Bill > HR4428

This bill, known as the Strong Farms, Strong Future Act, seeks to enhance the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) by introducing several key changes to agricultural conservation practices. The bill expands the program's definition to include climate change mitigation and introduces new provisions for contract evaluation, renewal, and payments. Specifically, it allows farmers to renew contracts more flexibly, with a focus on continuous improvement of conservation activities, and provides special consideration for perennial production systems (agricultural systems that produce long-lasting crops like perennial grains, forages, and agroforestry products). The bill mandates the creation of "climate change mitigation bundles," which are groupings of conservation activities designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or increase carbon sequestration. These bundles will be tailored to different types of agricultural land and made available to both organic and conventional producers. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of Agriculture to submit a comprehensive report within two years, detailing the adoption, challenges, and impacts of these climate change mitigation bundles, including data on producer demographics and the environmental benefits of different conservation strategies. The overall goal is to incentivize and support farmers in adopting more sustainable and climate-friendly agricultural practices.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4428/all-info