What does Preamble of Conservation Reserve Program Modernization Act do?

This bill proposes to amend the Food Security Act of 1985. The stated purpose of the bill is to modernize the conservation reserve program.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Conservation Reserve Program Modernization Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Conservation Reserve Program Modernization Act.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Conservation Reserve Program Modernization Act do?

This section amends Subchapter B of chapter 1 of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985. It inserts a new section 1230 defining terms used within that subchapter. The term 'conservation buffer' is defined as a practice providing benefits to water quality or other resource concerns, including specific examples like grass sod waterways and riparian buffers. “Eligible land” is defined as land authorized for the conservation reserve program under section 1231(b). “Eligible partner” includes States, political subdivisions, Indian Tribes, and nongovernmental organizations. “Land capability class” is defined as a soil classification based on the system in effect on December 23, 1985.

What does ELIGIBLE LAND. of Conservation Reserve Program Modernization Act do?

This section amends Section 1231(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 to define eligible land for the conservation reserve program. Eligible cropland includes land with predominantly soils classified as land capability class III through VII, or land that cannot be farmed according to subtitle B requirements. Cropland, grasslands, and marginal pastureland can be included if devoted to conservation buffers, ecologically appropriate vegetation, or similar water quality/wildlife habitat practices. Grasslands containing forbs or shrubland, historically dominated by grasslands, and potentially valuable for wildlife habitat are also eligible. Land can be included if it addresses water quality, conservation, and wildlife habitat concerns, as proposed by an eligible partner and agreed to by the Secretary. Portions of fields not already enrolled in the conservation reserve may be eligible if over 50% is a buffer/filterstrip or 75% is another conservation practice and the remaining land is infeasible to farm.

What does PAYMENTS. of Conservation Reserve Program Modernization Act do?

This section amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to modify cost-sharing payments for contracts under a subchapter. The Secretary is authorized to pay 50 percent of the cost of establishing permanent vegetation, erosion control, fencing, water development, and other conservation measures. Regarding multiple enrollments, the annual rental payment will be capped at a percentage of the county average soil rental rate, initially 85% and decreasing by 10% for subsequent reenrollments. The section also establishes rental rate limitations based on soil land capability classes for eligible land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program or Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. For soils with a dryland cropland land capability class of I or II, the rental rate is capped at 85% of the estimated rate; for class III, it's 100%; and for classes IV through VII, it's 115%.

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Conservation Reserve Program Modernization Act

Last updated: 1/13/2026 · Introduced: 12/3/2025

Author: Brad Finstad (R-MN)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill expands the types of land eligible for the Conservation Reserve Program, including grasslands, marginal pastureland, and portions of fields dedicated to conservation buffers or other practices.
The bill modifies cost-sharing payments for conservation measures, authorizing the Secretary to cover 50% of establishment costs and establishing limits on annual rental payments based on land capability class.
The legislation defines new terms like 'conservation buffer' and 'eligible partner' and clarifies eligibility criteria for land based on soil classification and potential for addressing conservation and wildlife habitat concerns.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

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