Prioritization of applications

Section 1240C(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–3(b)) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as subparagraphs (A) through (D), respectively, and by indenting such subparagraphs 2 ems to the right; (2) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), as redesignated by paragraph (1), by striking In evaluating applications under this subchapter, the Secretary shall prioritize applications— and inserting the following: (1) In general In evaluating applications under this subchapter, the Secretary shall prioritize applications—; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (2) Alternative manure management applications (A) In general The Secretary shall develop criteria for evaluating and ranking alternative manure management contract offers to prioritize applications that will maximize— (i) carbon sequestration; (ii) greenhouse gas emissions reductions; and (iii) the overall environmental and public health benefits, including improved water quality and quantity. (B) Additional criteria In awarding alternative manure management applications, the Secretary shall develop criteria to ensure— (i) geographical diversity; (ii) scale diversity, including support for small and medium sized dairy and livestock operations; and (iii) participation by operations with a demonstrated track record of adopting conservation measures and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. (C) Cluster applications The Secretary shall establish procedures under which— (i) a group of producers may submit a joint application for a shared composting facility; and (ii) the Secretary allocates payments to each eligible producer associated with that joint contract. (D) Serving certain producers To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall award the majority of alternative manure contracts finalized each fiscal year to offers from small and mid-sized dairy and livestock operations, including— (i) beginning farmers or ranchers; (ii) limited resource farmers and ranchers; and (iii) socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers..