"Rather than perpetuating a dysfunctional system, propping up a declining industry predicated on overproduction and wasting billions of dollars every year, the best way for the government to help dairy farmers would be by helping them get out of the dairy business." - Washington Post Op-Ed by Gene Baur

When writing legislation such as theFarmers and Ranchers Diversification and Transitioning Act, the first step was to establish the "sense" or intention. This is what policymakers will look to when making various trade-off decisions when implementing the program that the bill calls for. While policy makers aren't strictly legally obliged to follow this preamble, this language can be considered by judges in a court case.

Here's the intro for ...

At-Risk Farmer & Rancher Diversification & Transitioning Act

A BILL To establish in the Department of Agriculture a pilot program to aid farmers and ranchers in transitioning from animal and livestock production to plant-based agriculture, conservation, alternative land use and for other purposes.

SEC. 1. SHORT TITLE. a) This Act may be cited as the “At-Risk Farmer & Rancher Diversification & Transitioning Act”

SEC. 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING A PILOT PROGRAM FOR TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL AID TO FARMERS FOR DIVERSIFYING PRODUCTION SYSTEMS UNDER THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. b) It is the sense of Congress that the pilot program described in section 3(a) should be designed to— 1) reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture production in the United States, and enhance soil, water, and habitat conservation;

2) increase the availability of academic resources, technical assistance and financial support to farmers for the purpose of transitioning, both in whole or in part, from animal and livestock production to plant-based production systems, conservation practices or alternative agricultural or energy production land uses;

3) observe the impact of reduced animal agriculture on environments, soil health and water pollution; and

4) increase the resources available to new, socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers to diversify their agriculture systems.

Next comes "Authorization."

... calling for the creation of the program, and explaining how long it will last.

SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF PILOT PROGRAM. a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Act, the Secretary shall establish a pilot program for not fewer than 3 years to assist “eligible entities” as described in section 3(d) in transitioning and adapting animal agriculture and livestock production farmland to plant-based agriculture systems for the cultivation of specialty crops or commodity crops. 1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary, in coordination with the Farm Service Agency and the Director, shall make competitive grants to eligible entities to conduct pilot projects that—

A) provide direct assistance to farmers and ranchers in transitioning livestock lands and animal agricultural equipment; and

B) develop best management practices for transitioning farms from animal to other production systems or energy land uses. b) PROJECT ELEMENTS.—A livestock transition management project under the pilot program involves management activities, which— 1) must transition an animal agriculture operation in whole or in part, deemed by the Secretary to be significant in scope;

2) shall also include the production of toolkits, guides and best management practices;

3) may include an assessment of the financial and physical implications of such projects;

4) may also include legal support, market research, and grant acquisition support; and

5) shall be subject to approval by the Department of Agriculture in accordance with this Act.

The Details

The next subsection sets out details — that funding will go to nonprofits to assist farm transitions, or directly to farmers themselves.

c) PROJECT GRANTS.— 1) PURPOSES OF PILOT PROJECTS GRANTS.—Under a cooperative agreement entered into under this paragraph, the Secretary shall provide assistance to eligible entity, as appropriate, to carry out planning and implementing activities that will—

A) aid willing farmers in transitioning, both in whole or in part, from animal and livestock production;

B) increase resources for the adaptation of animal agricultural equipment;

C) provide farmers with technical resources that include—

(i) expert assistance including— (a) technical writing for grant applications; (b) agricultural scientists, climatologists; pedologists; hydrologists; agronomists and engineers for project assessment, design, planning and best management practices creation;

(ii) debt consolidation or reduction services;

(iii)market research and financial stability analysis;

(iv) the production of business methodologies;

(v) the creation of farm incubators;

(vi) legal support for contractual barriers;

D) reduce agricultural methane emissions;

E) improve soil quality; and

F) reduce water pollution from livestock production. 2) ADDITIONAL PURPOSES OF PILOT PROJECTS GRANTS.—The Secretary shall also provide assistance to eligible entity, as appropriate, to carry out reasonable administrative inputs for developing, maintaining and implementing assistance programs.

Who Can Qualify for Funds

Section 3 d explains what kinds of nonprofits or organizations can qualify for the Farmers and Ranchers Diversification Transition Act.

d) EVALUATION AND RANKING OF APPLICATIONS. 1) DEFINITION OF ELIGIBLE ENTITY.—In this paragraph, the term “eligible entity” means—

A) a nonprofit organization;

B) an agriculture cooperative or business;

C) an agricultural producer network or association;

D) a public benefit corporation;

E) a community supported agriculture program;

F) an institution of higher education; and

G) a State, local, or Tribal department of agriculture or agency. 2) CRITERIA.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish criteria for the selection of pilot projects under this paragraph.

A) ELIGIBLE APPLICATIONS.—An application for a grant under the pilot program established under subsection (a) shall be submitted, in such form as the Secretary established under subsection (c).

B) GRANT APPLICATION REVIEW.—

(i) CRITERIA.—In selecting pilot projects to receive grants under this paragraph, the Secretary shall—

(a) support pilot projects that— (i) anticipate or demonstrate sustainable economic and environmental benefits; (ii) incorporate plans to make resources easily accessible to agricultural producers; (iii) integrate other waste and emission reduction strategies; (iv) provide for collaboration with multiple eligible entities; (v) have demonstrated prior interest in animal and livestock agriculture systems; and

(b) give priority to grantees that— (i) provide targeted marketing and technical assistance to—

1. socially disadvantaged farmers; and

2. veteran farmers (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code); (ii) are located in— 1. underserved communities; and 2. rural communities (iii) demonstrate emphasis on conservation practices and economic productivity; and (iv) provide cost reduction strategies to farmers and ranchers. (v) establish measures to prevent farmers and ranchers reverting back to original practices; and (vi) demonstrate willingness to transition in whole toward the new sustainable business

Program Budget, Prioritization of Applicants, and Limits

The legislation sets out the budget and allocated funds we are calling for: $5 million per year for 3 years. Each non-profit can apply for up to $2 million per year.

3) REQUIREMENTS.—In carrying out the implementation of the pilot program, the Secretary, shall—

A) develop and implement a strategy to market program to underserved eligible entities, including, but limited to—

(i) minority-serving institutions;

(ii) organizations aiding socially disadvantaged farmers; and

(iii) veterans;

B) create standardized application and reporting procedures for applicants;

C) create an online information page about the pilot program on the internet website of the Department not later than 180 days before the date on which applications are required to be submitted by potential applicants; 4) DOLLAR AMOUNT LIMIT.—Not more than $2,000,000 shall be made available for any one-time grant in any fiscal year under the pilot program established under Section (3)a.

Duration, Reporting, & Oversight

The pilot program will last for 3 years, and shall report results.