H.R. 5875: Converting Our Waste Sustainably Act of 2025

The Converting Our Waste Sustainably Act of 2025 (also known as the COWS Act) is legislation aimed at reforming and extending various agricultural programs under the Department of Agriculture in the United States through fiscal year 2029. Here are the key components of the bill:

Goals and Purpose

- The Act emphasizes sustainable waste management in agriculture, particularly focusing on managing manure from livestock farming.- It aims to promote practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as methane and nitrous oxide, from agricultural sources.- It recognizes existing programs like the Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) in California as successful models for reducing emissions, improving air quality, and promoting healthier soil through better manure management.

Definitions

- The bill updates definitions related to composting practices and alternative manure management.- Composting practices involve producing compost from organic waste generated on or brought to a farm, to improve soil health and water retention.- Alternative manure management encompasses various methods to mitigate methane emissions and enhance carbon sequestration, including pasture-based management and innovative manure storage solutions.

Payment Provisions

- The Act allows for payments to farmers who implement alternative manure management practices, potentially covering up to 100% of associated costs like materials, installation, and management.- Farmers can receive advance payments to help with immediate costs related to implementing these management practices.

Prioritization of Applications

- The Secretary of Agriculture will develop criteria for prioritizing applications for alternative manure management projects, focusing on maximizing environmental benefits such as carbon sequestration and public health improvements.- Special emphasis will be placed on supporting small and medium-sized farms, as well as those managed by beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged groups, and those with a history of adopting conservation measures.

Technical Assistance

- The bill mandates the development of new technical resources and conservation practice standards aimed at improving manure management on farms.- Technical assistance will include training for farmers on sustainable practices and potential collaborations with third-party experts.

Administrative Duties

- The Secretary of Agriculture will publish factors for estimating the environmental benefits of alternative manure management practices, helping ensure that farmers can effectively measure their contributions to emission reductions.- The department is responsible for reviewing existing standards and may develop new ones to support emerging practices.

Limitation Waivers

- The Secretary will have the authority to waive payment limitations for certain alternative manure management projects when necessary to achieve environmental goals.

Composting Standards Development

- The bill mandates a review of existing composting standards and the creation of new practices to advance on-farm composting, with a report due within one year of enactment.

Assessment of Practices

- The bill emphasizes the development of criteria to evaluate the environmental impact of proposed projects, ensuring a focus on sustainability and efficiency in agricultural practices.

Environmental and Public Health Focus

- There is a strong focus on projects that provide public health benefits, improved water quality, and overall environmental enhancements.

Relevant Companies

• AGCO Corporation (AGCO) - Manufacturer of agricultural equipment and technology that may see increased demand for products related to sustainable manure management.
• Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) - Manufacturer of heavy machinery used in farming that might be impacted positively by increased investments in agricultural sustainability.
• Dow Inc. (DOW) - Producer of agricultural chemicals that could benefit from enhanced soil health practices promoted by the bill.
• Monsanto (MON) - A major player in agricultural biotech, which might see growth in demand for sustainable farming practices that involve advanced seed technologies.