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Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs

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Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Megan Stubbs Specialist in Agricultural Conservation and Natural Resources Policy February 5, 2013April 2, 2015 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov R40763 CRS Report for Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Summary The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) currently administer overclose to 20 programs and subprograms subprograms that are directly or indirectly available to assist producers and landowners who wish to practice conservation on agricultural lands. The number, scope, and overall funding of these programs has grown in recent years. This growth can cause some confusion over which problems and conditions each program addresses, and specific program characteristics and performance. The programs are as follows: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Program Chesapeake Bay Watershed Program Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPIdifferences and number of these programs have created general confusion about the purpose, participation, and policies of the programs. While recent consolidation efforts removed some duplication, a large number of programs remain. The programs discussed in this report are as follows: • Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) • • Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Conservation Operations (CO); Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) CRP—Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) CRP—Farmable WetlandsWetland Program Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) EQIP—Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) EQIP—Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Farmland Protection Program (FPP) Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) Healthy ForestConservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Grassroots Source Water Protection Program Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) ResourceRegional Conservation and Development (RC&D) ProgramPartnership Program (RCPP) Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Water Bank Program Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations Watershed Rehabilitation Program Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • This tabular presentation provides basic information introducingcovering each of the programs. In each case, a brief program description is followed by information on major amendments in the 2008 farm bill (P.L. 110-246Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79, 2014 farm bill); national scope and availability; states with the greatest participation; the backlog of applications or other measures of continuing interest; program funding authority; FY2012 FY2014 and FY2015 funding; FY2013FY2016 Administration budget request; FY2013 funding where available; statutory authority; the authorization expiration date; and a link to the program’s website. Congressional Research Service Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Contents Introduction...................................................................................................................................... 1 Overview.......................................................................................................................................... 2 20082014 Farm Bill Expiration & Extension ...................................................................................................... 3 Conservation........................... 3 Unfunded and Repealed Programs .................................................................................................. 4 Conservation Programs .................................... 4 Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Program ............................................................ 6 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Program ...................................... 5 Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) ......................................................... 7 Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI... 6 Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) ........................................................................... 7 8 Conservation Operations (CO)—Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) ........................... 98 Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) ...................................................................................... 9 10 CRP—Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) ............................................... 1110 CRP—Farmable WetlandsWetland Program ......................................................................................... 12. 11 Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) .............................................................................. 1312 Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) ............................................................................... 1413 Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program ................................................................................ 15 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) ................................................................ 16 EQIP—Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) .................................................. 17 EQIP—Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG)....................................................................... 18 Farmland Protection Program (FPP) .........17 Grassroots Source Water Protection Program .............................................................................. 19 Grassland 18 Healthy Forests Reserve Program (GRPHFRP) ......................................................................................... 20 Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP 19 Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) .............................................................................. 21 Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) 20 Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program ................................................. 22 Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program .............. 21 Water Bank Program ................................................. 23 Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations .......................................................................... 24 Watershed Rehabilitation Program ................ 22 Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations .......................................................................... 25 Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) 23 Watershed Rehabilitation Program .......................................................................................... 26 Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) ...............24 Tables Table 1. Unfunded and Repealed Programs ............................................................ 27 Figures Figure 1. FY2012 Funding for Conservation Programs .................................................................. 24 Contacts Author Contact Information........................................................................................................... 2725 Congressional Research Service Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Introduction Currently, more than 20The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers a number of agricultural conservation programs exist tothat assist private landowners with natural resource concerns. Though some similarities among these programs exist, each is administered with slight differences. These differences and the number of programs create some general confusion about the purpose, participation, and policies of the programs. The number of These include working land programs, land retirement and easement programs, watershed programs, emergency programs, technical assistance, and other programs. The number and funding levels for agricultural conservation programs hashave steadily increased over the past 60 years. Early Early conservation efforts were focused on reducing high levels of soil erosion and providing water to agriculture in quantities and quality that enhanced farm production. Congress responded to these issues by creating and revising programs designed to reduce resource problems on the farm. By the early 1980s, however, concern was growing that these programs were not adequately dealing dealing with environmental problems resulting from agricultural activities (especially off the farm). In 1985, conservation policy took a new direction when Congress passed the Food Security Act of 1985 (1985 farm bill, P.L. 99-198), which established the first conservation programs designed to deal with environmental issues resulting from agricultural activities. Provisions enacted in subsequent farm bills, including in 1990, 1996, 2002, 2008, and 2014,1 and 2008,1 reflect a rapid evolution of the conservation agenda, including the growing influence of environmentalists environmentalists and other non-agricultural interests in the formulation of conservation policy, and a recognition that agriculture was not treated like other business sectors in many environmental laws.2 Congress also began funding many of these new programs through mandatory spending for the first time, using the borrowing authority of USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC)3 as the funding mechanism instead of annual appropriations. In addition to the original soil erosion and water quality and quantity issues, the conservation agenda has continued to expand to address other natural resource concerns, such as wildlife habitat, air quality, wetlands restoration and protection, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture. Lead agricultural conservation agencies within USDA are the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), which provides technical assistance and administers most conservation programs, and the Farm Service Agency (FSA), which administers the largest program, the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). These agencies are supported by others in USDA that supply research and educational assistance, including the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the Economic Research Service (ERS), the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the Forest and the Forest Service (FS).4 In addition, the conservation effort involves a large array of partners, including other federal agencies, state and local governments, and private organizations, among others, who provide funds, expertise, and other forms of assistance to the agricultural conservation effort. 1 Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-624), Federal Agricultural Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-127), Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-171), and Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246), and Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79). 2 For additional discussion on conservation in the next farm bill, see CRS Report R42093, Agricultural Conservation and the Next Farm BillR43504, Conservation Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79). 3 The CCC is the funding mechanism for the mandatory payments that are administered by various agencies of USDA, including all of the farm commodity price and income support programs. 4 For more information on: ARS projects, see http://www.ars.usda.gov/Research/Research.htm; ERS projects, see http://www.ers.usda.gov/Browse/view.aspx?subject=NaturalResourcesEnvironment; and FS projects, see topics/natural-resources-environment.aspx#.U-Dy-LE1Ot8; NIFA programs, see http://www.nifa.usda.gov/nea/nre/nre.cfm, and FS projects, see http://www.fs.fed.us/projects/. Congressional Research Service 1 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Overview USDA provides technical and financial assistance to attract interest and encourage participation in conservation programs. Participation in all USDA conservation programs is voluntary. These programs protect soil, water, wildlife, and other natural resources on privately owned agricultural lands to limit environmental impacts of production activities both on and off the farm, while maintaining or improving production of food and fiber. Some of these programs center on improving or restoring resources that have been degraded, while others create conditions to limit degradation in the future. Though programs in this report are listed alphabetically, they can agricultural conservation programs can be grouped into the following categories based on similarities: working land programs, land retirement and easement programs, watershed programs, emergency programs,5 compliance and technical assistance programs, and other. Figure 1 illustrates the relative size of each group based on the amount of funding available in FY2012. Figure 1. FY2012 Funding for Conservation Programs Emergency Programs 6% Land Retirement and Easement Programs 42% Compliance and Technical Assistance Watershed Programs Programs 13% Less than 1% Working Lands Programs 39% Source: CRS, Funding estimates compiled from the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012 (P.L. 112-55) and Congressional Budget Office, CBO March 2012 Baseline for CCC & FCIC, March 2012. Notes: Technical assistance includes funding for compliance programs. Funding for extension and research is not included. Total funding for conservation programs is approximately $6.5 billion. The majority of conservation programs are funded through USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) as mandatory spending. Congress authorizes mandatory programs at specified funding levels each year (or acreage enrollment levels for the Conservation Reserve, Congressional Research Service 2 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Conservation Stewardship, Wetlands Reserve, and Grasslands Reserve Programs). They are funded at these levels unless Congress limits funding to a lower amount through the appropriations or legislative process (or puts a ceiling on acreage that can be enrolled).5 Discretionary programs are funded each year through the annual appropriations process. Despite a steady increase in mandatory funding authority, many conservation programs have been reduced or capped through annual appropriations acts since FY2003. Many of these spending reductions were at the request of the Bush Administration, though the Obama Administration has continued the requested reductions, including in the FY2013 proposal. The mix of programs and amounts of reduction has varied from year to year. Some programs, such as the CRP, have not been reduced by appropriators in recent years, while others, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), have been repeatedly reduced below authorized levels. Overall authorized mandatory funding for conservation programs was reduced by close to $4.6 billion between FY2005 and FY2012. Even with the reductions, total mandatory funding for conservation programs has grown from a total of $3.6 billion in FY2005 to over $6 billion in FY2012. 2008 Farm Bill Expiration & Extension The 2008 farm bill generally expired on September 30, 2012, or with the 2012 crop year. The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-240) extended all 2008 farm bill provisions that were in effect on September 30, 2012, for one additional year until September 30, 2013.6 There is no net cost to the extension because mandatory funding to continue most of the major farm bill programs was already in the budget baseline. A subset of the 2008 farm bill programs did not have a continuing mandatory baseline and did not receive any additional mandatory funding under the extension.7 Several conservation programs with permanent authority to receive discretionary funding were funded until March 27, 2013, in the 2013 Continuing Appropriations Resolution (P.L. 112-175).8 Some conservation programs with authority to receive mandatory funding were previously extended to September 30, 2014, in the FY2012 Agriculture Appropriations Act (P.L. 112-55).9 The authority of each program, including the date of expiration, is included in this report. 5 For additional information, see CRS Report R41245, Reductions in Mandatory Agriculture Program Spending. For reductions in FY2012, see CRS Report R41964, Agriculture and Related Agencies: FY2012 Appropriations. 6 For additional information on regarding the extension, see CRS Report R42442, Expiration and Extension of the 2008 Farm Bill. 7 For additional information on which programs do not have baseline funding, see CRS Report R41433, Expiring Farm Bill Programs Without a Budget Baseline. 8 Examples of these programs include Conservation Operations and Watershed Rehabilitation. For additional information on the FY2013 agricultural appropriations, see CRS Report R42596, Agriculture and Related Agencies: FY2013 Appropriations. 9 These programs include the Conservation Stewardship Program, Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Farmland Protection Program, Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, and portions of the Agricultural Management Assistance program. For additional information on these extensions, see CRS Report R41964, Agriculture and Related Agencies: FY2012 Appropriations. Congressional Research Service 3 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Conservation Programs The tabular presentation that follows provides basic information introducing each of the USDA agricultural conservation programs, including: • administering agency or agencies within USDA; • a brief program description; • major amendments to the program in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246), commonly referred to as the 2008 farm bill; • national scope and availability, including participation levels and acres enrolled where available; • states with the highest level of funds obligated or acres enrolled (where applicable); • the volume of application backlog or public interest in each program; • the authorized funding levels, whether it is mandatory spending or discretionary appropriations, and any funding restrictions where applicable; • the FY2012 funding level provided by the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-55) or, if applicable, the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246), as amended, authorized level; • the FY2013 funding level requested by the Administration; • the FY2013 funding level provided by the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2013 (P.L. 112-175) until March 27, 2013, or, if applicable, the authorized level in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, as amended; • statutory authority, recent amendments, and U.S. Code reference; • the expiration date of program authority unless permanently authorized; and • a link to the program’s website,6 technical assistance, and other programs and overarching provisions. USDA Agricultural Conservation Programs Working Lands Programs—typically classified as programs that allow private land to remain in production, while implementing various conservation practices to address natural resource concerns specific to the area. • Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA). Land Retirement and Easement Programs—land retirement programs provide federal payments to private agricultural landowners for temporary changes in land use or management to achieve environmental benefits. Conversely, conservation easements impose a permanent or long-term land-use restriction that is voluntarily placed on the land in exchange for a government payment. • Conservation Reserve Program (includes the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and Farmable Wetland Program), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (including agricultural land easements and wetland reserve easements), and Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP). Watershed Programs—NRCS partners with local sponsors to carry out activities for soil conservation; flood prevention; conservation, development, utilization, and disposal of water; watershed surveys; and dam rehabilitation. • Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations (also referred to as the Small Watershed Program or P.L. 566 and P.L. 534) and Watershed Rehabilitation program. Emergency Programs—provide disaster assistance for farmland rehabilitation and impairments to watersheds. Programs are usually funded through supplemental appropriation acts. • Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP), and Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program (includes floodplain easements). Compliance—prohibits a producer from receiving many federal farm program benefits (including conservation assistance and crop insurance) when conservation program requirements for highly erodible lands and wetlands are not met. • Highly erodible land conservation (Sodbuster), wetland conservation (Swampbuster), and Sodsaver. Technical Assistance Programs—provides landowners with science-based conservation information and technical expertise (e.g., engineering and biological) unique to the region and land use type. Usually does not include financial assistance. • Conservation Operations (includes Conservation Technical Assistance, Soil Survey, Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting, and Plant Materials Centers). Other Conservation Programs and Provisions—Conservation Innovation Grants, Grassroots Source Water Protection Program, Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program, and Water Bank Program. 5 Additional information on emergency land rehabilitation programs may be found in CRS Report R42854, Emergency Assistance for Agricultural Land Rehabilitation. 6 Compliance refers to a series of farm bill provisions that require a minimum level of conservation on environmentally sensitive land in exchange for access to other USDA program benefits. Compliance provisions are not discussed in this report. Additional analysis may be found in CRS Report R42459, Conservation Compliance and U.S. Farm Policy. Congressional Research Service 2 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs The majority of conservation programs are funded through USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) as mandatory spending. Congress authorizes mandatory programs at specified funding levels (or acreage enrollment levels for the Conservation Reserve and Conservation Stewardship) for multiple years, typically through omnibus legislation such as the farm bill. Mandatory programs are funded at these levels unless Congress limits funding to a lower amount through the appropriations or legislative process (or puts a ceiling on acreage that can be enrolled). Discretionary programs are funded each year through the annual appropriations process.7 Despite a steady increase in mandatory funding authority, many conservation programs have been reduced or capped through annual appropriations acts since FY2003. Many of these spending reductions were at the request of the Administration, including in the FY2016 proposal. The mix of programs and amounts of reduction has varied from year to year. Some programs, such as the CRP, have not been reduced by appropriators in recent years, while others, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), have been repeatedly reduced below authorized levels. Overall authorized mandatory funding for conservation programs was reduced by over $5 billion between FY2005 and FY2015. Sequestration has also had an effect on conservation programs. Sequestration is a process of automatic, largely across-the-board reductions that permanently cancel mandatory and/or discretionary budget authority to enforce statutory budget goals.8 The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 (P.L. 113-67) raised spending limits to avoid sequestration of discretionary accounts in FY2014 and FY2015, but not mandatory accounts. Therefore most all mandatory conservation programs were subject to sequestration in FY2014 and FY2015.9 Even with sequestration and appropriations act reductions, total mandatory funding for conservation programs has grown from a total of $3.6 billion in FY2005 to over $5 billion in FY2015.10 2014 Farm Bill Before the 1985 farm bill, few conservation programs existed, and only two would be considered large by today’s standards. In contrast, leading up to the debate on the 2014 farm bill, there were over 20 distinct conservation programs with annual spending greater than $5 billion. The differences and number of these programs created general confusion about the purpose, participation, and policies of the programs. Discussion about simplifying or consolidating conservation programs to reduce overlap and duplication, and to generate savings, continued for a number of years. The Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79, 2014 farm bill), contained several 7 For additional information on the FY2015 appropriation, see CRS Report R43669, Agriculture and Related Agencies: FY2015 Appropriations. 8 The current requirement for sequestration is in the Budget Control Act of 2011 (BCA; P.L. 112-25). For additional information, see CRS Report R42972, Sequestration as a Budget Enforcement Process: Frequently Asked Questions. 9 The Conservation Reserve Program is statutorily exempt from sequestration (2 U.S.C. 905 (g)(1)(A)). Sequestration reductions in FY2014 were reflected in the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) baseline that was used to write the 2014 farm bill. For more information, see CRS Report R42484, Budget Issues That Shaped the 2014 Farm Bill. 10 For additional information on reductions to mandatory conservation programs, see CRS Report IF10041, Reductions to Mandatory Agricultural Conservation Programs in Appropriations Law. Congressional Research Service 3 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs program consolidation measures, including the repeal of 12 active and inactive programs, the creation of two new programs, and the merging of two programs into existing ones.11 Unfunded and Repealed Programs A number of conservation programs were repealed by the 2014 farm bill or have gone unfunded by Congress in recent years. Table 1 lists these programs and the most recent congressional action taken. Table 1. Unfunded and Repealed Programs Program Name Action-Year Description Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) Repealed-2014 A sub-program of EQIP that provided funding for water quality and quantity projects. Repealed in the 2014 farm bill and incorporated into RCPP. Chesapeake Bay Watershed Program Repealed-2014 Provided additional funding through existing programs to conservation projects in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Repealed in the 2014 farm bill and incorporated into RCPP. Conservation Security Program New enrollment unauthorized2008 Replaced by the Conservation Stewardship Program in the 2008 farm bill, the program enrolled acres in 5- to 10-year stewardship contracts, the last of which will expire in FY2018. Farmland Protection Program (FPP) Repealed-2014 An agricultural land easement program repealed in the 2014 farm bill. Program components were incorporated into ACEP. Grasslands Reserve Program (GRP) Repealed-2014 A grassland easement and contract program repealed in the 2014 farm bill. Easement provisions were incorporated into ACEP and rental contracts were incorporated into CRP. Resource Conservation and Program (RC&D) Development Unfunded sinceFY2011 Funded local RC&D coordinator positions. Funding terminated in FY2011 and program close-out complete in FY2012. FY2014 appropriations act permanently cancelled any remaining funds. Watershed Surveys and Planning Unfunded sinceFY2007 Funded investigations and surveys of river basins to respond to water quality, flooding, water and land management, and sedimentation problems. Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) Repealed-2014 A wetland easement program repealed in the 2014 farm bill. Program components were incorporated into ACEP. Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program Repealed-2014 A wildlife habitat cost-share assistance program repealed in the 2014 farm bill. Program components were incorporated into EQIP. Source: CRS. 11 For additional information on the amendments to conservation programs in the 2014 farm bill, see CRS Report R43504, Conservation Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79). Congressional Research Service 4 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Conservation Programs The tabular presentation that follows provides basic information covering each of the USDA agricultural conservation programs, including • administering agency or agencies within USDA; • brief program description; • major amendments to the program in the Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79), commonly referred to as the 2014 farm bill; • national scope and availability, including participation levels and acres enrolled; • states with the highest level of funds obligated or acres enrolled; • volume of application backlog or public interest in each program; • authorized funding levels, whether it is mandatory spending or discretionary appropriations, and any funding restrictions; • FY2014 funding level provided by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-76) or, if applicable, the Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79), authorized level; • FY2015 funding level provided in the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015 (P.L. 113-235), or, if applicable, the authorized level in the Agricultural Act of 2014 (sequestration included where applicable); • FY2016 funding level requested by the Administration (sequestration not included); • statutory authority, recent amendments, and U.S. Code reference; • expiration date of program authority unless permanently authorized; and • program’s website link. Information for the following tables is drawn from agency budget presentations, explanatory notes, and websites; written responses to questions published each year in hearing records of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittees of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees; and spending estimates from the Congressional Budget Office. Further information about these programs may be found on the NRCS website at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov and on the “conservation programs” page of the FSA website at http://www.fsa.usda.gov. Congressional Research Service 45 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs USDA Agricultural Conservation Programs Working Lands Programs—typically classified as programs that allow private land to remain in production, while implementing various conservation practices to address natural resource concerns specific to the area. • Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)/Conservation Security Program, Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP), and Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) program. Land Retirement and Easement Programs—land retirement programs provide federal payments to private agricultural landowners for temporary changes in land use or management to achieve environmental benefits. Conversely, conservation easements impose a permanent land-use restriction that is voluntarily placed on the land in exchange for a government payment. • Conservation Reserve Program (includes the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and Farmable Wetlands), Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), Farmland Protection Program (FPP), Grassland Reserve Program (GRP), and Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP). Watershed Programs—NRCS partners with local sponsors to carry out activities for soil conservation; flood prevention; conservation, development, utilization, and disposal of water; watershed surveys; and dam and flood structure rehabilitation. • Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations (also referred to as the Small Watershed Programs, P.L. 566 and P.L. 534), Watershed Rehabilitation, and Watershed Surveys and Planning. Emergency Programs—provide disaster assistance for farmland rehabilitation and impairments to watersheds. Programs are usually funded through supplemental appropriation acts. • Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program (includes floodplain easements). Compliance—prohibits a producer from receiving many federal farm program benefits (including conservation assistance) when conservation program requirements for highly erodible lands and wetlands are not met. • Highly erodible land conservation (Sodbuster), wetland conservation (Swampbuster), and Sodsaver. Technical Assistance Programs—provides landowners with science-based conservation information and technical expertise (e.g., engineering and biological) unique to the region and land use type. Usually does not include financial assistance. • Conservation Operations (includes Conservation Technical Assistance, Survey, Soil Survey, Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative, and Plant Materials Centers), Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) program. Other Conservation Programs and Provisions—Chesapeake Bay Watershed Program, Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative, Conservation Innovation Grants, Great Lakes Basin Program, Regional Equity, State Technical Committees, Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program, and Grassroots Source Water Protection Program. Congressional Research Service 5 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) ProgramAgricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) Administering agency(s) NRCS Program description ACEP provides financial and technical assistance through two types of easements: agricultural land easements that limit non-agricultural uses on productive farm or grass lands, and wetland reserve easements that protect and restore wetlands. Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) – Enrollment is through eligible entities that enter into cooperative agreement to obligate ACEP funds. The entities acquire easements, and hold, monitor, manage, and enforce the easements. The federal share of easement acquisition cannot exceed 50% of the appraised fair market value or 75% if it is determined to be a grassland of special environmental significance. Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) – Enrollment options (federal share) include permanent easements (100% easement value and 75-100% restoration cost), 30-year easements (50-75% easement value and 50-75% restoration cost), term easements or the maximum duration under state law (50-75% easement value and 50-75% restoration cost), and 30-year contracts only available to Indian tribes (50-75% easement value and 50-75% restoration cost). NRCS pays all costs associated with recording the easement. Major 2014 farm bill amendments Created in the 2014 farm bill from three repealed programs—Farmland Protection Program, Grassland Reserve Program, and Wetlands Reserve Program. General program provisions are the same across both easement types, including ineligible land; subordination, exchange, modification, and termination procedures; and compliance requirements. National scope Available nationwide. In FY2014, $328 million in ACEP funding was used to enroll an estimated total of 143,833 acres of farmland, grassland, and wetlands through 485 new ACEP easements. This includes ALE (easements)––171 on 39,719 acres; ALE (grassland easements)––19 on 49,173 acres; WRE (permanent easements)––255 on 46,724 acres; and WRE (30-year easements)––40 on 8,217 acres. Leading states The most funding obligated in FY2014 was in FL ($31.2 million), AR ($20.2 million), and CA ($19.5 million). Backlog/Interest Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) – In FY2014, 323 ALE applications were received for nearly $125 million over 137,000 acres, including 28 applications for over 58,000 acres of grasslands of special environmental significance. Approximately 55% of applications were enrolled. Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) – In FY2014, 450 WRE applications were received for nearly $300 million over 83,000 acres. Approximately 51% of applications were funded. Funding authority Mandatory. FY2014—$400 million, FY2015—$425 million, FY2016—$450 million, FY2017— $500 million, and FY2018—$250 million. FY2014 funding $400 million. FY2015 est. funding $394 million (authorization reduced by approximately $31 million from sequestration). FY2016 Administration request $450 million. Statutory authority Authorized in subtitle D of Title II (§2301) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79) as §1265 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. 16 U.S.C. 3865-3865d. Authorization expires September 30, 2018 Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/easements/acep/ Congressional Research Service 6 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Administering agency(s) NRCS (conservation assistance), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS, organic certification), and Risk Management Agency (RMA, production, price, or revenue risk reduction). Program description AMA provides cost-sharing assistance under contracts of 1 to 10 years to producers in 16 specified states where participation in the federal crop insurance program has been historically low. Producers use this assistance to construct or improve water management and irrigation structures, plant trees, control soil erosion, practice integrated pest management, practice organic farming, develop value-added processing, and enter into futures, hedging, or options contracts to reduce production, price, or revenue risk. Major 2008 farm bill amendments Adds Hawaii as an eligible state; authorizes funding of $15 million annually from FY2008 through FY2012, and $10 million in subsequent years; and designates program funding for USDA agencies: 50% - NRCS, 10% - AMS, and 40% - RMA2014 farm bill amendments Both the House- and Senate-passed farm bills (H.R. 2642 and S. 954) included amendments to AMA, but none were adopted in the conference agreement. National scope Not available nationwide. Eligible states include: CT, DE, HI, MD, MA, ME, NV, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, UT, VT, WV, and WY. As of the end of FY2011, 673FY2014, 477 contracts arewere being implemented within these states. Leading states States with the most funds obligated (for conservation only) in FY2011FY2014 include ME ($2.31.4 million), PA ($0.91.3 million), and NY ($0.8 millionNV ($945,000). Backlog/Interest A backlog of 648323 applications was pending at the end of FY2011FY2014, up from a backlog of 767281 applications in FY2010. These applicationsFY2013. The FY2014 backlog would enroll more than 10,8257,400 acres at a cost of $9.44.8 million. Funding authority Mandatory. Permanently authorized at $10 million for each fiscal year except FY2008FY2014, which is authorized at $15 million for each fiscal year. Funding is split by law betweenamong the three USDA agencies: 50% - —NRCS, 10% - —AMS, and 40% - RMA. FY2012 funding $10 million ($2.5—RMA. FY2014 funding $6.4 million (for conservation). FY2015 est. funding $9.3 million ($4.6 million for conservation,; total authorization reduced by $5 million). FY2013approximately $730,000 from sequestration). FY2016 Administration request $10 million ($2.5 million for conservation, authorization reduced by $5 million). FY2013 funding Continuation of the FY2012 levels, including the reduction in authority, until March 27, 20135 million for conservation). Statutory authority Authorized in Title I, §133 of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-224) as §524(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act, as amended. Amended in §2801 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246). 7 U.S.C. 1524(b). Authorization expires Permanent authorization. Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/ama Congressional Research Service 6 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Chesapeake Bay Watershed Program Administering agency(s) NRCS. Program description The Chesapeake Bay Watershed Program provides additional financial assistance through existing conservation programs for areas within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Law requires special consideration for producers in the Susquehanna, Shenandoah, Potomac, and Patuxent river basins. Program rules, contracts, and sign-up depend on the program through which NRCS is providing the funds. Eligible programs under the program include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI), Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP). EQIP, CCPI, and WHIP are discussed further below. Major 2008 farm bill amendments Program created in the 2008 farm bill. National scope Not available nationwide. The program applies to all tributaries, backwaters, and side channels, including watersheds draining into the Chesapeake Bay. This includes areas within DE, MD, NY, PA, VA, and WV. In FY2011, more than 1,700 applications were approved to treat an estimated 243,500 acres. Leading states In FY2011, states with the most funding obligated were PA ($22.8 million), VA ($19.2 million), and MD ($14.5 million). Backlog/Interest Nearly 3,500 applications were received in FY2011, of which 1,700, or 48.5%, were approved. Funding authority Mandatory. FY2009 - $23 million; FY2010 - $43 million; FY2011 - $72 million; and FY2012 - $50 million. FY2012 funding $50 million. FY2013 Administration request $50 million (subject to reauthorization). FY2013 funding $50 million; funding authority extended to September 30, 2013, in the American Taxpayers Relief Act (P.L. 112-240). Statutory authority Authorized in Title II, §2605 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110246) as §1240Q of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198). 16 U.S.C. 3839bb-4. Authorization expires September 30, 2013. Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/national/home/?&cid=stelprdb1047323 Congressional Research Service 7 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI) Administering agency(s) NRCS. Program description The Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI) enables the use of certain conservation programs along with the resources of eligible partners to provide financial and technical assistance to owners and operators of agricultural and nonindustrial private forest land. CCPI applies to all conservation programs under Subtitle D of the Food Security Act of 1985, as amended, excluding CRP, WRP, FPP, and GRP. Eligible programs include EQIP, CSP, WHIP, Great Lakes Basin Program, Conservation of Private Grazing Land, Chesapeake Bay Watershed Program, and Grassroots Source Water Protection Program. NRCS enters into multi-year agreements with partners in an approved project area to help enhance conservation outcomes. Six percent of the funds and acres available from eligible conservation programs are reserved for CCPI until April 1 each fiscal year, when unused funds may be reallocated. Locally led projects are encouraged, with 90% of funds available for within-state competitions and 10% of funds available for a national competition. Major 2008 farm bill amendments Program created in the 2008 farm bill. National scope Available nationwide. State participation varies depending on within-state competition and the selection of projects at the national level. In FY2011, NRCS offered a separate Chesapeake Bay CCPI competition through the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Program. Leading states In FY2011, states receiving the most CCPI funding through the Chesapeake Bay Watershed program are MD ($2.2 million), DE ($715,000), and PA ($464,000). Information on the national CCPI competition and within-state competitions is not available. Backlog/Interest None identified. Funding authority Mandatory. Six percent of the funds and acres available from eligible conservation programs. FY2012 funding Not applicable. FY2013 Administration request Not applicable. FY2013 funding Not applicable; authority extended to September 30, 2013, in the American Taxpayers Relief Act (P.L. 112-240). Statutory authority Authorized in Title II, §2707 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110246), as §1243 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198). 16 U.S.C. 3843. Authorization expires September 30, 2013. Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ccpi/index.html Congressional Research Service 87 U.S.C. 1524(b). Authorization expires Permanent authorization. Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/ama Congressional Research Service 7 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Conservation Operations (CO)— Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) Administering agency(s) NRCS. Program description Conservation Operations (CO) is the primary account funding technical assistance within NRCS. More than 8088% of CO funding is for Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA), which provides conservation planning and implementation assistance through field staff placed in almost all counties within the United States and territories. This assistance is provided to producers and land owners who voluntarily apply natural resource conservation systems, consisting of one or more practices, on private and other non-federal lands. Other components of CO include the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative, soil surveys, snow surveys, and plant material centers. Major 2008 farm bill amendments Amends the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act to include a definition of technical assistance and agriculture commodity. Other provisions indirectly affect this program, including allowing NRCS to approve qualified individuals and entities, referred to as third parties, to provide some types of technical assistance and retaining a cap on total funding for technical assistance provided through mandatory programsSoil Surveys, Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting, and Plant Materials Centers. Major 2014 farm bill amendments None. National scope Available nationwide. CTA was funded at $745748 million and estimated 5,5475,341 staff years for FY2011, according to the FY2013 budget notes FY2015. Total CO spending for FY2011 was $870.5FY2015 is $846 million and 6,201 and estimated 6,077 staff years. Leading states No data are available for the CTA subset in FY2011FY2015, but the three leading states for total CO funding (estimate) are TX ($40.537.9 million), MO ($2028.4 million), and IA ($20.223.0 million). Backlog/Interest Not available. Funding authority Discretionary. No amount specified. FY2012 funding $729.5specific authorization level. FY2014 funding $714.2 million for CTA out of $828.2 million for all CO. FY2013 Administration request $728.8812.9 million appropriated for all CO. FY2015 funding $748 million for CTA out of $827.5846 million appropriated for all CO. FY2016 Administration request $733 million for CTA out of $831 million for all COfor all CO. FY2013 funding Continuation of FY2012 funding levels until March 27, 2013. Statutory authority Authorized in the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act (P.L. 74-46), as amended. Amended in §2802 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246). 16 16 U.S.C. 590a-g, 16 U.S.C. 590q. Authorization expires Permanent authorization. Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cta/ (CTA); http://www.glti.nrcs.usda.gov/ (grazing); http://soils.usda.govwps/portal/nrcs/ site/soils/home/ (soil survey); http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/ (snow survey and water supply forecasting); and ); and http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/ (plant materials centers). Congressional Research Service 98 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Administering agency(s) FSA, technical assistance by NRCS. Program description CRP provides annual rental payments, usually over 10 years, to producers to replace crops on highly erodible and environmentally sensitive land with long-term resource -conserving plantings. Bids to enroll land are solicited during a limited time period, then compared using an Environmental Benefits Index (EBI). Those with the highest EBI scores are accepted. Imbedded in the CRP are several small and more focused programs that bypass the general bidding process, some established in law and others established administratively, to address specific resource topics, including more concentrated resource problems in a portion of a state, protection of small isolated agricultural wetlands, and improvement of habitat for upland game birds. All lands that qualify for these subprograms are automatically accepted and enrolled on a continuous basis. Major 2014. Major 2008 farm bill amendments Reduces enrollment ceiling from 39.232 million acres to 32 million acres; amends haying and grazing conditions; and authorizes incentives to assist socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers. National scope Available nationwide. In FY2012, USDA announced the 43rd general sign-up, in which nearly 48,000 offers on more than 4.5 million acres were received. Of these offers, 3.3 million acres were reenrolled and 559,850 new acres were enrolled. Nationally, there are 738,544 active contracts on 409,598 farms with 29.5 million acres enrolled, according to FSA’s September 2012 monthly program summary. Leading states Leading states in terms of acres are TX (3.4 million), KS (2.5 million), and MT (2.5 million). Leading states in terms of number of contracts are IA (106,470), IL (83,363), and MN (62,290). Backlog/Interest In FY2011, enrollment ended at 31.1 million acres. Expiration of contracts (4.4 million acres) and new contracts dropped enrollment to 29.6 million acres in October 2011. Approximately 2.2 million acres came out of contract on September 30, 2011, and were not reenrolled. Under the 43rd general sign-up, 4.54 million acres were offered, 3.88 million acres were determined acceptable, and 3.4 million acres were enrolled. Funding authority Mandatory. No more than 32 million acres enrolled at any one time. No funding amount specified. FY2012 est. funding $2.1 billion (based on the estimated number of acres that will be enrolled, including technical assistance). FY2013 Administration request Mandatorily funded, therefore no funding level specified. Subject to reauthorization. FY2013 est. funding $2.2 billion (based on the estimated number of acres that will be enrolled, including technical assistance); program and funding authority extended to September 30, 2013, in the American Taxpayers Relief Act (P.L. 112-240). Statutory authority Authorized in §1231-§1235 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended in §2101 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246). 16 U.S.C. 3831(a)-3835a. Authorization expires September 30, 2013. Program website http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=copr&topic=crp Congressional Research Service 1024 million acres by FY2018; amends emergency harvesting, grazing, and permits other use of forage, in some cases, without a reduction in rental rate; allows a one time, penalty-free, early-out in FY2015 for contracts enrolled longer than five years and containing no environmentally sensitive practices; and incorporates grassland contracts, similar to what was repealed under the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP). National scope Available nationwide. In FY2014, following reauthorization in the 2014 farm bill, USDA announced continuous sign-up beginning June 9. In lieu of a general sign-up in FY2014, USDA offered expiring CRP contracts a one year extension. Approximately 266,000 acres (57% of eligible) were extended. No general sign-up is expected for FY2015. As of February 2015, there are 651,246 active contracts on 365,617 farms with 24.3 million acres enrolled. Leading states Leading states in terms of acres are TX (3.1 million), KS (2.2 million), and CO (1.9 million). Leading states in terms of number of contracts are IA (99,641), IL (77,027), and MN (55,273). Backlog/Interest In FY2014, enrollment ended at 25.45 million acres. Almost 2 million acres expired at the end of FY2014. 266,000 acres received one-year extensions and 450,000 acres were enrolled through continuous sign-up, leaving a total of 24.17 million acres enrolled at the beginning of FY2015. An estimated 2 million acres are scheduled to expire at the end of FY2015. The 2014 farm bill’s early-out provision in FY2015 is estimated to withdraw approximately 90,000 acres. Between FY2008 and FY2014, over 14.2 million CRP acres under contact have expired and were not reenrolled in the program. Funding authority Mandatory. At any one time, CRP can enroll no more than: 27.5 million acres in FY2014; 26 million acres in FY2015; 25 million acres in FY2016; and 24 million acres in FY2017 and FY2018. No funding amount specified. FY2014 est. funding $1.8 billion (based on the estimated number of acres that will be enrolled, including technical assistance). FY2015 est. funding $1.9 billion (based on the estimated number of acres that will be enrolled, including technical assistance). FY2016 Administration request $2.0 billion (based on the estimated number of acres that will be enrolled, including technical assistance). Statutory authority Authorized in §1231-§1235 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended in §2001-§2008 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79). 16 U.S.C. 3831(a)3835a. Authorization expires September 30, 2018. Program website http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=copr&topic=crp Congressional Research Service 9 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs CRP—Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) Administering agency(s) FSA, technical assistance by NRCS. Program description This subprogram of CRP partners with states at their request. States propose sub-state areas, such as a watershed, where environmental or resource concerns are more concentrated and can be addressed by enrolling up to 100,000 acres per project. States contribute 20% of the funding so that larger payments can be made, in order to encourage greater participation. Sign-up is held on a continuous basis. Major 2014. Major 2008 farm bill amendments None. National scope 32 states have active CREP contracts (73,116) on 48,165 farms, There are 45 CREP agreements in 33 states, including 71,717 contracts on 47,518 farms, enrolling a total of 1.32 million acres, according to FSA’s September 2012 monthly program summary acres, as of February 2015. Leading states Leading states in terms of acres enrolled are PA (192,281155,580), IL (140,605128,369), and OH (112,342116,522). States leading in number of contracts are OH (12,88014,251), PA (10,8789,404), and IL (7,502243). Backlog/Interest Not applicable since any eligible land can be enrolled at any time; participation has been much higher in some states than in others, but that is due, reportedly, to how the program is promoted. Average rental payments are higher than for acreage under the general CRP signup process. Funding authority Unspecified acreage subset of CRP. FY2012FY2014 funding Unspecified acreage subset of CRP. FY2013 Administration requestFY2015 funding Unspecified acreage subset of CRP. FY2013 fundingFY2016 Administration request Unspecified acreage subset of CRP; program and funding authority extended to September 30, 2013, in the American Taxpayers Relief Act (P.L. 112-240). Statutory authority Authority derived from CRP statutory authority (see “Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)”). Authorization expires September 30, 20132018. Program website http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=copr&topic=cep Congressional Research Service 1110 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs CRP—Farmable WetlandsWetland Program Administering agency(s) FSA, technical assistance by NRCS. Program description This 1 million750,000 acre subprogram of the CRP enrolls small isolated agricultural wetlands. On a single tract of land, enrollment is now set at a maximum of 40 contiguous wetland acres. “Flooded farmland" has a 20-acre limit. Eligible lands include wetlands that were cropped 3 of the the preceding 10 years, and buffers sufficient to protect them, on which the hydrology will be restored and a vegetative cover established. Major 2008 farm bill amendments Caps enrollment at 100,000 acres in any state and 1 million acres total. Expands enrollment of wetland and buffer acreage to include land that had been cropped during 3 of 10 crop years prior to 2002 and after 1990 and is subject to a natural overflow of a prairie wetland. Increases the maximum wetland size to 40 contiguous acres and makes all acres eligible for payment. National scope Active contracts in 22 Sign-up is held on a continuous basis. Major 2014 farm bill amendments Renames the pilot program "Farmable Wetland Program." Reauthorizes the program through FY2018, and clarifies language related to constructed wetlands receiving water from agricultural drainage. Reduces acreage limitation from 1 million acres to 750,000 acres. National scope Active contracts in 23 participating states, including AL, AR, CO, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NC, ND, OH, OK, SD, WA and WI. As of February 2015, there are 15,975 contracts on 12,297 farms for a total of 354,473 enrolledand WI. According to FSA’s September 2012 monthly program summary, 15,276 contracts on 11,890 farms have enrolled a total of 316,459 acres. Leading states In terms of acres, the leading states are ND (83,837102,943 acres), SD (83,02995,292 acres), and IA (79,635 (78,262 acres). The largest number of contracts are in IA (5,0874,983), followed by SD (3,909) and MN (3,2184,219) and MN (3,413). Backlog/Interest Not applicable since any eligible land can be enrolled at any time; participation has been much higher in some states than in others, but that is due, reportedly, to how the program is promoted and the amount of eligible land with a state. Funding authority Mandatory. No more than 1 million750,000 acres enrolled at any one time and no more than 100,000 acres in any state (may be increased to 150200,000 acres after three years). FY2012agency review). FY2014 funding Unspecified acreage subset of CRP. FY2013 Administration requestFY2015 funding Unspecified acreage subset of CRP. FY2013 fundingFY2016 Administration request Unspecified acreage subset of CRP; program and funding authority extended to September 30, 2013, in the American Taxpayers Relief Act (P.L. 112-240). Statutory authority Authorized in Title XI of Agriculture and Related Agency appropriations, 2001 (P.L. 106-387) as §1231B of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended by §2106 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-2462002 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79). 16 U.S.C. 3831b. Authorization expires September 30, 20132018. Program website http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=copr&topic=fwp Congressional Research Service 1211 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) Administering agency(s) NRCS. Program description The new CSP replaces the Conservation Security Program andCSP provides financial and technical assistance to promote the conservation and improvement of soil, water, air, energy, plant and animal life, and other conservation purposes on tribal and private working lands. Contracts (five years in length with the option of extension) are based on meeting or exceeding a “stewardship threshold." Payments are based on the actual costs of installing conservation measures, any foregone income, and the value of the expected environmental outcomes. Major 2008 farm bill amendments The new CSP will continue to encourage conservation practices on working lands, but will be different from the former Conservation Security Program. It eliminates the three-tier approach, establishes 5-year rather than 10-year contracts, and requires direct attribution of payments, among other changes, thus requiring that USDA promulgate new rules for the program. National scope The first CSP sign-up was held August 10, 2009. Two ranking periods occurred in 2010, which resulted in more than 20,000 contracts on over 25 million acres. The FY2011 sign-up process resulted in an additional 9,630 CSP contracts on over 12.75 million acres. The first ranking period for FY2012 closed on January 27, 2012. Leading states In FY2011, MN had the most contracts funded (764), followed by IA (713) and MO (711). NE had the most total acres funded (1.3 million), followed by MT (964,233) and NM (905,792). The most funding obligated in FY2011 was in MN ($16.5 million), NE ($13.1 million), and ND ($12.7 million). Backlog/Interest In FY2011, 9,630 applications were funded and 4,784 applications went unfunded; 67% of valid applications were funded. Funding authority Mandatory. 12.769 million acres each fiscal year. No funding amount specified. FY2012 funding $768.5 million (authorization reduced by approximately $76.5 million). FY2013 Administration request $972.1 million (authorization reduced permanently by 759,632 acres). FY2013 funding Continuation of the FY2012 levels, including the reduction in authority, until March 27, 2013 outcomes. Enrollment is offered through a continuous sign-up and applications are accepted year-round. Major 2014 farm bill amendments Reduces the enrollment cap from 12.769 million acres annually to 10 million acres annually. Reorganizes the statutory language and refocuses the program on generating additional conservation benefits. Raises the entry bar for participants to two priority resource concerns upon entry and meet or exceed one additional priority resource concern by the end of the contract. Contract renewal participants must meet the threshold for two additional priority resources concerns or exceed the threshold for two existing priority resource concerns. Removes the 10% limitation on nonindustrial private forest land and provides flexible transition options for land coming out of CRP. National scope Available nationwide. The program held its first sign-up in 2009, and at the end of FY2014, had over 67 million acres enrolled. Leading states In FY2014, SD had the most total acres funded (1.3 million), followed by NM (909,194) and OK (718,982). The most funding obligated in FY2014 was in SD ($15.3 million), MN ($12.5 million), and AR ($12.4 million). Backlog/Interest In FY2012, CSP provided $168 million in funding to treat 12,109,876 acres. 2,876 applications went unfunded, covering an estimated 4,193,654 acres, worth approximately $52.7 million. Funding authority Mandatory. 10 million acres each fiscal year. No funding amount specified. FY2014 funding $1.079 billion (based on the estimated number of acres that will be enrolled, including technical assistance). FY2015 est. funding $1.2 billion; limited to 7.7 million acres (authorization reduced by approximately $90 million from sequestration and $7 million from P.L. 113-235). FY2016 Administration request Estimated $1.2 billion; limited to 7 million acres (based on the estimated number of acres that will be enrolled, including technical assistance). Statutory authority Authorized in §2301 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246) as §1238D-§1238G of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended in §2101 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79). 16 U.S.C. 3838d-3838g. 16 U.S.C. 3838h-3838n. Authorization expires September 30, 20142018. Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/csp Congressional Research Service 1312 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) Administering agency(s) FSA, technical assistance by NRCS. Program description ProvidesECP provides emergency funding and technical assistance to producers to rehabilitate farmland farmland damaged by natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, floods, wind, and erosion) through activities activities such as removing debris, and implementing emergency water conservation measures in in response to severe droughts. Major 20082014 farm bill amendments None. National scope Available nationwide. Participation and funding varies widely and unpredictably from year to year. The Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013 (P.L. 113-2) provided $15 million to be used for necessary expenses related to the consequences of Hurricane Sandy and major disasters declared pursuant to the Stafford Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) only. Leading states Not applicable. Backlog/Interest Not applicable. Funding authority Discretionary. No funding amount specified. FY2012 funding $122.7 million. FY2013 Administration request The Administration requested $15 million on December 7, 2012, for damages resulting from Hurricane Sandy. FY2013 funding to date $15 million. Statutory authority Authorized in §401 of the Agriculture Credit Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-334), as amended. 16 U.S.C. 2201-2205 year. No funding was appropriated in FY2014. To date, $9.2 million was appropriated in FY2015 for necessary expenses resulting from a major disaster declared pursuant to the Stafford Act. Leading states Not applicable. Backlog/Interest Not applicable. Funding authority Discretionary. No specific authorization level. FY2014 funding $0 FY2015 funding to date $9.2 million to remain available until expended and for necessary expenses resulting from a major disaster declared pursuant to the Stafford Act. FY2016 Administration request $0 Statutory authority Authorized in §401 of the Agriculture Credit Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-334), as amended. 16 U.S.C. 2201-2205. Authorization expires Permanent authorization. Program website http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=copr&topic=ecp Congressional Research Service 13 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) Administering agency(s) FSA, technical assistance by NRCS. Program description EFRP provides cost-share assistance to private forestland owners to repair and rehabilitate damage caused by a natural disaster on nonindustrial private forest land. Natural disasters include wildfires, hurricanes or excessive winds, drought, ice storms or blizzards, floods, or other resource-impacting events, as determined by USDA. Major 2014 farm bill amendments None. National scope Available nationwide. Participation and funding varies widely and unpredictably from year to year. No funding was appropriated in FY2014. To date, $3.2 million was appropriated in FY2015 for necessary expenses resulting from a major disaster declared pursuant to the Stafford Act. Leading states Not applicable. Backlog/Interest Not applicable. Funding authority Discretionary. No specific authorization level. FY2014 funding $0 FY2015 funding to date $3.2 million to remain available until expended and for necessary expenses resulting from a major disaster declared pursuant to the Stafford Act. FY2016 Administration request $0 Statutory authority Authorized in §8203 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246) as §407 of the Agriculture Credit Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-334). 16 U.S.C. 2206. Authorization expires Permanent authorization. Program website http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=copr&topic=ecp Congressional Research Service 14 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program Administering agency(s) NRCS on private lands, U.S. Forest Service on National Forest Systems lands. Program description EWP provides technical and financial assistance to reduce hazards to life and property in watersheds that have been damaged by natural disasters. Assistance includes disaster cleanup and recovery activities, and purchasing easements in flood plainsfloodplains that will benefit natural resources such as wetlands, while reducing the risk of exposure to future natural disasters. Major 20082014 farm bill amendments NoneAuthorizes USDA to modify and terminate floodplain easements provided the current landowner agrees, and the modification or termination addresses a compelling public need for which there is no practical alternative, and is in the public interest. National scope Available nationwide. Participation and funding varies widely and unpredictably from year to year. The Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013 (P.L. 113-2) provided $180 million to be used for necessary expenses related to the consequences of Hurricane Sandy and major disasters declared pursuant to the Stafford Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) only year. No funding was appropriated in FY2014. To date, $78.6 million was appropriated in FY2015 for necessary expenses resulting from a major disaster declared pursuant to the Stafford Act. Leading states Not applicable. Backlog/Interest Not applicable. Funding authority Discretionary. No funding amount specified. FY2012 funding $215.9 million. FY2013 Administration request The Administration requested $180 million ($30 million for response and recovery and $150 million for mitigation efforts) on December 7, 2012, for damages resulting from Hurricane Sandy. FY2013 funding to date $180 million.specific authorization level. FY2014 funding $0 FY2015 funding to date $78.6 million to remain available until expended and for necessary expenses resulting from a major disaster declared pursuant to the Stafford Act. FY2016 Administration request $0 Statutory authority Authorized in §216 of P.L. 81-516 and §403 of the Agriculture Credit Act of 1978 (P.L. 95334), as amended. Amended in §2506 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79). 16 U.S.C. 16 U.S.C. 2203; and 33 U.S.C. 701b-1. Authorization expires Permanent authorization. Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/landscape/ewpp Congressional Research Service 15 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Administering agency(s) NRCS. Program description EQIP provides financial and technical assistance to producers and land owners to plan and install structural, vegetative, and land management practices on eligible lands to alleviate natural resource problems. Eligible producers enter into contracts to receive payment for implementing conservation practices. Approved activities are carried out according to an EQIP plan developed in conjunction with the producer that identifies the appropriate conservation practice(s) to address resource concerns on the land. Sixty percent of the funds are targeted to livestock producers. EQIP is the largest working lands program. Major 2008 farm bill amendments Lowers the limitation on payments to a total of $300,000, down from $450,000; limits projects with organic production benefits to $20,000 annually or $80,000 in any six-year period; authorizes a new water enhancement program (see “EQIP—Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP)”); reauthorizes the innovative grants program (see “EQIP— Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG)”); retains the allocation of 60% of funding each year to practices related to livestock production. National scope Available nationwide. In FY2011, EQIP allocated $871 million for 38,352 contracts covering 13 million acres, according to information in the FY2013 budget notes. Leading states In FY2011, the top three states by contracts signed were TX (4,163), MS (2,453), and CA (1,691). The most funding obligated was in TX ($106.2 million), CA ($90.1 million), and MO ($37 million). Backlog/Interest In FY2011, 38,352 applications were funded and 25,467 applications went unfunded. According to information in the FY2013 budget notes, 60% of valid applications were funded in FY2011. The total estimated cost of this backlog is $534 million. The most unfunded applications were submitted in TX (2,935), AR (2,363), and NE (1,865). Funding authority Mandatory. FY2009 - $1.377 billion, FY2010 - $1.45 billion, FY2011 - $1.588 billion, FY2012 $1.75 billion, FY2013 - $1.75 billion, and FY2014 - $1.75 billion. FY2012 funding $1.4 billion (authorization reduced by $350 million). FY2013 Administration request $1.4 billion (authorization reduced by $350 million). FY2013 funding Continuation of the FY2012 levels, including the reduction in authority, until March 27, 2013practices benefiting livestock. Major 2014 farm bill amendments Incorporates the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) into EQIP with a 5% allocation to wildlife habitat practices; removes the minimum one-year contract length requirement; adds veteran farmer or rancher to the list of certain producers eligible for cost-share rates up to 90% and advanced payments; raises the payment limit to an aggregate of $450,000 between FY2014-FY2018 and eliminates the waiver authority for contracts of environmental significance; repeals the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP); reauthorizes the innovative grants program (see “EQIP—Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG)”); retains the allocation of 60% of funding each year to practices related to livestock production; and reauthorizes and reduces the air quality funding carve-out from $37.5 million to $25 million annually. National scope Available nationwide. In FY2014, EQIP obligated over $928 million for 37,207 contracts covering 11.2 million acres. Leading states In FY2013, the top three states by contracts signed were TX (3,456), CA (2,410), and MS (2,011). The most funding obligated was in CA ($115 million), TX ($106 million), and AR ($55 million). Backlog/Interest In FY2014, 37,207 applications were funded (36.7%) and 64,169 applications went unfunded. The total estimated cost of this backlog is $1.7 billion. The most unfunded applications were submitted in AR (5,533), OK (4,255), and MS (4,113). Funding authority Mandatory. FY2014—$1.35 billion, FY2015—$1.6 billion, FY2016—$1.65 billion, FY2017— $1.65 billion, and FY2018—$1.75 billion. FY2014 funding $1.35 billion. FY2015 funding $1.3 billion (authorization reduced by approximately $117 million from sequestration and $136 million from P.L. 113-235). FY2016 Administration request $1.35 billion (authorization reduced by $300 million, not including sequestration). Statutory authority Authorized in subtitle D of Title III (§331-336) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-127) as §1240-§1240I1240G of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended by §2501 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246). 16 U.S.C. 3839aa-3839aa902201-§2206 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79). 16 U.S.C. 3839aa-3839aa-7. Authorization expires September 30, 20142018. Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/eqip Congressional Research Service 16 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs EQIP—Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEPConservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Administering agency(s) NRCS. Program description AWEP is a subprogram of EQIP. The program provides financial and technical assistance to producers and land owners to address water quality and quantity concerns on agricultural land. The program replaces the Ground and Surface Water Conservation program and the Klamath Basin program. AWEP addresses water quality and quantity concerns through eligible partners and established priority areas. Major 2008 farm bill amendments Program created in the 2008 farm bill. National scope Available nationwide, although not every state includes an eligible project area. In FY2011, AWEP obligated $59 million to 1,300 new contracts covering 250,000 acres, according to information in the FY2013 budget notes. A total of 8 new project area proposals were approved in the national competition. The 91 project areas approved in FY2009 and FY2010 continued to receive support. Leading states In FY2011, the top three states by applications funded were CA (1,050), NE (548), and TX (258). The most funding obligated was in CA ($21.3 million), TX ($6 million), and NE ($5.4 million). States with the most total applications received were CA (1,050), NE (548), and TX (258). Backlog/Interest In FY2011, approximately 50% of valid applications went unfunded. The total estimated cost of this backlog is $121.5 million. The highest numbers of unfunded applications were in CA (818), NE (354), and TX (203). Funding authority Mandatory. FY2009 - $73 million, FY2010 - $73 million, FY2011 - $74 million, FY2012 and each year thereafter - $60 million. FY2012 funding $60 million. FY2013 Administration request $60 million. FY2013 funding $60 million. Statutory authority Authorized in subtitle F of Title II (§2510) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246) as §1240I of the 1985 Food Security Act (P.L. 99-198). 16 U.S.C. 3839aa-9. Authorization expires Permanent authorization. Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/awep Congressional Research Service 17 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs EQIP—Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Administering agency(s) NRCS. Program description CIG is a subprogram of EQIP that awards competitive grants to state and local agencies, nongovernmental organizations, tribes, and individuals to implement innovative conservation techniques and practices. The program was first implemented in FY2004. Annual requests for proposals are published in the Federal Register and include separate funding categories for national, state, Chesapeake Bay, and Mississippi River Basin competitions. Examples of eligible projects include market systems for pollution reduction, demonstrating precision agriculture, capturing nutrients through a community anaerobic digester, and establishing a tribal partnership for regional habitat conservation. Major 2008 farm bill amendments Amends the grants to cover air quality concerns associated with agriculture (including greenhouse gas emissions); and expands the CIG objectives to include forest resource management and projects that provide conservation benefits through increased participation by producers of specialty crops. National scope Available nationwide with select states offering state competitions. CIG awarded a total of $30 million (61 projects in 40 states) in FY2011. In FY2012, NRCS offered two national CIG competitions. The first competition ($20 million) focused on nutrient management, energy conservation, soil health, wildlife, and CIG projects assessment. The second competition ($10 million) focused on market analysis of supply and demand for water quality credits, market rules, and infrastructure. Leading states Not applicable. Backlog/Interest None identified. Funding authority Unspecified subset of EQIP. FY2012 funding Unspecified subset of EQIP. FY2013 Administration request Unspecified subset of EQIP. FY2013 funding Unspecified subset of EQIP. Statutory authority Authorized in §2301 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-171) as §1240H of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended by §2509 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246). 16 U.S.C. 3839aa-8. Authorization expires September 30, 2014. Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/cig Congressional Research Service 18 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Farmland Protection Program (FPP)10 Administering agency(s) NRCS. Program description FPP provides funds to state, tribal, and local governments, and non-governmental organizations to help them purchase conservation easements from willing sellers to limit conversion of farmland to nonagricultural uses. The length of time from when a land owner first offers to sell an easement to when it is recorded with the deed to the land can be considerable. Major 2008 farm bill amendments Changes the program’s purpose from protecting topsoil to protecting the land’s agricultural use by limiting nonagricultural uses. The program is also restructured to emphasize longerterm and renewable cooperative agreements. National scope Available nationwide; however, some states may not have existing farmland protection programs through which FPP is carried out. From the program’s inception in FY1996 through FY2011, 3,805 easements on 980,078 acres were acquired, according to the FY2013 budget notes. In FY2011, over 133,882 acres were enrolled on 46 new parcels. Leading states In FY2011, the largest amount was obligated in WY ($53.4 million), followed by OH ($12.1 million) and NJ ($8.4 million). Backlog/Interest None identified. Funding authority Mandatory. FY2009 - $121 million, FY2010 - $150 million, FY2011 - $175 million, FY2012 $200 million, FY2013 - $200 million, and FY2014 - $200 million. FY2012 funding $150 million (authorization reduced by $50 million). FY2013 Administration request $200 million. FY2013 funding Continuation of the FY2012 levels, including the reduction in authority, until March 27, 2013. Statutory authority Authorized in §388 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 as §1238H-§1238I of the 1985 Food Security Act (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended by §2401 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246). 16 U.S.C. 3838h-3838i. Authorization expires September 30, 2014. Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/easements/farmranch 10 USDA calls this program the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP). Congressional Research Service 19 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) Administering agency(s) Easements are administered by NRCS, agreements are administered by FSA, and NRCS provides technical assistance for both. Program description GRP uses long-term rental agreements and easements to help land owners and producers restore and protect grasslands while maintaining them in a condition suitable for grazing using common management practices. Major 2008 farm bill amendments Directs 40% of funds to rental contracts (10-, 15-, and 20-year duration) and 60% for permanent easements; authorizes the enrollment of 1.22 million acres between FY2009 and FY2012; gives priority enrollment to certain expiring CRP lands; tribal lands are now eligible for the program. National scope Available nationwide. In FY2011, a total of $70.7 million was obligated and committed, $56.3 million to GRP easements and $14.5 million to rental contracts. In FY2011, 328 new participants enrolled 202,362 acres, according to information in the FY2012 budget notes. Leading states In FY2011, states with the most funding obligated were ID ($4.6 million), TX ($1.46 million), and WY ($1.2 million). Backlog/Interest None identified. Funding authority Mandatory. Authorized to enroll 1.22 million acres between FY2009-FY2012. FY2012 est. funding $62 million (reduced enrollment total of 209,000 acres in FY2012, approximate $30 million reduction). FY2013 Administration request $4.6 million (subject to reauthorization). FY2013 funding Authority was extended to September 30, 2013, in the American Taxpayers Relief Act (P.L. 112-240); however, the program has little to no mandatory baseline funding to enroll new acres. Statutory authority Authorized in §2401 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-171) as §1238N-§1238Q of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended by §2403 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246). 16 U.S.C. 3838n3838q. Authorization expires September 30, 2013. Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/easements/grassland Congressional Research Service 20 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) Administering agency(s) NRCS. Program description Assists landowners in restoring and enhancing forest ecosystems using 10-year agreements, 30-year easements, and permanent easements. Major 2008 farm bill amendments Allows permanent easements; directs 40% of funds to cost-share agreements and 60% for 30year or permanent easements; and authorizes mandatory funding through the CCC. National scope Not available nationwide. Limited participation in AR, CA, GA, IN, KY, ME, MI, MS, OH, OK, OR, PA, and SC. Leading states The program was initially introduced as a pilot program in AR, ME, and MS. In FY2011, 43 applications were enrolled into easements encompassing 22,995 acres. In FY2011, states with the most funding obligated were OR ($5.1 million), OK ($3.7 million), and GA ($2.5 million). Backlog/Interest During FY2011, a total of 215 applications were submitted and 43 applications were enrolled (20%). Funding authority Mandatory. $9.75 million annually for FY2009-FY2012. FY2012 funding $9.75 million. FY2013 Administration request $0. FY2013 funding Authority was extended to September 30, 2013, in the American Taxpayers Relief Act (P.L. 112-240); however, the program has little to no mandatory baseline funding to enroll new acres. Statutory authority Authorized in Title V Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-148), as amended. Amended by §8205 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246). 16 U.S.C. 6572. Authorization expires September 30, 2013. Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/easements/forests Congressional Research Service 21 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Program Administering agency(s) NRCS. Program description The RC&D program provides support in the form of NRCS staff coordinators to authorized county and multi-county areas. Coordinators assist state and local units of government and non-profits to develop and carry out programs to conserve and improve natural resources and the use of land, and improve conditions in rural America. Major 2008 farm bill amendments Emphasizes the locally led planning process to provide assistance for implementing area plans. National scope The FY2011 long-term continuing resolution (P.L. 112-10) terminated funding for the RC&D program. The termination of funding continued in the FY2012 appropriations (P.L. 112-55), as requested by the Administration. Leading states A small of funding was apportioned in FY2011 to close out the program. States with the most funding obligated and most staff years were TX ($1.2 million, 10 staff years), IA ($846,000, 7 staff years), and KY ($756,000, 7 staff years). Backlog/Interest USDA is currently closing out the program in which many RC&D councils will likely dissolve. Funding authority Discretionary. No amount specified. FY2012 funding $0. FY2013 Administration request $0. FY2013 funding $0. Statutory authority Authorized in §31 and §32 of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act (P.L. 89-796), as amended. Amended by §2805 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110246). 16 U.S.C. 3451-3459. Authorization expires Permanent authorization. Congressional Research Service 22 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Administering agency(s) FSA. Program description The Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program encourages owners and operators of privately held farm, ranch, and forest land to voluntarily make that land available for access by the public for wildlife-dependent recreation, including hunting or fishing, under programs implemented by state or tribal governments. Competitive grants are offered to states and tribal governments for expanding existing access programs or creating new programs. Grants are reduced by 25% if opening dates for migratory bird hunting in a state are not consistent for residents and nonresidents. Major 2008 farm bill amendments Program created in the 2008 farm bill. National scope Available nationwide. According to FSA, 26 states have public access programs for hunting, fishing, and other related activities. An unknown number of tribal governments have similar public access programs. Leading states In FY2011, CA, GA, HI, MT, NH, ND, PA, TX, VA, WA, WY, and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation were awarded grants. Backlog/Interest None identified. Funding authority Mandatory: $50 million for FY2009-FY2012. Discretionary: $10 million for FY2013. FY2012 est. funding $0 (authorization reduced by approximately $17 million). FY2013 Administration request $5 million (to remain available until expended). FY2013 funding $0. Statutory authority Authorized in Title II, §2606 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110246) as §1240R of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198). 16 U.S.C. 3839bb-5. Authorization expires September 30, 2013. Program website http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=copr&topic=pahp Congressional Research Service 23 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations Administering agency(s) NRCS. Program description Also referred to as the Small Watershed Program, Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations are two separate authorizations under which more than 11,000 structures have been built in more than 1,700 active and completed projects. The P.L. 78-534 Flood Prevention Operations Program authorizes 11 projects, while the P.L. 83-566 Small Watershed Operations Program authorizes watershed projects generally. Projects may be authorized for any of 8 purposes; almost all projects have flood control as an authorized purpose. Under P.L. 566, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to plan and install projects on private lands, in cooperation with local sponsors, states, and other public agencies. The small watershed project costs are shared with local partners. Projects are limited to a maximum size, including 25,000 acre-feet of total capacity and 250,000 acres in extent. Projects above a specified size require congressional committee authorization. Major 2008 farm bill amendments None. National scope Available nationwide. A total of 439 work plans are complete under P.L. 534, and 1,790 are active or completed under P.L. 566, according to the FY2013 budget notes. In FY2011, one new P.L. 566 project was authorized in MN. Leading states No funding was appropriated in FY2011. Backlog/Interest NRCS identifies a total of $707 million in active unfunded federal commitments for approximately 300 active authorized P.L. 566 projects. The complete authorized unfunded federal commitment totals $921 million, with the greatest value of unfunded commitments is in TX ($245 million), OK ($126 million), and MO ($111 million), according to the FY2013 budget notes. Funding authority Discretionary. No amount specified. FY2012 funding $0. FY2013 Administration request $0. FY2013 funding $0. Statutory authority Authorized in the Flood Control Act of 1944 (P.L. 78-534), as amended, and the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (P.L. 83-566), as amended. 33 U.S.C. 701b-1 and 16 U.S.C. 1000 et. seq. Authorization expires Permanent authorization. Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/national/programs/landscape/?&cid= nrcs143_008271 Congressional Research Service 24 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Watershed Rehabilitation Program Administering agency(s) NRCS. Program description The Watershed Rehabilitation Program provides technical and financial assistance for planning, design, and implementation to rehabilitate aging watershed dam projects (including upgrading or removing dams) in communities to address health and safety concerns. Only dams constructed under the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations program (see “Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations” above) are eligible. Small watershed project dams have a 50-year design life, and 2,317 reached or exceeded that time span by the end of 2011. By the end of 2015, this number will be 4,480, according to the FY2013 budget notes. Major 2008 farm bill amendments Reauthorizes both mandatory and discretionary funding. National scope Only available for dams built through the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations program and the RC&D program (see discussions above). In FY2011, the rehabilitation of 234 dams was authorized in 28 states, and the rehabilitation of 110 dams was complete, according to the FY2013 budget notes. Leading states The largest number of funded dam projects (2000-2011) are in OK (49), MS (24), and TX (20); states with the highest allocation in FY2011 were OK ($2.4 million), NE ($1.6 million), and TX ($1.4 million). Backlog/Interest In FY2011, over $34.9 million in requests were received from public sponsors of 110 highpriority dams to have the condition of their dams assessed in consideration for rehabilitation. Funding authority Mandatory: FY2009, $100 million. Discretionary: $85 million annually, FY2008-FY2012. FY2012 funding $15 million in discretionary funding and $0 in mandatory funding (authorization reduced by $165 million). FY2013 Administration request $0 in discretionary funding and $0 in mandatory funding (permanently cancel the $165 million of annual carry-over). FY2013 funding Continuation of FY2012 funding levels, including the reduction in authority, until March 27, 2013. Statutory authority Authorized in §313 of the Grain Standards and Warehouse Improvement Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-472) as §14 of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, as amended. Amended by §2803 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246). 16 U.S.C. 1012. Authorization expires September 30, 2013. Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/landscape/wr Congressional Research Service 25 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) Administering agency(s) NRCS. Program description WRP funds the purchase of easements (30 years or permanent), restoration agreements (usually 10 years in length), and 30-year contracts to assist land owners in protecting and restoring wetlands. It provides technical and financial assistance, and emphasizes restoration to original natural conditions where possible. Major 2008 farm bill amendments Increases the WRP maximum enrollment cap to over 3.014 million acres (up from a previous cap of 2.275 million acres); expands eligible lands to include certain types of private and tribal wetlands, croplands, and grasslands, as well as lands that meet the habitat needs of specific wildlife species; changes the payment schedule for easements; limits wetland restoration payments; specifies criteria for ranking program applications; requires USDA conduct an annual survey of the Prairie Pothole Region starting with FY2008; and requires USDA to submit a report to Congress on long-term conservation easements under the program. National scope Available nationwide. Through FY2011, 2.5 million acres have been enrolled, with easements closed and restored on 2 million acres. In 2011, more than 200,186 acres were enrolled in over 1,139 projects, according to the FY2013 budget notes. Leading states In FY2011, the largest number of agreements (including contracts and 30-year and permanent easements) were signed in ND (182), followed by MN (131) and SD (92). The largest numbers of enrolled acres were in ND (31,344 acres), FL (22,879 acres), and LA (18,876 acres). The greatest obligation of funding was in FL ($101 million), LA ($43.6 million), and IA ($37.4 million). Backlog/Interest Not available. Funding authority Mandatory. Maximum enrollment of 3.014 million acres at any one time. No funding amount specified. FY2012 est. funding $417 million (based on a reduced enrollment total of 271,158 acres in FY2012, approximate $200 million reduction). FY2013 Administration request $224 million. FY2013 funding Authority was extended to September 30, 2013, in the American Taxpayers Relief Act (P.L. 112-240). When authorized in the 2008 farm bill, WRP did not include budgetary baseline beyond FY2012. Temporary reductions in FY2011 and FY2012 annual appropriations acts limited USDA’s ability to enroll the authorized level of acres. This resulted in limited baseline being carried forward into FY2013, whereas it would have otherwise been expended by the end of FY2012. With the current farm bill extension, WRP can presumably utilize this additional baseline to enroll acres within its original authorized acreage cap. Statutory authority Authorized in §1438 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 (P.L. 101624) as §1237-§1237F of the 1985 Food Security Act (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended by §2201-2208 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246). 16 U.S.C. 3837-3837f. Authorization expires September 30, 2013. Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/easements/wetlands Congressional Research Service 26 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) Administering agency(s) NRCS. Program description WHIP provides technical and financial assistance to eligible participants to develop upland wildlife, wetland wildlife, threatened and endangered species, fish and other types of wildlife habitat. Participants enter into contracts, usually 5 to 10 years in duration, which pays up to 75% of the contract implementation cost. Major 2008 farm bill amendments Limits program eligibility to focus on “the development of wildlife habitat on private agricultural land, nonindustrial private forest land, and tribal lands,” thus potentially excluding some previously covered areas (i.e., non-agricultural lands). It also allows USDA to provide priority to projects that address issues raised by state, regional, and national conservation initiatives. National scope Available nationwide. In FY2011, over 3,800 agreements were enrolled on almost 850,000 acres. Leading states In FY2011, the largest number of contracts was in GA (412), followed by AL (337) and TX (283). The largest number of enrolled acres was in TX (317,449 acres), followed by ME (39,049 acres) and AK (35,022 acres). The greatest obligation of funding was in TX ($11.8 million), followed by GA ($7.5 million) and AL ($4.5 million). Backlog/Interest In FY2011, an additional 3,400 eligible applications valued at over $33 million remain unfunded. Funding authority Mandatory. $85 million annually FY2009-FY2014. FY2012 funding $50 million (authorization reduced by $35 million). FY2013 Administration request $73 million (authorization reduced by $12 million). FY2013 funding Continuation of the FY2012 levels, including the reduction in authority, until March 27, 2013. Statutory authority Authorized in §387 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-127) as §1240N of the 1985 Food Security Act (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended by §2602 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246). 16 U.S.C. 3839bb-1. Authorization expires September 30, 2014. Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/whip Author Contact Information Megan Stubbs Specialist in Agricultural Conservation and Natural Resources Policy mstubbs@crs.loc.gov, 7-8707 Congressional Research Service 27CIG is a subprogram of EQIP that awards competitive grants to state and local agencies, nongovernmental organizations, tribes, and individuals to implement innovative conservation techniques and practices. Annual requests for proposals are posted on http://www.grants.gov and include separate funding categories for national and state level competitions. Examples of eligible projects include market systems for pollution reduction, demonstrating precision agriculture, capturing nutrients through a community anaerobic digester, and establishing a tribal partnership for regional habitat conservation. Major 2014 farm bill amendments Adds research and demonstration activities, and new technology pilot testing as eligible projects; reauthorizes but reduces the air quality funding carve-out to $25 million of EQIP annually through FY2018; and adds a reporting requirement that no later than December 31, 2014, and every two years thereafter, a report must be submitted to Congress regarding CIG funding, project results, and technology transfer efforts. National scope Available nationwide with select states offering state competitions. In FY2014, CIG awarded a total of $15.7 million to 47 organizations through the national CIG competition. Leading states None identified. Backlog/Interest None identified. Funding authority Unspecified subset of EQIP. FY2014 funding $15.7 million. FY2015 funding Up to $20 million with approximately half available for environmental markets and conservation finance projects. FY2016 Administration request Unspecified subset of EQIP. Statutory authority Authorized in §2301 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-171) as §1240H of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended by §2207 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79). 16 U.S.C. 3839aa-8. Authorization expires September 30, 2018. Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/cig Congressional Research Service 17 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Grassroots Source Water Protection Program Administering agency(s) FSA Program description Grassroots Source Water Protection Program provides funding to the National Rural Water Association for technical assistance to operate state’s source water protection program. Local programs encourage the voluntary adoption of practices that prevent drinking water pollution. Major 2014 farm bill amendments Reauthorizes discretionary funding authority and authorizes $5 million in mandatory funding to remain available until expended. National scope In September 2013, the program was expanded to all 50 states. Leading states Annual appropriations are divided equally among all states. Backlog/Interest None identified. Funding authority Mandatory: FY2014—$5 million (to remain available until expended). Discretionary: $20 million annually. FY2014 funding $5.5 million in discretionary funding and $5 million in mandatory funding. FY2015 funding $5.5 million. FY2016 Administration request $0 Statutory authority Authorized in §2502 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-171) as §1240O of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended by §2502 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79). 16 U.S.C. 3839bb-2 Authorization expires September, 30, 2018 Program website http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=copr&topic=swp Congressional Research Service 18 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) Administering agency(s) NRCS Program description HFRP assists landowners in restoring and enhancing forest ecosystems using 10-year agreements, 30-year contracts, 30-year easements, and permanent easements. Major 2014 farm bill amendments Eliminates mandatory funding authority and replaces with an authorization to receive appropriations. Adds a definition of “acreage owned by Indian tribes." Provides flexibility for funding technical assistance. National scope Not available nationwide. Limited participation in AL, AR, CA, GA, IL, IN, KY, ME, MI, MN, MS, OH, OK, OR, PA, and SC. As of the end of FY2014, 109 agreements covering 676,932 acres have been enrolled in the program. Leading states In FY2013, the program enrolled 18 permanent easements, one 30-year easement, and two 10-year agreements for a total of 8,486 acres. In FY2013, states with the most funding obligated were OR ($1.8 million), KY ($1.2 million), and MS ($705,000). Backlog/Interest During FY2013, a total of 38 applications were submitted and 21 applications were enrolled (55%). Funding authority Discretionary. $12 million annually. FY2014 funding $0 FY2015 funding $0 FY2016 Administration request $0 Statutory authority Authorized in Title V Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-148), as amended. Amended by §8203 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79). 16 U.S.C. 6572. Authorization expires September 30, 2018. Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/easements/forests Congressional Research Service 19 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Administering agency(s) NRCS Program description RCPP provides financial and technical assistance for multi-state or watershed-scale projects. The program creates partnership opportunities to target and leverage federal conservation funding for specific areas and resource concerns. Project areas are defined by eligible partners and are selected through a competitive state or national competition. Partnership agreements are for five years with a possible one-year extension. In addition to defining the project area, providing assistance, and possibly acting on behalf of the producers within the project area, partners must also provide a “significant portion" of the overall cost of the project. Funds are also directed through "critical conservation areas” (CCA) selected by NRCS. In FY2014, CCAs include Chesapeake Bay Watershed, Great Lakes Region, Mississippi River Basin, Colorado River Basin, Longleaf Pine Range, Columbia River Basin, Prairie Grasslands Region, and California Bay Delta. Funding is statutorily divided as: critical conservation areas—35%, national projects—40%, and state projects—25%. Major 2014 farm bill amendments Created in the 2014 farm bill from four repealed programs—Agricultural Water Enhancement Program, the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative, the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Program, and the Great Lakes Basin Program for soil erosion and sediment control. RCPP contracts follow the existing rules and requirements of the covered programs. National scope To be eligible for an RCPP contract, a producer must be located in either a CCA or a selected partnership area, but is not required to work with the sponsoring project partner and may choose to work directly with NRCS. Partnership applications are accepted in two phases: pre-proposal and full proposal. In FY2014, 230 pre-proposal applicants were invited to submit a full proposal. Of the 210 full proposals (requesting $1.4 billion) received 115 projects were selected in FY2015, totaling $372 million in federal spending and leveraging an estimated $400 million in partner contributions. Leading states Following the final selection in FY2015, the three funding categories received the following (most total partners; offers): state—70 projects (WI—49 partners; TX––$11.4 million), CCA—24 projects (Chesapeake Bay Watershed—83 partners; Great Lakes Region––$27.5 million), and national—20 projects. Backlog/Interest In FY2014, the total amount of funding requested was more than six times the amount available. During the pre-proposal round, 600 proposals were received requesting about $2.8 billion. These included close to 5,000 partners willing to match $3 billion of their own funding. Funding authority Mandatory. 7% of available covered conservation program funds (EQIP, CSP, ACEP, and HFRP) plus an additional $100 million annually. FY2014 est. funding $100 million, plus 7% of available covered conservation program funds. FY2015 est. funding $92.7 million (authorization reduced by approximately $7.3 million from sequestration), plus 7% of available covered conservation program funds. FY2016 Administration request Requested reductions in covered conservation programs (see “Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)” and “Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)”). Statutory authority Authorized in subtitle E of Title II (§2401) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79) as §1271 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. 16 U.S.C. 3871-3871f. Authorization expires September 30, 2018. Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/farmbill/rcpp/ Congressional Research Service 20 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Administering agency(s) NRCS Program description The Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program encourages owners and operators of privately held farm, ranch, and forest land to voluntarily make that land available for access by the public for wildlife-dependent recreation, including hunting or fishing, under programs implemented by state or tribal governments. Competitive grants are offered to states and tribal governments for expanding existing access programs or creating new programs. Grants are reduced by 25% if opening dates for migratory bird hunting in a state are not consistent for residents and nonresidents. Major 2014 farm bill amendments Reduces and extends authorization of mandatory funding. Requires USDA to submit a report to Congress no later than 2016 on the effectiveness of the program. National scope Available nationwide. 26 states and one tribal government have participated to date. In FY2014, nine states and one Tribal Nation received grants for a total of $20 million. Leading states In FY2014, states receiving the most funding were PA ($6 million), IA ($3 million), and TX ($2.2 million). Backlog/Interest None identified. Funding authority Mandatory. $40 million in total for the period of FY2014-FY2018. FY2014 funding $18 million. FY2015 est. funding $22 million. FY2016 Administration request $0 Statutory authority Authorized in Title II, §2606 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246) as §1240R of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended by §2503 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79). 16 U.S.C. 3839bb-5. Authorization expires September 30, 2018. Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/farmbill/?cid= stelprdb1242739 Congressional Research Service 21 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Water Bank Program Administering agency(s) NRCS Program description The Water Bank Program offers 10-year, non-renewable rental agreements to landowners to maintain wetlands in lieu of draining the land for agricultural production. No financial assistance is offered for conservation practices. Applications are ranked based on land use type and flooding impact. Payment rates are as follows: $50/acre/year for cropland, $35/acre/year for pasture and range land (grazing lands), and $20/acre/year for forestland. The program was authorized in 1970 and operated until funding was eliminated in 1994 in favor of longer-term conservation programs. After 17 years of no funding, the program was appropriated $7.5 million in FY2012. These funds were obligated exclusively in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota and were focused on flood reduction. Major 2014 farm bill amendments None. National scope Not available nationwide. Eligible states include MN, ND, and SD. Leading states In FY2014, eligible states receiving the most funding were ND ($3.3 million) and SD ($1.1 million). Backlog/Interest In FY2014, there was a backlog of 492 applications with an estimated value of $23.1 million covering 61,545 acre in North Dakota and South Dakota. Funding authority Discretionary. No specific authorization level. FY2014 funding $4 million. FY2015 funding $4 million. FY2015 Administration request $0 Statutory authority Authorized in the Water Bank Act (P.L. 91-559), as amended. 16 U.S.C. 1301-1311. Authorization expires Permanent authorization. Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/financial/?&cid= stelprdb1047790 Congressional Research Service 22 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations Administering agency(s) NRCS Program description Also referred to as the Small Watershed Program, Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations are two separate authorizations under which more than 11,000 structures have been built in more than 1,700 active and completed projects. The P.L. 78-534 Flood Prevention Operations Program authorizes 11 projects, while the P.L. 83-566 Small Watershed Operations Program authorizes watershed projects generally. Projects may be authorized for any of eight purposes; almost all projects have flood control as an authorized purpose. Under P.L. 566, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to plan and install projects on private lands, in cooperation with local sponsors, states, and other public agencies. The small watershed project costs are shared with local partners. Projects are limited to a maximum size, including 25,000 acre-feet of total capacity and 250,000 acres in extent. Projects above a specified size require congressional committee authorization. Major 2014 farm bill amendments None. National scope Available nationwide. A total of 439 work plans are complete under P.L. 534, and 1,380 are active or completed under P.L. 566. Leading states None identified. Backlog/Interest An estimated $921 million is needed to install the remaining measures in the 302 active watershed projects. States with the greatest value of unfunded commitments are TX ($245 million), OK ($126 million), and MO ($111 million). Funding authority Discretionary. No specific authorization level. FY2014 funding $0 appropriated. $3 million congressionally directed from Conservation Operations (CO). FY2015 funding $0 appropriated. $5.6 million congressionally directed from CO. FY2016 Administration request $200 million. Statutory authority Authorized in the Flood Control Act of 1944 (P.L. 78-534), as amended, and the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (P.L. 83-566), as amended. 33 U.S.C. 701b-1 and 16 U.S.C. 1000 et. seq. Authorization expires Permanent authorization. Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/national/programs/landscape/?&cid= nrcs143_008271 Congressional Research Service 23 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Watershed Rehabilitation Program Administering agency(s) NRCS Program description The Watershed Rehabilitation Program provides technical and financial assistance for planning, design, and implementation to rehabilitate aging watershed dam projects (including upgrading or removing dams) in communities to address health and safety concerns. Only dams constructed under the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations program are eligible. Small watershed project dams have a 50-year design life, and 3,724 reached or exceeded that time span by the end of 2014. By the end of 2016, this number will be 4,749. Major 2014 farm bill amendments Reauthorizes both mandatory and discretionary funding authority. National scope Only available for dams built through the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations program and the Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) program. A total of 268 rehabilitation projects have been funded in 30 states between FY2000 and FY2014. A total of 127 projects are complete with 141 awaiting funding and implementation. Leading states States with the largest number of dam projects funded over the life of the program (20002013) are OK (53), TX (33), and UT (31). States with the highest allocation in FY2014 were AZ ($98.1 million), OK ($33.5 million), and TX ($30 million). Backlog/Interest In FY2014, over $900 million in requests were received from public sponsors. As of June 2014, NRCS expects approximately $336 million in requests to remain unfunded at the end of the fiscal year. Funding authority Mandatory: FY2014—$250 million (to remain available until expended). Discretionary: FY2008-FY2018—$85 million annually. FY2014 funding $12 million in discretionary funding and $250 in mandatory funding (authorization reduced by $153 million). FY2015 est. funding $12 in discretionary funding and $73 million in mandatory funding (authorization reduced by $11 million from sequestration and $69 million in P.L. 113-235). FY2016 Administration request $0 in discretionary funding and $0 in mandatory funding (authorization reduced by permanently cancelling the remaining $69 million of annual carry-over). Statutory authority Authorized in §313 of the Grain Standards and Warehouse Improvement Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-472) as §14 of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, as amended. Amended by §2505 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79). 16 U.S.C. 1012. Authorization expires September 30, 2018. Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/landscape/wr Congressional Research Service 24 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Author Contact Information Megan Stubbs Specialist in Agricultural Conservation and Natural Resources Policy mstubbs@crs.loc.gov, 7-8707 Congressional Research Service 25