H.R. 1853: Conservation for Agricultural Leased Land Act

This bill, known as the Conservation for Agricultural Leased Land Act (CALL Act), proposes to conduct a study concerning the adoption of conservation practices on agricultural land that is leased. Here are the main components of the bill:

Background

The bill recognizes that a significant portion of agricultural land in the United States is leased, which includes over half of the cropland. It notes that various factors can limit both landowners and tenants from participating in conservation programs and adopting conservation practices. Understanding these barriers is essential for promoting conservation efforts in leased lands.

Study Requirements

The Secretary of Agriculture is directed to carry out a study focused on the following:

• Examining participation in conservation programs and the adoption of conservation practices specifically on leased agricultural lands.
• Working in collaboration with the Economic Research Service to gather and analyze data.
• Reviewing existing research literature and initiatives related to conservation practices in leased agricultural environments.
• Identifying the different types and structures of current agricultural land leasing agreements.
• Researching the impact of different leasing models on the adoption of conservation practices.
• Consideration of regional variations and existing Federal incentives for conservation activities.
• Understanding how competition in cash rents affects the willingness to adopt conservation practices.
• Investigating the effect of changing tenants on ongoing conservation practices.
• Exploring how the Department of Agriculture communicates conservation opportunities to landowners and operators of leased land.

Consideration for Diverse Stakeholders

The study will pay particular attention to marginalized groups, including farmers and ranchers of color, as well as beginning farmers and ranchers. This focus aims to ensure that the findings are inclusive and address the unique challenges faced by these groups.

Reporting Findings

The Secretary must submit a report to Congress by December 31, 2026, detailing the study’s findings and recommendations. This report will include:

• Results of the study.
• Suggestions for addressing barriers to adopting conservation practices, considering existing legal frameworks and necessary congressional authorization for some proposals.
• Strategies for outreach to enhance awareness and participation in conservation programs.

Implementation

The Secretary may collaborate with non-Federal entities, including non-profits or universities, to facilitate the study’s execution, ensuring that a wide range of expertise and resources are utilized.

Definitions

The bill provides clear definitions, such as:

• Leased agricultural land: Defined as agricultural land operated by a farmer or rancher under a lease or rental agreement where they do not own the land.
• Secretary: Refers to the Secretary of Agriculture, specifically acting through the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Relevant Companies

None found.