Subject to subsection (e), the Secretary may make appropriate adjustments in the loan rates for any loan commodity (other than cotton) for differences in grade, type, quality, location, and other factors.
The adjustments under subsection (a) shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be made in such a manner that the average loan level for the commodity will, on the basis of the anticipated incidence of the factors, be equal to the level of support determined in accordance with this subchapter and subtitle C.
The Secretary may establish loan rates for a crop for producers in individual counties in a manner that results in the lowest loan rate being 95 percent of the national average loan rate, if those loan rates do not result in an increase in outlays.
Adjustments under this subsection shall not result in an increase in the national average loan rate for any year.
The Secretary may make appropriate adjustments in the loan rate for cotton for differences in quality factors.
Loan rate adjustments under paragraph (1) may include-
In making adjustments to the loan rate for cotton (including any review of the adjustments) as provided in this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with representatives of the United States cotton industry.
Chapter 10 of title 5 shall not apply to consultations under this subsection.
The Secretary may review the operation of the upland cotton quality adjustments implemented pursuant to this subsection and may make further adjustments to the administration of the loan program for upland cotton, by revoking or revising any adjustment taken under paragraph (2).
The Secretary shall not make adjustments in the loan rates for long grain rice and medium grain rice, except for differences in grade and quality (including milling yields).
7 U.S.C. § 9040
EDITORIAL NOTES
REFERENCES IN TEXTSubtitle C, referred to in subsec. (b), means subtitle C of title I of Pub. L. 113-79, 128 Stat. 687, which amended sections 1359bb, 1359ll, and 7272 of this title.
AMENDMENTS2022-Subsec. (d)(3)(B). Pub. L. 117-286 substituted "chapter 10 of title 5" for "Federal Advisory Committee Act" in heading and "Chapter 10 of title 5" for "The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)" in text.