Bill Summary
This legislation proposes an amendment to the Agricultural Adjustment Act, specifically concerning the treatment of dates used for processing under certain marketing orders. The key changes include:
1. **Inclusion of Dates for Processing**: The amendment explicitly includes "dates for processing" in the relevant section of the Act, which signifies that dates intended for processing are now covered under the same regulations as other types of dates.
2. **Removal of Exclusions**: The amendment removes the phrase "other than dates for processing," thereby eliminating any previous exclusions. This change ensures that dates for processing are treated equally under the law, allowing for better regulation and support for this category of agricultural product.
Overall, the bill aims to enhance the regulatory framework for the marketing of dates, ensuring that those designated for processing are recognized and managed effectively within the agricultural marketing system.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the proposed amendment to the Agricultural Adjustment Act regarding the treatment of dates for processing could affect people:
1. **Impact on Farmers and Producers**: By including dates for processing under marketing orders, this legislation could provide date farmers and processors with more structured pricing and marketing support. This could lead to better financial stability for those involved in the date industry, as they may benefit from regulated prices and reduced market volatility. Farmers might also receive better guidance on production levels, which could enhance their profitability.
2. **Consumer Prices and Availability**: The amendment could potentially affect the prices and availability of date products in the market. With the inclusion of dates for processing under marketing orders, there may be a more consistent supply of processed date products such as pastes and syrups. This could result in more stable retail prices for consumers, as the market would be better regulated, ensuring that supply meets demand without extreme fluctuations.
3. **Quality Standards and Food Safety**: The legislation may lead to the establishment of quality standards for processed dates, which could improve food safety and ensure that consumers receive higher-quality products. This could benefit health-conscious consumers who are looking for safe and nutritious food options. Additionally, higher quality standards may encourage producers to adopt better farming and processing practices, further enhancing the overall quality of date products available in the market.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 8152 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 8152
To amend the Agricultural Adjustment Act with respect to the treatment
of dates for processing under certain marketing orders.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 27, 2026
Mr. Ruiz introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and
Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in
each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the
jurisdiction of the committee concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Agricultural Adjustment Act with respect to the treatment
of dates for processing under certain marketing orders.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. TREATMENT OF DATES FOR PROCESSING UNDER MARKETING ORDERS.
Section 8e(a) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act (7 U.S.C. 608e-
1(a)), reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing
Agreement Act of 1937, is amended--
(1) by inserting ``including dates for processing,'' after
``dates,''; and
(2) by striking ``, other than dates for processing,'' each
place it appears.
<all>