CALL Act

Bill Number

H.R. 1853

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Agriculture and Food

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-03-28: Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.

Last Updated

2025-06-09T15:02:12Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Conservation for Agricultural Leased Land Act (CALL Act) aims to address barriers to adopting conservation practices—such as soil protection or water management techniques—on leased farmland by requiring the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct a comprehensive study. This study will examine why leased land often sees lower participation in conservation programs compared to owned land, with the goal of informing future policies to encourage broader adoption.

Key Provisions

• Study Mandate: The Secretary of Agriculture, through the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), must conduct a study on participation in federal, state, and local conservation programs and the adoption of conservation practices on leased agricultural land (defined as farmland operated by a farmer or rancher who does not own it, under a lease or rental agreement).
• Collaboration and Scope: The study will be done in partnership with the USDA's Economic Research Service and includes:
• Reviewing existing research, such as the Tenure, Ownership, and Transition of Agricultural Land (TOTAL) Survey and a 2020 American Farmland Trust report on non-operating landlords.
• Assessing Cooperative Extension System initiatives to promote conservation on leased land.
• Identifying types of leasing arrangements, historical and future trends in land ownership, and effective leasing models for conservation.
• Examining regional differences, federal and state incentives, benefits of shifting from leasing to ownership, effects of competitive cash rents (fixed payments for land use), what happens to conservation practices when tenants change, and USDA's communication with non-owning operators and leasing landowners.
• Special Considerations: The study must focus on farmers and ranchers who are people of color (including Black and Indigenous individuals) and beginning farmers/ranchers (those new to farming, typically with less than 10 years of experience).
• Report to Congress: By December 31, 2026, the Secretary must submit a report with study results and recommendations to overcome leasing-specific barriers, categorized as:
• Actions possible under current laws.
• Actions needing new congressional approval.
• Outreach strategies to educate stakeholders.
• Implementation Flexibility: The USDA can partner with non-federal groups, like nonprofits or universities, selected via an application process, to conduct the study.
• Findings Section: The bill outlines congressional recognition of key facts, such as 39% of U.S. agricultural land being leased (53% of cropland), and barriers like lease terms, operator independence, and lack of awareness about conservation benefits.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill does not amend or repeal existing laws but introduces a new, one-time study requirement under USDA authority. It builds on ongoing USDA efforts like the TOTAL Survey by mandating deeper analysis of leased land issues, potentially leading to future legislative or regulatory changes based on the report's recommendations. No immediate alterations to conservation program rules or leasing contracts are made.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The USDA (NASS and Economic Research Service) will face additional workload and funding needs for the study, report, and possible partnerships, but it could streamline future conservation efforts by identifying inefficiencies.
• Citizens: Farmers and ranchers operating leased land may benefit from targeted recommendations that reduce barriers, leading to easier access to conservation incentives (e.g., financial aid for eco-friendly practices). Landowners could see improved lease models that encourage sustainability without financial loss. Overall, it may boost environmental protection on farmland, benefiting rural communities through better soil health and water quality.
• International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though enhanced U.S. agricultural sustainability could indirectly support global food security and climate goals by promoting efficient land use.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Farmers and Ranchers: Especially those on leased land, including people of color, Indigenous operators, and beginners, who may face unique barriers to conservation adoption.
• Landowners: Non-operating individuals or entities leasing out farmland, affected by lease structures and awareness of conservation opportunities.
• USDA and Related Agencies: NASS, Economic Research Service, and Cooperative Extension System, responsible for study execution and communication improvements.
• Conservation Program Participants: Users of federal programs like the Conservation Reserve Program, which provide payments for sustainable practices.
• Nonprofits and Universities: Potential partners for conducting the study, gaining opportunities for research and outreach.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: The bill operates within existing USDA statutory powers (e.g., data collection under agricultural laws), with no new enforcement mechanisms or penalties. Recommendations may prompt future bills, but the study itself is non-binding advisory.
• Constitutional: No apparent issues; it aligns with Congress's authority to regulate agriculture and commerce (Article I, Section 8) and promotes equal access to programs without discriminating.
• Political: Highlights equity concerns for underserved farmers (e.g., people of color), potentially advancing bipartisan goals in environmental and agricultural policy amid climate change debates. It underscores the need for data-driven solutions rather than uniform policies, which could influence farm bill reauthorizations.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26]

Cosponsors (2)

Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1]

Recent Actions

• 2025-03-28: Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.
• 2025-03-05: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
• 2025-03-05: Introduced in House
• 2025-03-05: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Conservation for Agricultural Leased Land Act — issued 2025-03-05 — PDF (6 pages)