on a quarterly basis, prepare and submit to the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report specifying the cumulative amount of export assistance provided by the Commodity Credit Corporation and the Secretary under the programs provided under this chapter, the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act [15 U.S.C. 714 et seq.], and under the Food for Peace Act [7 U.S.C. 1691 et seq.] during the current fiscal year. Such information may be provided in individual reports or in a consolidated report.

TITLE 7 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER VII - FOREIGN MARKET DEVELOPMENT COOPERATOR PROGRAM

7 USC 5721 - Eligible trade organization defined

In this subchapter, the term eligible trade organization means a United States trade organization that

(1) promotes the export of 1 or more United States agricultural commodities or products; and

(2) does not have a business interest in or receive remuneration from specific sales of agricultural commodities or products.

7 USC 5722 - Foreign market development cooperator program

(a) In general
The Secretary shall establish and, in cooperation with eligible trade organizations, carry out a foreign market development cooperator program to maintain and develop foreign markets for United States agricultural commodities and products, with a continued significant emphasis on the importance of the export of value-added United States agricultural products into emerging markets.

(b) Administration
Funds made available to carry out this subchapter shall be used only to provide

(1) cost-share assistance to an eligible trade organization under a contract or agreement with the organization; and

(2) assistance for other costs that are necessary or appropriate to carry out the foreign market development cooperator program, including contingent liabilities that are not otherwise funded.

(c) Report to Congress
The Secretary shall annually submit to the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report on activities under this section describing the amount of funding provided, the types of programs funded, the value-added products that have been targeted, and the foreign markets for those products that have been developed.

7 USC 5723 - Funding

(a) In general
To carry out this subchapter, the Secretary shall use funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, or commodities of the Commodity Credit Corporation of a comparable value, in the amount of $34,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.

(b) Program priorities
In providing any amount of funds or commodities made available under subsection (a) of this section for any fiscal year that is in excess of the amount made available under this section for fiscal year 2001, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable

(1) give equal consideration to

(A) proposals submitted by organizations that were participating organizations in prior fiscal years; and

(B) proposals submitted by eligible trade organizations that have not previously participated in the program established under this subchapter; and

(2) give equal consideration to

(A) proposals submitted for activities in emerging markets; and

(B) proposals submitted for activities in markets other than emerging markets.