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 indenting the subparagraphs appropriately; (2) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) (as so redesignated), by striking In evaluating and inserting the following: (1) In general In evaluating; 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 applications under the program that include an alternative manure management practice to prioritize applications that will maximize— (i) carbon sequestration; (ii) greenhouse gas emissions reductions; and (iii) overall environmental and public health benefits, including improved water quality and quantity. (B) Additional criteria In awarding contracts under the program that include an alternative manure management practice, 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 under the program for a shared composting facility; (ii) that group of producers may jointly enter into a contract under the program with the Secretary; and (iii) the Secretary allocates payments to each producer that is a party to that joint contract. (D) Serving certain producers To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall award the majority of contracts under the program that include an alternative manure management practice each fiscal year to small and medium-sized dairy and livestock operations, including— (i) beginning farmers or ranchers; (ii) limited resource farmers and ranchers; and (iii) socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers..