Small Farm Conservation Act
- Bill Number
- S. 4867
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Agriculture and Food
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-23: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-07T18:46:24Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to create a dedicated subprogram within the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) focused on small-scale agricultural operations. The goal is to increase access to conservation funding and support for smaller producers by allocating a portion of existing program funds and simplifying processes.
Key Provisions
- Funding Allocation: Requires at least 30 percent of EQIP funds for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to support the new subprogram. Of this amount, 35 percent funds tailored technical assistance through new and trained staff, while 65 percent provides direct financial assistance to eligible producers.
- Payment Minimum and Incentives: Sets a minimum payment of $2,500 for all EQIP participants and offers a 50 percent increase for soil health practices on farms of 50 acres or less.
- Eligibility Criteria: Defines eligibility on a state-by-state basis using median farm or herd sizes, gross cash farm income categories for small family or nonfamily farms, and priority for producers who are socially disadvantaged, limited-resource, beginning (under 10 years of operation), veterans, or operating in high-poverty areas.
- Streamlined Processes: Mandates continuous enrollment, rapid application and contract approval, reduced administrative burdens, and multi-language outreach materials.
- Staffing and Coordination: Requires designation of a national subprogram coordinator and one per state within the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), along with training on small-scale producer needs.
- Reporting Requirement: Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to submit a report by May 1, 2030, to congressional agriculture committees on program results, including efforts to reduce barriers and participant demographics.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill modifies Section 1240B of the Food Security Act of 1985 by adding a new subsection (k) for the Small Farm EQIP Subprogram. It updates payment rules to include a firm minimum amount, introduces soil health payment boosts for small operations, and imposes specific funding set-asides and eligibility rules not present in the current EQIP structure. These changes create a targeted track within the existing program rather than altering its overall framework.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases workload for the USDA’s NRCS through new hiring, staff training, and dedicated coordinators; may require adjustments to application systems and outreach efforts.
- Citizens: Provides enhanced conservation support to qualifying small-scale producers, potentially improving environmental practices on smaller farms while reducing participation barriers.
- International Relations: No direct effects identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Small-scale agricultural producers, including farmers, ranchers, and nonindustrial private forest landowners meeting size, income, or demographic criteria.
- The Natural Resources Conservation Service and broader USDA.
- State technical committees involved in eligibility determinations.
- Congressional committees receiving the required program report.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The legislation operates entirely within existing statutory authority for agricultural conservation programs and does not introduce new regulatory mandates or alter constitutional balances of power. It emphasizes equitable access for specific producer groups through data-driven eligibility and streamlined administration.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
Cosponsors (11)
Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM], Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-23: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- 2026-06-23: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Small Farm Conservation Act — issued 2026-06-23 — PDF (13 pages)