H.R. 5111: CRP Improvement and Flexibility Act of 2025

The bill, known as the CRP Improvement and Flexibility Act of 2025, proposes several amendments to the Food Security Act of 1985, specifically targeting the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Here is a breakdown of the key changes proposed by the bill:

Conservation Reserve Program Improvements

The bill seeks to enhance and modify various aspects of the Conservation Reserve Program, which offers financial incentives to landowners for conservation efforts aimed at improving environmental quality and preserving wildlife habitats.

State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement

• The bill aims to clarify provisions for continuous enrollment in the program for lands designated for wildlife enhancement.
• It adds eligibility for land that will be enrolled under a specific wildlife enhancement practice established by the Secretary.

Emergency Haying and Grazing

The bill modifies existing rules regarding emergency haying and grazing during critical times, such as severe droughts or disasters:

• New provisions will allow emergency haying in response to localized disasters, but this can only occur during specific times outside of the primary nesting season.
• Restrictions are included to prevent long-term damage to vegetation that supports wildlife.

Cost Sharing Payments for Grazing Infrastructure

The bill introduces cost sharing for establishing grazing infrastructure, which could include:

• Interior and perimeter fencing.
• Water infrastructure such as wells, pipelines, and water tanks.
• Cost sharing is applicable to all practices under the conservation plan, provided they address specific resource concerns.

Reenrollment of Land with Grazing Infrastructure

The bill stipulates that:

• Land that includes grazing infrastructure established with federal cost-sharing assistance can be considered for reenrollment in the program once its initial contract expires.

Mid-Contract Management

Several adjustments focus on management activities not related to haying or grazing:

• The definition of management is updated, and the Secretary is authorized to make cost-sharing payments for any management activities except those involving haying or grazing.

Payment Limitation for Rental Payments

Lastly, the bill proposes to increase the limit on rental payments from $50,000 to $125,000, allowing greater financial support for landowners participating in the conservation program.

Relevant Companies

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