Bill > HR1853

This bill proposes a comprehensive study on conservation practices for leased agricultural land, recognizing that 39% of U.S. agricultural land is leased and that current conservation program participation faces complex barriers. The Secretary of Agriculture will conduct an in-depth research project by December 31, 2026, examining various aspects of land leasing and conservation, including lease structures, existing research, extension initiatives, land ownership trends, and regional variations. The study will specifically focus on barriers to conservation practice adoption, with particular attention to farmers and ranchers of color and beginning farmers. The research will explore incentive programs, the impact of land leasing models, communication strategies, and the effects of land tenure on conservation efforts. The final report will include recommendations for addressing these barriers, ranging from actions possible under current authorities to those requiring new congressional authorization, with the potential for the study to be conducted in partnership with a non-federal entity like a nonprofit organization or university. Key terms like the Tenure, Ownership, and Transition of Agricultural Land (TOTAL) Survey will be reviewed, and the study aims to develop nuanced, context-specific insights into improving conservation practices on leased agricultural lands.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1853/all-info