BEGINNING FARMER AND RANCHER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

SEC. 7410. BEGINNING FARMER AND RANCHER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.(a) Grants.—Section 7405(c) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3319f(c)) is amended—(1) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:“(3) Maximum term and size of grant.—“(A) In general.—A grant under this subsection shall—“(i) have a term that is not more than 3 years; and122 STAT. 1255“(ii) be in an amount that is not more than $250,000 for each year.“(B) Consecutive grants.—An eligible recipient may receive consecutive grants under this subsection.”;(2) by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (7) as paragraphs (8) through (10), respectively;(3) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:“(5) Evaluation criteria.—In making grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall evaluate—“(A) relevancy;“(B) technical merit;“(C) achievability;“(D) the expertise and track record of 1 or more applicants;“(E) the adequacy of plans for the participatory evaluation process, outcome-based reporting, and the communication of findings and results beyond the immediate target audience; and“(F) other appropriate factors, as determined by the Secretary.“(6) Regional balance.—In making grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure geographical diversity.“(7) Priority.—In making grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to partnerships and collaborations that are led by or include nongovernmental and community-based organizations with expertise in new agricultural producer training and outreach.”.(b) Funding.—Section 7405 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3319f) is amended by striking subsection (h) and inserting the following:“(h) Funding.—“(1) In general.—Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this section—“(A) $18,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; and“(B) $19,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2012.“(2) Authorization of appropriations.—In addition to funds provided under paragraph (1), there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.”.