Bill > HR6969

This bill, the Rural Investment for Producers and the Environment (RIPE) Act of 2026, establishes a demonstration program to provide direct payments to agricultural producers for implementing specific conservation practices within selected eligible watersheds, which are areas with significant agricultural activity. These "selected practices" are defined as those offering environmental benefits such as improved water quality, soil health, climate resilience, and biodiversity, among others. The program will select a limited number of eligible watersheds, with a special consideration for Tribal lands, and enter into contracts with producers for 3 to 5 years. Payments to producers will be calculated based on the costs of adopting and managing the practices, any income foregone, ongoing maintenance, and the environmental benefits achieved, including greenhouse gas reductions. The bill also includes provisions for increased payments for limited resource or socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, a simplified application process, and technical assistance from various entities. The Secretary of Agriculture will be required to report annually on the program's accomplishments, and specific funding is allocated for program establishment and implementation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6969/all-info