Overview
Title
To require a study of the barriers to conservation practice adoption on leased agricultural land, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
H. R. 1853 wants to find out why farmers who rent land might not use ways to help nature. It asks some important people to learn about this and share their ideas with helpers in the government.
Summary AI
H. R. 1853, titled the “Conservation for Agricultural Leased Land Act” or the “CALL Act,” seeks to address barriers to adopting conservation practices on leased agricultural land. The bill mandates a study by the Secretary of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Economic Research Service, to explore factors affecting participation in conservation programs and examine various leasing models across different regions. The study will consider regional variations, existing Federal and State incentives, and the impacts on diverse farmers, including those who are people of color and beginning farmers. A report with findings and recommendations is due to Congress by December 31, 2026, and may include implementing some recommendations under current laws and suggesting others that might require new legislation.
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AnalysisAI
General Summary of the Bill
The legislation introduced as House Bill 1853, officially titled the “Conservation for Agricultural Leased Land Act” or the "CALL Act," proposes a study to understand the barriers faced in adopting conservation programs on leased agricultural lands in the United States. This bill recognizes that nearly 40% of U.S. agricultural land is leased, which presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding conservation practices. The bill tasks the Secretary of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Economic Research Service (ERS), to conduct a comprehensive study and report to Congress on how these barriers can be addressed. The ultimate goal is to enhance conservation practice adoption while considering the unique needs of leased lands and demographically diverse farmers and ranchers.
Summary of Significant Issues
One of the most significant issues identified concerns the lack of clarity regarding funding for the study. Section 3 of the bill does not specify the budget or financial resources allocated, raising concerns about potential wasteful spending due to insufficient oversight. Another issue is the possibility of favoritism in selecting non-Federal entities to assist with the study if the selection process lacks transparency and competitiveness. The timeline for the final report extends until December 31, 2026, which might delay timely interventions based on the study's findings.
Additionally, while the bill acknowledges the need for inclusivity, particularly concerning farmers of color and beginning farmers, it does not detail how their participation and representation will be measured or ensured. Moreover, some language in the bill could be seen as ambiguous or too complex, potentially complicating its interpretation. This includes the term "consideration of regional variations," which needs further clarification.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, the bill aims to enhance environmental conservation on agricultural lands, which can lead to long-term benefits such as improved soil quality, water conservation, and reduced agricultural runoff, thereby promoting overall environmental health. However, the delay in the delivery of the final report could slow the realization of these benefits.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For farmers and ranchers, particularly those operating on leased land, the study could lead to tailored solutions making it easier to adopt conservation practices. This may improve their land management efficiency and access to government incentives. However, the benefits could be limited if the study lacks equitable representation or does not lead to actionable policy changes.
For landowners, clearer and more supportive conservation programs on leased lands might mitigate any concerns about long-term land value and sustainability. It could also enhance the appeal of their land to potential lessees, who might be more inclined to adopt conservation practices if obstacles are reduced.
Lastly, agricultural organizations and conservation nonprofits might find new opportunities for collaboration if selected to assist with the study. However, without transparency in this selection process, there could be concerns about equity and openness in participation.
Overall, while the bill has the potential to address significant barriers to conservation on leased lands, careful consideration and amendment may be necessary to ensure it meets its goals effectively and equitably.
Issues
The specific budget or funding allocation for conducting the study is not detailed in Section 3, which could lead to concerns regarding financial oversight and potential wasteful spending.
Section 3 allows the Secretary to enter into an agreement with a non-Federal entity, possibly favoring certain organizations if the selection process lacks transparency and competitiveness.
The timeline for submitting the report by December 31, 2026, in Section 3, may delay the implementation of beneficial recommendations, hindering timely improvements in conservation practices on leased agricultural land.
In Section 3, the involvement of farmers and ranchers who are people of color, including Black and indigenous farmers and ranchers, and beginning farmers and ranchers, is acknowledged, but there is no specific method for measuring or ensuring their equitable representation in the study, raising concerns about inclusivity and equity.
The complex language in Section 3, such as 'consideration of regional variations,' might create ambiguity, needing further clarification to ensure a comprehensive and clear understanding of the regional differences being considered.
The role designated in Section 3 for the Secretary acting through the National Agricultural Statistics Service might be confusing, as it is more typical for the Secretary to act through the USDA as a whole.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of the Act provides its short title, which is the "Conservation for Agricultural Leased Land Act" or simply the "CALL Act".
2. Findings Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Congress identifies several findings about agricultural land, noting that 39 percent of agricultural land in the U.S. is leased, based on a 2016 study. They highlight that participation in conservation programs may face obstacles, such as lease agreements and landowner awareness. These issues require more understanding, as solutions need to be tailored rather than "one size fits all."
3. Study Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Secretary of Agriculture is tasked with conducting a comprehensive study on conservation practices on leased agricultural lands, collaborating with the Economic Research Service. The study will explore topics like existing research, leasing relationships, incentives, and how conservation practices are communicated, with a focus on farmers of color and new farmers, and will conclude with a report and recommendations to Congress by the end of 2026.