II
110th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 3529
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
September 22 (legislative day, September 17), 2008
Mr. Lugar (for himself and Mr. Casey) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
A BILL
To authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2010 through 2014 to provide assistance to foreign countries to promote food security, to stimulate rural economies, and to improve emergency response to food crises, to amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and for other purposes.
Short title; table of contents
Short title
This Act may be cited
as the Global Food Security Act of
2008
.
Table of contents
The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings.
Sec. 3. Definitions.
TITLE I—Policy objectives, planning and coordination
Sec. 101. Statement of policy.
Sec. 102. Comprehensive food security strategy.
Sec. 103. Reports.
TITLE II—Bilateral programs
Sec. 201. Agriculture, rural development, and nutrition.
Sec. 202. Agricultural research.
Sec. 203. Higher education collaboration for technology, agriculture, research and extension.
TITLE III—Emergency response to food crises
Sec. 301. Emergency food assistance account.
Sec. 302. Authorization of appropriations.
Findings
Congress makes the following findings:
Nearly 1,000,000,000 people worldwide suffer from food insecurity, defined as a lack of access to sufficient food to meet dietary needs for an active and healthy life.
The number of food insecure increased from 849,000,000 in 2006 to 982,000,000 in 2007.
The World Food Programme reports that 25,000 people die each day from malnutrition-related causes.
The food security situation of lower income countries is projected to continue to deteriorate over the next decade.
Nearly half of the world’s food insecure live in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The agricultural sector comprises large portions of the total labor force in many developing countries, as high as 70 to 80 percent in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it also contributes about 35 percent of the total gross national product (GDP).
Agriculture has been shown to be an efficient engine of economic growth in developing countries.
A diverse and secure food supply has health benefits, including increasing child survival, improving cognitive and physical development of children, and increasing immune system function including resistance to HIV/AIDS.
Rapid increases in global food costs since 2007 threaten to significantly undermine gains achieved in poverty reduction and health programs.
The poor in developing countries spend as much as 50 to 70 percent of their incomes on food.
Three out of five of those suffering from hunger are rural small-scale agricultural families. One out of five is a rural landless laborer, and another one-fifth are urban poor, according to the United Nations Hunger Task Force.
A comprehensive approach to food security should encompass improvements in nutrition, education, agricultural infrastructure and productivity, finance and markets, safety net programs, household incomes, and emergency preparedness.
Definitions
In this Act:
Administrator
The term Administrator means the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development.
Appropriate congressional committees
The term appropriate congressional committees means—
the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and
the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
Chronic food insecurity
The term chronic food insecurity means ongoing and persistent lack of access to sufficient food to meet dietary needs for an active and healthy life.
Extreme poverty
The term extreme poverty means income of less than half of the poverty level as defined by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development for the relevant year.
Institution of higher education
The term institution of higher education means educational institutions providing post-secondary education and training.
Policy objectives, planning and coordination
Statement of policy
It is the policy of the United States to promote global food security, to improve agricultural productivity, to support the development of institutions of higher learning that will enhance human capacity, a knowledge economy, agricultural research and technology, and the dissemination of farming techniques to all levels of the agriculture sector, and to support sustainable farming methods.
Comprehensive food security strategy
Special coordinator
The President shall designate an individual to serve in the Executive Office of the President as the Special Coordinator for Food Security. The coordinator shall advise and assist the President by—
advising the President on international food security issues;
taking such actions as are necessary to ensure the coordination of the food security efforts and programs of the United States, including the activities of Federal agencies; and
overseeing the development and implementation of the strategy described in subsection (b).
Content of strategy
The strategy referred to in subsection (a)(3) is a comprehensive food security strategy that—
includes specific and measurable goals, benchmarks and time frames, and a plan of action to achieve the objectives described in section 101;
seeks to encourage and leverage, to the greatest extent possible—
private sector participation, including through the Global Development Alliances of the United States Agency for International Development and other measures; and
the coordination of United States food security efforts with similar efforts of international organizations, international financial institutions, the governments of developing and developed countries, and United States and international nongovernmental organizations;
provides appropriate linkages with United States international health programs, such as the President’s Emergency Plan for HIV/AIDS Relief;
reflects a whole-of-government approach that incorporates and encompasses the programs of relevant Federal departments and agencies that engage in some aspect of food security, including the Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Defense, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Department of the Treasury, the Office of the United States Trade Representative, and the Department of Health and Human Services; and
provides annual monitoring and evaluation of the program addressing progress toward access to food, availability of food, utilization of food, and risk factors associated with food insecure populations.
Implementation
The United States Agency for International Development shall be the lead agency in implementing the strategy described in subsection (b).
Reports
Annual reports
In general
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and not later than December 31 of each year thereafter through 2014, the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the implementation of the strategy described in section 102(b).
Content
The report required under paragraph (1) shall include—
a copy of the strategy and an indication of any changes made in the strategy during the preceding calendar year;
an assessment of progress made during the preceding calendar year toward meeting the objectives described in section 101 and the specific goals, benchmarks, and time frames specified in the strategy described in section 102(b);
a description of United States Government programs contributing to the achievement of the objectives described in section 101, including the amounts expended on such programs during the preceding fiscal year; and
an assessment of United States efforts to encourage and leverage private sector participation in United States food security programs and to coordinate such programs with similar efforts of international organizations, international financial institutions, the governments of developing and developed countries, and United States and international nongovernmental organizations.
Government Accountability Office Report
Not later than 270 days after the submission of each report under paragraph (1), the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that contains—
a review of, and comments addressing, the report submitted under paragraph (1); and
recommendations relating to any additional actions the Comptroller General determines to be necessary to improve a global food security strategy and its implementation.
Program review
In general
Not later than 4 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report containing—
an assessment of progress made during the preceding four years toward meeting the objectives described in section 101 and the specific goals, benchmarks, and time frames specified in the strategy described in section 102(b); and
an evaluation of the impact during the preceding four years of United States food security programs on food security, health, and economic growth in countries suffering from chronic food insecurity.
Basis for report
The report required under paragraph (1) shall be based on assessments and impact evaluations utilizing sound quantitative and qualitative methodologies and techniques for the behavioral sciences.
Bilateral programs
Agriculture, rural development, and nutrition
Authority
Section 103(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151a(a)(1)) is amended—
in subparagraph
(B), by striking ; and
and inserting a semicolon;
in subparagraph
(C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
;
and
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
to expand the economic participation of people living in extreme poverty and those who lack access to agriculturally productive land, including through productive safety net programs and health and nutrition programs, and to integrate those living in extreme poverty into the economy.
.
Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to the President to provide assistance under section 103 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151a) for the purpose of carrying out activities under this section, in addition to funds otherwise available for such purpose—
$750,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
$1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2011;
$1,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2012;
$2,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2013; and
$2,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.
Collaborative research support program
Of the amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under subsection (b), up to $35,000,000 may be made available annually for the Collaborative Research Support Program for fiscal years 2011 through 2014.
Consultative group on international agricultural research
Of the amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under subsection (b), up to $45,000,000 may be made available annually for core long-term research for the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research for fiscal years 2011 through 2014.
Agricultural research
Section 103A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151a–1) is amended in the first sentence—
by striking , and (3) make
and inserting , (3) make
; and
by striking the period at the end and
inserting , and (4) include research on biotechnological advances
appropriate to local ecological conditions, including genetically modified
technology.
.
Higher education collaboration for technology, agriculture, research and extension
Findings
Congress makes the following findings:
Institutions of higher education can promote a robust agriculture sector through investments in human capital, research and technology, and extension services.
Enrollment levels in higher education are 5 percent in Africa, 10 percent in South Asia, 19 percent in East Asia, and 23 percent in North Africa and the Middle East.
Universities in the United States have a history of serving as engines of development.
Many universities in the United States have experience in partnering with foreign universities on faculty and student exchanges, curriculum development, and joint research projects.
According to a World Bank study, higher education contributes to national productivity, raises living standards, and improves a country’s ability to compete globally.
United States foreign assistance support for higher education has declined from the 1990s.
Purpose
The purpose of this section is to provide United States assistance for the development of higher educational capacity in the field of agriculture in a manner that promotes economic growth in rural areas, the alleviation of poverty and malnutrition, nutritional diversity, and good governance.
Definitions
In this section:
Assistance plan
The term assistance plan means a multi-year plan developed by the United States Agency for International Development in coordination with a foreign government addressing assistance for agricultural education programs.
Board
The term Board means the Board for Higher Education Collaboration for Technology, Agriculture, Research, and Extension.
Education center of excellence
The term education center of excellence means an institution of higher education that is designated as the lead educational institution for purposes of the assistance plan.
Eligible country
The term eligible country means a country that meets the requirements of subsection (h).
Establishment of program
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a program to be known as the
Higher Education Collaboration for Technology, Agriculture, Research, and
Extension (in this section referred to as the Program
or
HECTARE
) for the purpose of providing assistance in support of
policies and programs in eligible countries that advance agricultural
productivity and hunger alleviation through partnerships with institutions of
higher education.
Form of assistance
Assistance may be provided under this section in the form of grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts to or with eligible entities described in subsection (i) and shall be provided pursuant to assistance plans as described in subsection (g). Assistance may not be provided under this section in the form of loans.
Use of funds
Assistance provided under this section may be used to provide support to education centers of excellence in eligible countries for the following purposes:
Academic exchange programs for students, faculty members, and school administrators with other education of centers of excellence and with universities in the United States.
Strengthening agriculture sciences curricula.
Increasing research capacity.
Improving the dissemination of appropriate information and technology to farmers.
Assistance plans
In general
The Administrator shall provide assistance under this section pursuant to an assistance plan developed in coordination with an eligible country that establishes a multi-year plan for significantly improving agricultural productivity and investing in rural economies through the strengthening of agricultural programs at institutions of higher learning.
Elements
An assistance plan should—
take into account the national development strategy of the eligible country;
identify an
education center of excellence devoted to agricultural sciences (in this
paragraph referred to as a center
);
identify the partnerships between the center and other institutions of higher learning, including schools or research institutions in the United States and foreign countries, government agencies, including local and regional governments, private sector entities, and civil society;
identify appropriate channels for dissemination of farming techniques to the field; and
identify the center’s plans for—
conducting agricultural research and technology;
strengthening the teaching of agriculture science, including programs aimed at curriculum, faculty, and students;
providing rural outreach services (extension); and
improving university administration.
Coordination
The Administrator, as appropriate, shall coordinate the development of assistance plans with the Global AIDS/HIV Coordinator of the Department of State to ensure coordination of such plans with education programs provided for in section 204(c) of the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 (22 U.S.C. 7623(c)).
Eligible countries
Criteria
The Administrator shall identify eligible countries for purposes of this section. Such determination shall be based, to the maximum extent possible, upon objective and quantifiable indicators of a country’s demonstrated commitment to the following:
Investments in, and support for, rural economies, including the protection of private property rights, the promotion of private sector growth and sustainable management of natural resources, the rights of women, and the well-being of women and children.
Raising agricultural productivity of small- and medium-sized farms.
Alleviating poverty and hunger among the entire population.
Strengthening the system of higher education institutions with regard to agriculture science, research, and technology.
The wide dissemination of farming techniques.
Working with other international partners, such as universities in the United States, other foreign universities, civil society, and private business and research institutions.
Good governance, transparency, and anti-corruption policies.
Additional factors
The Administrator, in selecting eligible countries, shall consider—
the extent to which the country clearly meets or exceeds the eligibility criteria;
the opportunity to increase agricultural productivity, enhance human and institutional capacity, and reduce hunger in the country;
the availability of funds to carry out this section; and
the percentage of the country’s population that faces chronic food insecurity.
Eligible entities
Entities eligible for assistance under this section are the following:
Universities in the United States working in partnership with institutions of higher education in eligible countries.
Education centers of excellence and other institutions of higher education in eligible countries.
National governments of eligible countries.
Regional or local governmental units of eligible countries.
Nongovernmental organizations and private entities.
Board for Global Agricultural Education
Establishment
The
Administrator shall establish a permanent Board for Global Agricultural
Education (in this section referred to as the Board
) for
purposes of assisting in the administration of the programs authorized under
this section.
Membership
The Board shall consist of 7 members, of whom—
not less than 4 shall be selected from universities in the United States; and
not less than 3 shall be selected from representatives of nongovernmental organizations devoted to agricultural research and education.
Duties
The duties of the Board shall include the following:
Responsibility for advising the Administrator on issues related to the planning, implementation, and monitoring of activities described in this section.
Advising the Administrator in the formulation of basic policy, program design, procedures, and criteria for the Program.
Advising the Administrator on the qualifications of interested institutions of higher learning based on—
their ability to work collaboratively to improve agricultural production, scientific research, and the dissemination of sound agricultural technologies;
their commitment to expanding and applying their academic, teaching, research, and outreach capacities; and
their commitment to partner with private organizations, civil society, and government entities.
Advising the Administrator on which developing nations could benefit from programs carried out under this section and have an interest in establishing or developing agricultural institutions that engage in teaching, research, or extension services.
Term
Terms of members shall be set by the Administrator at the time of appointment.
Reimbursement of expenses
Members of the Board shall be entitled to such reimbursement of expenses incurred in the performance of their duties (including per diem in lieu of subsistence while away from their homes or regular place of business) as the Administrator deems appropriate on a case-by-case basis.
Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to the President for the purpose of carrying out activities under this section—
$100,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
$200,000,000 for fiscal year 2011;
$300,000,000 for fiscal year 2012;
$400,000,000 for fiscal year 2013; and
$500,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.
Disclosure of funding received by United States universities
The Administrator shall prescribe regulations providing for the utilization by universities in the United States of alternative sources of public and private funding to carry out the purposes of this section and requiring the disclosure, not less than annually, of all such alternative funding, both prospective and received.
Annual report
Not later than October 1, 2009, and annually thereafter, the President shall submit to Congress a report detailing the activities carried out under this section during the preceding fiscal year and containing a projection of programs and activities to be conducted in the following year.
Emergency response to food crises
Emergency food assistance account
Authority
Whenever the President determines it to be important to the national interest, the President may furnish on such terms and conditions as he may determine appropriate assistance under this Act or the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.) for the purpose of meeting unexpected urgent food assistance needs, notwithstanding any provision of law which restricts assistance to foreign countries.
Establishment of account
Establishment
There
is established a United States Emergency Food Assistance Fund to carry out the
purposes of this section (in this section referred to as the
Fund
).
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the President from time to time such sums as may be necessary for the Fund to carry out the purposes of this section, except that no amount of funds may be appropriated which, when added to amounts previously appropriated but not yet obligated for such purpose, would cause the total of such appropriated amounts to exceed $500,000,000.
Availability of funds
Amounts appropriated pursuant to this section shall remain available until expended.
Use of funds
Assistance provided under this section may include the local and regional purchase and distribution of food, and the provision of emergency non-food assistance.
Limited delegation of authority
The authority under subsection (a) may be delegated to the Administrator, provided that not more than $100,000,000 may be made available in any fiscal year pursuant to determinations made by the Administrator pursuant to the delegation of such authority.
Reporting requirements
The Administration shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees not later than 5 days before providing assistance pursuant to a determination made under this section. The report shall indicate the unexpected urgent food needs to be addressed by the assistance and the amount of assistance to be provided.
Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2010 for the purpose of carrying out this title.