Management of Corporation
Title XI — Crop insurance
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(a) In general Section 505 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1505) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (2)— (i) by redesignating subparagraphs (E), (F), and (G) as subparagraphs (F), (G), and (H), respectively; (ii) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following: (E) The chairperson of the Specialty Crop Advisory Committee established under subsection (f)(1)(A), who shall serve as a nonvoting ex officio member.; and (iii) in subparagraph (H) (as so redesignated)— (I) by striking Four and inserting 4; and (II) by striking including at least one specialty crop producer. and inserting the following: including at least— (i) 1 specialty crop producer; and (ii) beginning with the Board of Directors serving on or after May 1, 2027— (I) 1 producer that actively engages in livestock production and crop production of agricultural commodities; and (II) 1 underserved producer (as defined in section 508(a)(7)(A)) that is a beginning farmer or rancher.; and (B) in paragraph (3), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking subparagraphs (E), (F), and (G) of paragraph (2) and inserting subparagraphs (F), (G), and (H) of paragraph (2), and the members of the Specialty Crop Advisory Committee established under subsection (f)(1)(A); (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following: (b) Vacancies (1) In general A vacancy on the Board shall not impair the power of the Board to execute the functions of the Corporation, subject to the condition that there are at least 6 members of the Board in office. (2) Quorum 6 members of the Board in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business of the Board.; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (f) Specialty Crop Advisory Committee (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall— (A) establish a Specialty Crop Advisory Committee (referred to in this subsection as the Committee), to assist the Corporation in the research, establishment, and improvement of policies or plans of insurance for specialty crops; and (B) appoint the initial members of the Committee in accordance with paragraph (2). (2) Composition (A) Chairperson The chairperson of the Committee shall be an individual with— (i) experience in crop insurance; and (ii) familiarity with the unique nature of the specialty crop industry. (B) Members The Committee shall consist of not more than 10 members, to be appointed in accordance with subsection (a)(3), including— (i) individuals with an understanding of the production methods, markets, and risks (including losses due to weather, trade damages, and supply chain disruptions) unique to specialty crop production; (ii) not fewer than 5 producers; and (iii) not fewer than 1 producer from each of the West, Midwest, South, and Northeast regions of the United States (as identified by the Bureau of the Census). (3) Duties (A) In general The Committee shall— (i) review available educational programs and make recommendations on how to enhance the effectiveness of those programs for specialty crop producers; (ii) advise the manager of the Corporation on issues relating to specialty crop insurance policies; (iii) provide, through the Chairperson of the Committee, input to the Board on decisions relating to specialty crop insurance policies; (iv) provide recommendations to the manager of the Corporation regarding the presentation of policies to the Board under section 508(a)(6); and (v) advise the manager of the Corporation on entering into partnerships to carry out subsections (d) and (e)(2)(B) of section 522. (B) Requirements In carrying out the duties under this paragraph, the Committee shall— (i) meet not less frequently than 2 times each year; and (ii) coordinate closely with the Specialty Crops Coordinator under section 507(g).. (b) Specialty Crops Coordinator Section 507 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1507) is amended by striking subsection (g) and inserting the following: (g) Specialty Crops Coordinator (1) In general The Corporation shall establish a management-level position, to be known as the Specialty Crops Coordinator. (2) Responsibilities (A) In general The Specialty Crops Coordinator shall have the primary responsibility for— (i) addressing the needs of specialty crop producers; and (ii) providing information and advice, in connection with the activities of the Corporation, to improve and expand the insurance program for specialty crops. (B) Other duties In carrying out subparagraph (A), the Specialty Crops Coordinator shall— (i) act as a liaison of the Corporation with representatives of specialty crop producers and the Specialty Crop Advisory Committee; and (ii) assist the Corporation with the knowledge, expertise, and familiarity of specialty crop producers with risk management and production issues relating to specialty crops.. (c) Annual review of new and specialty crops Section 508(a)(6)(A) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(a)(6)(A)) is amended, in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting, in consultation with the Specialty Crop Advisory Committee, after Corporation.