PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION PROVISIONS

SEC. 386. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION PROVISIONS (a) Sign-up Procedures.— The Secretary may provide for procedures by which the spouse or other close relative (as determined by the Secretary) of an activated reservist may participate in, or make decisions related to, a program administered by the Secretary under the Agricultural Act of 1949 (7 U.S.C. 1421 et seq.), the Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act (16 U.S.C. 590a et seq.), the Food Security Act of 1985 (Public Law 99–198), the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (Public Law 101–624), the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1921 et 105 STAT. 98seq.), or any other Act concerning the operation of the activated reservist’s farming or ranching operation. (b) Requirements.— The Secretary may rely on the representation of the spouse or close relative (even in the absence of a power of attorney) made under such procedures if— (1) The Secretary determines that the reliance is appropriate in order to prevent undue hardship and to provide equitable treatment for the activated reservist; and (2) the Secretary has reason to believe that the representation of the spouse or close relative is in accordance with the wishes of the activated reservist.