[20070223]RS20235_美国农业部第32节计划下的农业和食品支持.pdf

Order Code RS20235Updated February 23, 2007Farm and Food Support Under USDAsSection 32 ProgramGeoffrey S. BeckerSpecialist in Agricultural PolicyResources, Science, and Industry DivisionSummary“Section 32” is a permanent appropriation that since 1935 has earmarked theequivalent of 30% of annual customs receipts to support the farm sector through avariety of activities. Today, most of this annual appropriation (now approximately $7billion) is transferred to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) account that fundschild nutrition programs. The Secretary of Agriculture also uses Section 32 funds topurchase non-price-supported commodities like meats, poultry, fruits, vegetables, andfish, which are diverted to school lunch and other domestic food programs; to pay forspecial farm disaster relief; and for other purposes. Among other issues is how muchflexibility the Secretary should have in deciding Section 32 spending priorities. Thisreport will be updated.What Is Section 32?Section 32 of the act of August 24, 1935 (P.L. 74-320 as amended; 7 U.S.C. 612c)authorizes a permanent appropriation equal to 30% of annual U.S. customs receipts. Themoney was first available to assist Depression-