Administering agency(s)

NRCS

Program description

. Congressional Research Service 4 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) Administering NRCS. agency(s) Program ACEP provides financial and technical assistance through two types of easements: description agricultural land easements that limit nonagricultural uses on productive farm or grass lands, and wetland reserve easements that protect and restore wetlands.

Agricultural Land Easements (ALE)—EnrollmentEnrol ment is through eligible entities that enter into cooperative agreements 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)—EnrollmentEnrol ment 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 2018 farm bill amendments

Major 2018 farm ACEP was reauthorized and amended with most changes affecting ALE. Amendments to bill amendments ALE include providing additional flexibilities to ACEP-eligible entities; creating a new "“buy-protect-sell"” transaction; reducing the eligible entity'’s nonfederal contribution; changing USDA'USDA’s administrative role; and clarifying requirements for subordination, exchange, modification, and termination of easements. Amendments to WRE center on changes to compatible use and vegetative cover requirements. Funding for ACEP was also increased.

National scope

National scope Available nationwide. Easements are considered enrolledenrol ed when the landowner and NRCS enter into the agreement authorizing NRCS to proceed with the purchase of the easement. The easement is closed when the purchase is complete and formally recorded. In FY2019, $245 mil ionIn FY2018, $245 million in ACEP funding was used to enroll enrol an estimated total of 117,700 159,031 acres of farmland, grassland, and wetlands through 353459 new ACEP enrollmentsenrol ments, as well as closing over 440400 easements on 141,000163,157 acres. This includes ALE (easements)––137 on 36,842 easements––117 on 41,519 acres; ALE (grassland easements)––21––16 on 46,266907 acres; WRE (permanent easements)––179 on 32,522––255 on 38,128 acres; WRE (30-year easements)––15 on 1,849––5 on 386 acres; and no WRE (30-year contracts, Tribes)—1 on 222 acres.

Leading states

30-year contracts with Tribes. Leading states The highest levels of funding obligated in FY2018FY2019 were in FL ($24.7 million), LA ($22.0 million), and MS ($21.0 million).

Backlog/Interest

29.7 mil ion), LA ($23.9 mil ion), and MS ($23.4 mil ion). Backlog/Interest Agricultural Land Easements (ALE)—In FY2018FY2019, ALE applications were received for over 133,246248,000 acres, including applications for grasslands of special environmental significance. Approximately 6236% of applications were enrolled.

enrol ed. Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE)—In FY2018FY2019, WRE applications were received for over 235,530408,800 acres. Approximately 139% of applications were enrol ed. Funding authority % of applications were funded.

Funding authority

Mandatory and subject to sequestration. $450 millionmil ion annually for FY2019-FY2023.

FY2019 funding est.

$402 million FY2020 funding $414 mil ion (authorized $450 millionmil ion is reduced by sequestration and by a transfer to the Farm Production and Conservation Business Center).

FY2020 Administration request

$450 million FY2021 $450 mil ion (authorization to be reduced by an unknown amount of sequestration). Administration Requests an annual funding reduction of $40 millionmil ion beginning in FY2021 and a transfer of request $8.3 mil ion to the Farm Production and Conservation Business Center in FY2021. Statutory beginning in FY2020.

Statutory authority

Authorized in subtitle D of Title II (§2301) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79) as ) as authority §1265 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended in §§2601-2605 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 16 U.S.C. §§3865-3865d.

Authorization expires

September 30, 2023.

Program website

). 16 U.S.C. §§3865-3865d. Authorization September 30, 2023. expires Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/easements/acep/

Administering agency(s)

acep/ Congressional Research Service 5 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Administering NRCS (conservation assistance), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS, organic agency(s) certification), and Risk Management Agency (RMA, production, price, or revenue risk reduction). Beginning in 2017, AMS transferred organic certification cost-share functions under AMA to FSA. Program under AMA to FSA.

Program description

AMA provides cost-sharing assistance under contracts of one to 10 years to producers in description 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 2018 farm bill amendments

None.

National scope

Major 2018 farm None. bill amendments National scope Not available nationwide. Eligible states are CT, DE, HI, ME, MD, MA, NV, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, UT, VT, WV, and WY. In FY2018FY2019, over $3.4 million5 mil ion in AMA funding (for conservation only) was used to enroll 168enrol 217 AMA contracts covering over 4,200close to 4,000 acres within eligible states. Leading states within eligible states.

Leading states

States with the most funds obligated (for conservation only) in FY2018 were ME ($821($915,000), WV ($611674,000), and MD ($605PA ($489,000). Backlog/Interest Not available. Funding authority ,000).

Backlog/Interest

Not available.

Funding authority

Mandatory and subject to sequestration. Permanently authorized at $10 millionmil ion for each fiscal year. Funding is split by law among the three USDA agencies: 50% to NRCS, 10% to AMS, and 40% to RMA. FY2020 funding $9.4 mil ion, including $4.7 mil ionAMS, and 40% to RMA.

FY2019 funding

$9.3 million, including $4.7 million for conservation (authorized $10 millionmil ion reduced by sequestration). FY2021 $10 mil ion, including $5 mil ionsequestration).

FY2020 Administration request

$10 million, including $5 million for conservation (authorization to be reduced by an Administration unknown amount of sequestration).

Statutory authority

request Statutory Authorized in Title I, §133 of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-224) ) authority as §524(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act, as amended. 7 U.S.C. §1524(b).

Authorization expires

Permanent authorization.

Program websites

Authorization Permanent authorization. expires Program websites http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/amaama (NRCS) and (NRCS); http://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/occsp (AMS); and https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/occsp/indexindex (FSA). Congressional Research Service 6 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Conservation Operations (CO)—Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) Administering NRCS. agency(s) Program (FSA).

Administering agency(s)

NRCS

Program description

Conservation Operations (CO) is the primary account funding technical assistance within description NRCS. More than 88% 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 ownerslandowners who voluntarily apply natural resource conservation systems, consisting of one or more practices, on private and other nonfederal lands. Other components of CO include the Soil Surveys, Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting, and Plant Materials Centers. Major 2018 farm None. bill amendments National scope Available nationwide. CTA was funded at $720.3 mil ion and 3,066 staff years for FY2019. Total CO obligations for FY2019 were $858 mil ion and 4,558and Plant Materials Centers.

Major 2018 farm bill amendments

None.

National scope

Available nationwide. CTA was funded at $768.8 million and 4,219 staff years for FY2018. Total CO obligations for FY2018 was $836.5 million and 4,709 staff years. Staff year refers to a fullful -time position funded for one year.

Leading states

Leading states No data are available for CTA alone in FY2018FY2019, but the three leading states for total CO funding were TX ($33.0 million31.6 mil ion), MO ($24.7 million23.7 mil ion), and IA ($21.8 mil ion). Backlog/Interest Not available. Funding Discretionary. No specific authorization level. authority FY2020 funding $735.6 mil ion for CTA out of $829.6 mil ion), and IA ($20.7 million).

Backlog/Interest

Not available.

Funding authority

Discretionary. No specific authorization level.

FY2019 funding

$725.9 million for CTA out of $819.5 million appropriated for all CO.

FY2020 Administration request

$661.2 million for CTA out of $755.0 million for all CO.

Statutory authority

appropriated for all CO. FY2021 $729.5 mil ion for CTA out of $830.2 mil ion for all CO. Administration request Statutory Authorized in the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act (P.L. 74-46), as amended. authority 16 U.S.C. §590a-g, 16 U.S.C. §590q. Authorization Permanent authorization. expires Program website 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.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/soils/home/ (soil survey); httphttps://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/water/snowsurvey/ (snow survey and water supply forecasting); and http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/ (plant materials centers).

Administering agency(s)

FSA, with technical assistance by NRCS.

Program description

(plant materials centers). Congressional Research Service 7 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Administering FSA, with technical assistance by NRCS. agency(s) Program CRP provides annual rental payments, usually over 10 years, to producers to replace crops description on highly erodible and environmentally sensitive land with long-term resource-conserving plantings. Bids to enroll enrol land are solicited during a limited time period, then compared using an Environmental Benefits Index (EBI). Those with the highest EBI scores are accepted. This is referred to as general sign-up. Embedded in the CRP are several small and more focused subprograms and initiatives that bypass the general bidding process and address specific resource topics. All lands that qualify for these subprograms and initiatives are automatically accepted and enrolledenrol ed on a continuous basis. This is referred to as continuous sign-up. Major 2018 farm continuous sign-up.

Major 2018 farm bill amendments

CRP was reauthorized and amended, including an incremental increase in its enrollment enrol ment bill amendments ceiling from 24 millionmil ion acres in FY2019 to 27 millionmil ion acres by FY2023. This increase in enrollmentenrol ment was partly offset by reducing rental rates for general contracts to 85% of the county average rental rate and to 90% of the county average rental rate for continuous contracts. Cost-share payments were limited to the actual cost of establishing the approved practices, including not more than 50% for seed mix costs. A number of other amendments were included that would further expand grazing and commercial uses on CRP acres as well as transition options for new and limited resource producers. Existing subprograms were codified and new pilot programs were created.

National scope

As of June 2019, there were 603,214 National scope As of May 2020, there were 588,855 active contracts on 339,751 farms with 22.3 million acres enrolled. Of this total, 13.5 million acres are enrolled333,683 farms with 21.9 mil ion acres enrol ed. Of this total, 13.2 mil ion acres were enrol ed under general sign-up, 941,465927,140 acres under Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program sign-up (CREP), 6.6 million5 mil ion acres under non-CREP sign-up, 395,769391,508 acres under Farmable Wetland sign-up, and 923,976919,127 acres under grasslands sign-up.

Leading states

Leading states Leading states by total acres enrolledenrol ed are TX (2.8 millionmil ion), KS (1.9 millionmil ion), and CO (1.8 millionmil ion). Leading states by total number of contracts are IA (106,984104,953), IL (76,41575,073), and MN (54,381). Backlog/Interest ), and MN (55,248).

Backlog/Interest

The most recent CRP general sign-up was held in 2016 (#49FY2020 (#54). During sign-up #49, interest was high, with a 22% acreage offer acceptance rate (1.9 million acres offered and 407,416 acres accepted). No general sign-up is expected in FY2019, however a one-year extension is being offered for contracts that expire September 30, 2019. This reduces the number of estimated acres expected to expire in FY2019 (1.35 million), but increases the estimated number of acres expected to expire in FY2020 (4.62 million).

Funding authority

54, 89% of acres offered for enrol ment were accepted (3.8 mil ion acres offered and 3.4 acres accepted). Funding authority Mandatory and statutorily exempt from sequestration. At any one time, CRP can enroll enrol no more than: 24 millionmil ion acres in FY2019; 24.5 millionmil ion acres in FY2020; 25 millionmil ion acres in FY2021; 25.5 millionmil ion acres in FY2022; and 27 millionmil ion acres in FY2023. No funding amount specified. FY2020 est. $1.9 bil ion (based on the estimated number of acres that wil be enrol ed, including funding technical assistance). FY2021 est. $2.0 bil ion (based on the estimated number of acres that wil be enrol ed, including Administration technical assistance). request Statutory specified.

FY2019 est. funding

$2.1 billion (based on the estimated number of acres that will be enrolled, including technical assistance).

FY2020 est. Administration request

$2.1 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. authority Amended in §§2201-2209 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 16 U.S.C. §§3831-3835. Authorization September 30, 2023. expires Program website U.S.C. §§3831-3835.

Authorization expires

September 30, 2023.

Program website

http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/conservation-reserve-program/ Congressional Research Service 8 link to page 11 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs CRP—Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) Administering FSA, with technical assistance by NRCS. agency(s) Program reserve-program/

Administering agency(s)

FSA, with technical assistance by NRCS.

Program description

This subprogram of CRP partners with states and nonprofit organizations at their request. description Partners propose areas, such as a watershed, where environmental or resource concerns are more concentrated and can be addressed by enrollingenrol ing eligible acres into CRP. Partners contribute a portion of the project funding to allow for larger payments, in order to encourage greater participation. Average rental payments are higher than for acreage under the general CRP sign-up process. Sign-up is held on a continuous basis.

Major 2018 farm bill amendments

Major 2018 farm Codified CREP as a subprogram of CRP similar to the original version of CREP that was in bill amendments effect at the time of enactment. Existing CREP agreements were allowed to remain in force but may be modified if mutually agreed upon. Agreements with partners were formalized, including matching fund contributions and sources. Additional requirements for select cost- share payments, incentive payments, and maintenance payments were also included. Specific requirements were included related to grazing, forested riparian buffers, and drought and water conservation agreements.

National scope

National scope There are 47over 40 CREP agreements in 3432 states, including 56,59655,246 contracts on 38,314 farms, enrolling37,581 farms, enrol ing a total of 941,465927,140 acres, as of May 2020. Leading states acres, as of June 2019.

Leading states

Leading states by number of acres enrolled are PA (126,247), OH (121,155enrol ed are OH (119,974), PA (110,410), and SD (79,484445). States leading in number of contracts are OH (15,689735), PA (7,692087), and MD (4,317). Backlog/Interest Not available. Funding authority Mandatory and statutorily exempt from sequestration. Limited overall by the total CRP acreage enrol ment cap (see “Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)”) but included in the minimum enrol ment targets for all continuous contracts: 8 mil ion acres by FY2019; 8.25 mil ion acres by FY2020; 8.5 mil ion acres by FY2021; and 8.6 mil ion acres by FY2022 and FY2023. No funding amount specified. FY2020 funding Unspecified acreage subset of CRP. FY2021 Unspecified acreage subset of CRP. Administration request Statutory Authorized in §2202 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334) as §1231A authority of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. 16 U.S.C. §3831a. Authorization September 30, 2023. expires Program website http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/conservation-reserve-enhancement/index Congressional Research Service 9 link to page 11 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs CRP—CLEAR30 Administering FSA, with technical assistance by NRCS. agency(s) Program This pilot program of the CRP enrol s expiring CRP acres with select water quality description practices in 30-year contracts. CLEAR refers to a separate but related initiative called the Clean Lakes, Estuaries, and Rivers initiative, which prioritizes select water quality practices for continuous CRP contracts that reduce sediment and nutrient loading and harmful algal blooms. Eligible CLEAR30 practices include grass waterway, contour grass strip, prairie strip, filter strip, riparian buffer, wetland restoration practice, and other similar water quality practices. Expiring continuous CRP contracts with eligible practices may enrol in CLEAR30 during the last year of the contract. Participants receive 30 annual rental payments, similar to those calculated under general CRP, with a possible rental rate enhancement payment. Land is maintained in accordance with an approved conservation plan, and compatible economic uses are allowed if included in the conservation plan (e.g., hunting and fishing, managed timber harvest, or periodic haying or grazing). Major 2018 farm Created in the 2018 farm bil . bill amendments National scope Not available nationwide. Only land within states located in Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay priority areas (DE, IL, IN, MD, MI, MN, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV, and WI) are eligible. The first sign-up began July 6, 2020, and closes August 21, 2020. Leading states Not available. Backlog/Interest Not available. Funding authority Mandatory and statutorily exempt from sequestration. Limited overall by the total CRP acreage enrol ment cap (see “Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)”). FY2020 funding Unspecified acreage subset of CRP. FY2021 Unspecified acreage subset of CRP. Administration request Statutory Authorized in subtitle B of Title II (§2004(a)) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 authority (P.L. 115-334) as §1231C(4,391).

Backlog/Interest

Authority for CRP, including CREP, lapsed with the expiration of the 2014 farm bill (P.L. 113-79) at the end of FY2018. Following enactment of the 2018 farm bill, continuous sign-up, including CREP, remained suspended until enrollment re-opened June 3, 2019. No announcement has been made for new or modified CREP agreements.

Funding authority

Mandatory and statutorily exempt from sequestration. Limited overall by the total CRP acreage enrollment cap (see "Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)") but included in the minimum enrollment targets for all continuous contracts: 8 million acres by FY2019; 8.25 million acres by FY2020; 8.5 million acres by FY2021; and 8.6 million acres by FY2022 and FY2023. No funding amount specified.

FY2019 funding

Unspecified acreage subset of CRP.

FY2020 Administration request

Unspecified acreage subset of CRP.

Statutory authority

Authorized in §2202 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334) as §1231A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. 16 U.S.C. §3831c(a). Authorization September 30, 2023. expires Program website https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/FactSheets/crp-clear30-pilot.pdf Congressional Research Service 10 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs CRP—Farmable Wetland Program Administering FSA, with technical assistance by NRCS. agency(s) Program This 750,000-acre subprogram of the CRP enrol sU.S.C. §3831a.

Authorization expires

September 30, 2023.

Program website

http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/conservation-reserve-enhancement/index

Administering agency(s)

FSA, with technical assistance by NRCS.

Program description

This 750,000 acre subprogram of the CRP enrolls small isolated agricultural wetlands. On a small isolated agricultural wetlands. On a description single tract of land, enrollmentenrol ment is set at a maximum of 40 contiguous wetland acres. "“Flooded farmland"” has a 20-acre limit. Eligible lands include wetlands that were cropped in three of the preceding ten years (and include buffers sufficient to protect them), on which the hydrology will wil be restored and a vegetative cover established. Sign-up is held on a continuous basis. Major 2018 farm Reauthorized the program through FY2023. bill amendments National scope continuous basis.

Major 2018 farm bill amendments

Reauthorized the program through FY2023.

National scope

Active contracts in 22 participating states: AL, AR, CO, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NC, ND, OH, OK, SD, WA, and WI. As of June 2019May 2020, there were 15,165 14,811 contracts on 11,651444 farms for a total of 391,508 enrol ed acres. Leading states Leading states by acres enrol ed are ND (134,553), SD (97,687), and IA (93,964). The largest number of contracts are in IA (5,003), fol owed by SD (3,912) and ND (2,837). Backlog/Interest Not available. Funding authority Mandatory and statutorily exempt from sequestration. No more than 750,000 acres may be enrol ed farms for a total of 395,769 enrolled acres.

Leading states

Leading states by acres enrolled are ND (135,562), SD (100,248), and IA (92,478). The largest number of contracts are in IA (4,970), followed by SD (4,067) and ND (2,893).

Backlog/Interest

Authority for CRP, including the Farmable Wetland Program, lapsed with the expiration of the 2014 farm bill (P.L. 113-79) at the end of FY2018. Following enactment of the 2018 farm bill, continuous sign-up remained suspended until May 15, 2019, when USDA announced the reopening of select continuous sign-ups, including the Farmable Wetland Program.

Funding authority

Mandatory and statutorily exempt from sequestration. No more than 750,000 acres may be enrolled at any one time and no more than 100,000 acres in any state (may be increased to 200,000 acres after agency review). FY2020 funding Unspecified acreage subset of CRP. FY2021 Unspecified acreage subset of CRP. Administration request Statutory to 200,000 acres after agency review).

FY2019 funding

Unspecified acreage subset of CRP.

FY2020 Administration request

Unspecified acreage subset of CRP.

Statutory authority

Authorized in Title XI of Agriculture and Related Agency appropriations, 2001 (P.L. 106-387 authority 387) as §1231B of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended in §2203 of the Agriculture Improvement Act 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 16 U.S.C. §3831b.

Authorization expires

September 30, 2023.

Program website

). 16 U.S.C. §3831b. Authorization September 30, 2023. expires Program website http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/farmable-wetlands/index

Administering agency(s)

FSA, with technical assistance by NRCS.

Program description

This subprogram of the CRP enrollsfarmable-wetlands/index Congressional Research Service 11 link to page 11 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs CRP—Grasslands Administering FSA, with technical assistance by NRCS. agency(s) Program This subprogram of the CRP enrol s grassland—including rangeland, pastureland, and description certain other lands—while maintaining the area as grazing. Contracts are for 14 and 15 years. Rental payments are limited to 75% of the contracted land'’s grazing value. Small livestock operations are considered in a separate ranking pool during enrollmentenrol ment. Expiring CRP acres have priority for enrol ment. Enrol ment is subject to a competitive offer process similar to the CRP general sign-up. Major 2018 farm Reauthorized and increased the enrol ment limit to not less than 2 mil ionCRP acres have priority enrollment. Sign-up is held on a continuous basis, but enrollment is subject to a competitive offer process.

Major 2018 farm bill amendments

Reauthorized and increased the enrollment limit to not less than 2 million acres by acres by bill amendments FY2021. Prioritized enrollmentenrol ment of expiring CRP land, land at risk of development, or land of ecological significance.

National scope

National scope Active contracts exist in all but 10 states—AK, CT, DE, HI, ME, MA, NV, NH, RI, and VT. As of May 2020VT. As of June 2019, there were 3,342321 active contracts on 2,082075 farms with 919,127 acres enrol ed. FY2020 CRP Grasslands sign-up (#202) opened March 16, 2020, and closed May 15, 2020. Leading states Leading states by acres enrol ed are NE (333,513), SD (135,584), and NM (94,400). The largest number of contracts are in NE (990), fol owed by SD (501), MT (187), and CO (187). Backlog/Interest The most recent CRP Grasslands sign-up was held in FY2020 (#201). During sign-up #201, 68% of acres offered for enrol ment were accepted (1.9 mil ion acres offered and 1.3 mil ion acres accepted). Funding authority farms with 923,976 acres enrolled.

Leading states

Leading states by acres enrolled are NE (335,877), SD (135,974), and NM (94,684). The largest number of contracts are in NE (993), followed by SD (501) and MT (188).

Backlog/Interest

Authority for CRP, including grassland contracts, lapsed with the expiration of the 2014 farm bill (P.L. 113-79) at the end of FY2018. Following enactment of the 2018 farm bill, grasslands sign-up remains suspended.

Funding authority

Mandatory and statutorily exempt from sequestration. Overall limited by the total CRP acreage enrollment acreage enrol ment cap (see " “Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)")”) but required to maintain a minimum enrollmentenrol ment of grassland contracts of 1.0 millionmil ion acres in FY2019; 1.5 millionmil ion acres in FY2020; and 2.0 millionmil ion acres in FY2021-FY2023. UnenrolledUnenrol ed grassland acres may not be used to enroll enrol other types of CRP contracts. No funding amount specified. FY2020 funding Unspecified acreage subset of CRP. FY2021 Unspecified acreage subset of CRP. Administration request Statutory specified.

FY2019 funding

Unspecified acreage subset of CRP.

FY2020 Administration request

Unspecified acreage subset of CRP.

Statutory authority

Authorized in subtitle A of Title II (§2001 et seq.) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79 authority 79) as §1231 et seq. of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended in §2201 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 16 U.S.C. §3831 et seq. Authorization September 30, 2023. expires Program website seq.

Authorization expires

September 30, 2023.

Program website

https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/crp-grasslands/index

Administering agency(s)

NRCS

Program description

crp-grasslands/index Congressional Research Service 12 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs CRP—Soil Health and Income Protection Program (SHIPP) Administering FSA, with technical assistance by NRCS. agency(s) Program This pilot program of the CRP enrol s less-productive farmland in three- to five-year description contracts to plant low-cost perennial vegetative cover in exchange for annual rental payments. Eligible land is limited to the Prairie Pothole region. Land must have a cropping history of three years prior to enrol ment (not including CRP enrol ment) and be less productive than other land on the farm. No more than 15% of a farm may be enrol ed and no more than 50,000 acres of the CRP may be used for the pilot. Participants are required to plant low-cost, perennial, conserving-use vegetative cover at the participant’s expense. In return the participant would receive an annual rental payment that is 50% of the general CRP annual rental payment, or up to 75% for beginning, limited-resource, socially disadvantaged or veteran participants. Contracts may be terminated early if considered necessary by FSA or if the participant agrees to pay back the annual rental payments. Harvesting, haying, and grazing are allowed outside of the local nesting and brood-rearing period, subject to additional conditions. Major 2018 farm Created in the 2018 farm bil . bill amendments National scope Not available nationwide. Only land within states located in the Prairie Pothole region (IA, MN, MT, ND, and SD) are eligible. The first sign-up began March 30, 2020, and closes August 21, 2020. Leading states Not available. Backlog/Interest Not available. Funding authority Mandatory and statutorily exempt from sequestration. No more than 50,000 acres may be enrol ed. No funding amount specified. FY2020 funding Unspecified acreage subset of CRP. FY2021 Unspecified acreage subset of CRP. Administration request Statutory Authorized in subtitle B of Title II (§2004(b)) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 authority (P.L. 115-334) as §1231C of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. 16 U.S.C. §3831c(b). Authorization September 30, 2023. expires Program website https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/FactSheets/fsa-shipp-factsheet.pdf Congressional Research Service 13 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) Administering NRCS. agency(s) Program CSP provides financial and technical assistance to producers to maintain and improve description CSP provides financial and technical assistance to producers to maintain and improve existing conservation systems and to adopt additional conservation activities in a comprehensive manner on a producer'’s entire operation. CSP contracts must meet or exceed a stewardship threshold for at least two priority resource concerns at the time of application and meet or exceed at least one additional priority resource concern by the end of the contract. Contracts are for five years in length with the option of a competitive renewal. CSP provides two possible payments: (1) an annual payment for installing new conservation activities and maintaining existing activities and (2) a supplemental payment for adopting a resource-conserving crop rotation, advanced grazing management, and comprehensive conservation plan development. EnrollmentEnrol ment is offered through a continuous sign-up and applications are accepted year-round.

Major 2018 farm bill amendments

Major 2018 farm Reauthorized the program but amended how the program limits future enrollmentenrol ment. CSP is bill amendments . CSP is shifted from a program limited by acres (10 millionmil ion acres annually under prior law; approximately $1.4 billionbil ion in FY2018) to one limited by total funding ($700 millionmil ion in FY2019 in mandatory funding, increasing to $1 billionbil ion in FY2023). CSP'’s ranking criteria waswere amended to focus on an application'’s actual and expected increase of conservation benefits and to add a cost -competitive selection criteriacriterion for similar applications. Additionally, payments for adopting cover crops, grazing management, and comprehensive conservation plan development were amended to include higher and more comprehensive payment options. National scope Available nationwide. In FY2019, CSP provided over $460.4 mil ionpayment options.

National scope

Available nationwide. In FY2018, CSP provided over $83 million in financial assistance for new enrollments, used to treat over 7.5 million acres. An additional 640,000 acres were newly enrolled with the renewal contracts.

Leading states

In FY2018, NE had the most total acres enrolled (711,509), followed by MS (589,414) and ND (530,878). The most funding obligated for FY2018 enrollment was in MS ($16.3 million), SD ($5.7 million), and NE ($5.5 million). Highestenrol ments, used to treat over 6.3 mil ion acres. Leading states In FY2019, SD had the most acres enrol ed (674,890), fol owed by NE (467,707) and MT (380,551). The highest funding level obligated for FY2019 enrol ment was in MS ($49.6 mil ion), SD ($27.6 mil ion), and NE ($22.1 mil ion). The highest total funding obligated for all CSP contracts in FY2018FY2019 was in SD ($94.6 million), AR ($83.6 million), and MN ($80.3 million).

Backlog/Interest

In FY2018, CSP renewed 37% of expiring 2013 contracts for another five-year term. Changes in operations resulted in the additional enrollment of 640,000 acres. States with the highest number of acres renewed in FY2018 were NE (684,182), SD (634,108), and AR (450,857). States with the most financial assistance for renewals were AR ($9.0 million), SD ($5.5 million), and NE ($4.1 million).

Funding authority

MS ($100.5 mil ion), NE ($84.8 mil ion), and TX ($81.2 mil ion). Backlog/Interest Not available. Funding authority Mandatory and subject to sequestration. FY2019—$700 millionmil ion; FY2020—$725 million; mil ion; FY2021—$750 millionmil ion; FY2022—$800 millionmil ion; and FY2023—$1 billionbil ion. Funding for CSP contracts enrolledenrol ed prior to the 2018 farm bill bil is provided through mandatory sources using such sums as necessary. FY2020 est. $2.4 bil ion total, including $1.7 bil ion for contracts enrol ed prior to the 2018 farm bil funding and $676.2 mil ion for contracts enrol ed under the 2018 farm bil such sums as necessary.

FY2019 est. funding

$1.5 billion total, including $656.6 million for contracts enrolled prior to the 2018 farm bill and $838.3 million for contracts enrolled under the 2018 farm bill (authorization reduced by sequestration and a transfer to the Farm Production and Conservation Business Center). FY2021 Proposes to eliminate the Conservation Stewardship Program and transfer $21.2 mil ion to Administration the Farm Production and Conservation Business Center in FY2021. request Statutory Center).

FY2020 Administration request

Proposes to eliminate the Conservation Stewardship Program.

Statutory authority

Authorized in §2301 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246) as §§1238D-1238G) as authority §§1240I-1240L-1 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended in §§2301 and 2308 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 16 U.S.C. §§3839aa-21-3839aa-25. Authorization September 30, 2023. expires Program website §§3839aa-21-3839aa-25.

Authorization expires

September 30, 2023.

Program website

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/csp

Administering agency(s)

FSA, with technical assistance by NRCS.

Program description

financial/csp Congressional Research Service 14 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs CSP—Grassland Conservation Initiative (GCI) Administering NRCS. agency(s) Program While within CSP, the GCI has separate requirements from other CSP contracts. Under a description GCI contract, the producer must meet or exceed the stewardship threshold for at least one priority resource concern. Contracts are limited to five years, with no renewal, but a producer can terminate a contract at any time with no repayment penalty. Payments are limited to $18 per acre and are not subject to the CSP payment limit. Land retains its base acre history while enrol ed, but the calculation of payments may not exceed the number of base acres on a farm. Eligible land is limited to cropland for which base acres have been maintained under FSA’s Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and was planted to grass or pasture, including idle or fallow land, during a specific period. Major 2018 farm Created in the 2018 farm bil . bill amendments National scope Available nationwide. In FY2019, GCI obligated over $76.1 mil ion in financial assistance for new enrol ments, used to treat over 849,000 acres. Leading states In FY2019, TX had the most total acres enrol ed (356,251), fol owed by OK (138,113) and LA (40,998). The most funding obligated for FY2019 enrol ment was in TX ($32 mil ion), OK ($12.5 mil ion), and LA ($3.7 mil ion). Backlog/Interest Not available. Funding authority Unspecified subset of CSP. FY2020 funding Unspecified subset of CSP. FY2021 Proposes to eliminate CSP, including GCI. Administration request Statutory Authorized in §2309 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334) as authority §1240L-1 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. 16 U.S.C. §3839aa-25. Authorization September 30, 2023. expires Program website https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/csp/ Congressional Research Service 15 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) Administering FSA, with technical assistance by NRCS. agency(s) Program ECP provides emergency funding and technical assistance to producers to rehabilitate description ECP provides emergency funding and technical assistance to producers to rehabilitate farmland damaged by natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, floods, droughts, and wildfires) through activities such as removing debris, restoring fences and conservation structures, and implementing emergency water conservation measures in response to severe droughts. Major 2018 farm droughts.

Major 2018 farm bill amendments

Added a new provision allowing producers the option of accepting a reduced payment for bill amendments repairing or replacing fencefencing rather than receiving a higher payment followingfol owing the completion and inspection of the practice. Advanced payments for fencefencing cannot exceed 25% of the total payment (based on cost) and must be expended after 60 days or be returned. Added a payment limitation of $500,000 per producer. National scope Available nationwide. Participation and funding varies from year to year. Leading states Not applicable. Backlog/Interest Not applicable. Funding authority Discretionary. No specific authorization level. FY2020 funding $0 to date FY2021 $0 Administration request Statutory returned. Added a payment limitation of $500,000 per producer.

National scope

Available nationwide. Participation and funding varies from year to year.

Leading states

Not applicable.

Backlog/Interest

Not applicable.

Funding authority

Discretionary. No specific authorization level.

FY2019 funding to date

The FY2019 supplemental appropriation (P.L. 116-20) provided $558 million to remain available until expended for necessary expenses related to Hurricanes Michael and Florence and wildfires occurring in calendar year 2018, tornadoes and floods occurring in calendar year 2019, and other natural disasters.

FY2020 Administration request

$0

Statutory authority

Authorized in §401 of the Agriculture Credit Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-334), as amended. authority Amended in §2403 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 16  U.S.C. §§2201-2205. Authorization Permanent authorization. expires Program website §§2201-2205.

Authorization expires

Permanent authorization.

Program website

http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/emergency-conservation/index Congressional Research Service 16 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) Administering FSA, with technical assistance by NRCS. agency(s) Program conservation/index

Administering agency(s)

FSA, with technical assistance by NRCS.

Program description

EFRP provides cost-share assistance to private forestland owners to repair and rehabilitate description 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 2018 farm None. bill amendments National scope Available nationwide. Participation and funding varies from year to year. Leading states Not applicable. Backlog/Interest Not applicable. Funding authority Discretionary. No specific authorization level. FY2020 funding $0 to date FY2021 $0 Administration request Statutory other resource-impacting events, as determined by USDA.

Major 2018 farm bill amendments

None.

National scope

Available nationwide. Participation and funding varies from year to year.

Leading states

Not applicable.

Backlog/Interest

Not applicable.

Funding authority

Discretionary. No specific authorization level.

FY2019 funding to date

The FY2019 supplemental appropriation (P.L. 116-20) provided $480 million to remain available until expended for necessary expenses related to Hurricanes Michael and Florence and wildfires occurring in calendar year 2018, tornadoes and floods occurring in calendar year 2019, and other natural disasters.

FY2020 Administration request

$0

Statutory authority

Authorized in §8203 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246) as ) as authority §407 of the Agriculture Credit Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-334). 16 U.S.C. §2206.

Authorization expires

Permanent authorization.

Program website

). 16 U.S.C. §2206. Authorization Permanent authorization. expires Program website http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/emergency-forest-restoration/index Congressional Research Service 17 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Administering forest-restoration/index

Administering agency(s)

NRCS on private lands and U.S. Forest Service on National Forest Systems lands.

Program description

agency(s) Program EWP provides technical and financial assistance to reduce hazards to life and property in description watersheds that have been damaged by natural disasters. Assistance includes disaster cleanup and recovery activities, and purchasing easements in floodplains that will wil benefit natural resources such as wetlands, while reducing the risk of exposure to future natural disasters. Major 2018 farm disasters.

Major 2018 farm bill amendments

Amended funding authority to include a set-aside of 25% of all available funding to repair and replace fencing.

National scope

Available nationwide. Participation and funding varies from year to year.

Leading states

Not applicable.

Backlog/Interest

Not applicable.

Funding authority

Discretionary. No specific authorization level.

FY2019 funding to date

The FY2019 supplemental appropriation (P.L. 116-20) provided $435 million to remain available until expended for necessary expenses related to Hurricanes Michael and Florence and wildfires occurring in calendar year 2018, tornadoes and floods occurring in calendar year 2019, and other natural disasters.

FY2020 Administration request

$0

Statutory authority

Amended funding authority to include a set-aside of 25% of all available funding to repair bill amendments and replace fencing. National scope Available nationwide. Participation and funding varies from year to year. Leading states Not applicable. Backlog/Interest Not applicable. Funding authority Discretionary. No specific authorization level. FY2020 funding $0 to date FY2021 $0 Administration request Statutory Authorized in §216 of P.L. 81-516 and §403 of the Agriculture Credit Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-334 authority 334), as amended. Amended in §2403 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 16 U.S.C. §2203; and 33 U.S.C. §701b-1.

Authorization expires

Permanent authorization.

Program website

Authorization Permanent authorization. expires Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/landscape/ewpp

Administering agency(s)

NRCS

Program description

landscape/ewpp Congressional Research Service 18 link to page 23 link to page 23 link to page 24 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Administering NRCS. agency(s) Program EQIP provides financial and technical assistance to producers and land ownerslandowners to plan and description 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 specific land resource concerns. Fifty percent of the funds are targeted to conservation practices benefiting livestock and 10 percent are targeted to practices benefiting wildlife.

Major 2018 farm bill amendments

Major 2018 farm Reauthorized the program and made a number of amendments focused on practices bill amendments related water quality and quantity, soil health improvement, and wildlife habitat improvement. The allocation of funding for livestock and wildlife was amended by increasing wildlife allocations from 5% to 10% and reducing livestock allocations from 60% to 50%. Payment limits for conservation practices related to organic production were increased to an aggregate of $120,000 between FY2019 and FY2023. Water conservation system payments were expanded to include irrigation and drainage entities with limitations. A new Conservation Incentive Contract was established to provide annual payments based on the adoption, installation, management, and maintenance of conservation practices that address priority resource concerns in select geographic regions. Payment limits or a specific percentage of EQIP funds to be used for incentive contracts was not included. Conservation Innovation Grants were reauthorized and expanded to include community collegescol eges, on-farm innovation, and soil health trials (see " “EQIP—Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG)" and "” and “EQIP, CIG—On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials").

National scope

”). National scope Available nationwide. In FY2018FY2019, EQIP obligated over $1.3 billion across 42,8875 bil ion across 41,471 contracts covering 13 mil ion acres. Leading states In FY2019covering 13 million acres.

Leading states

In FY2018, the top three states by active and completed contracts were TX (5,1063,911), MS (3,737(2,520), and CA (2,013AL (1,733). Obligated funding was highest in TX ($173 million), CA ($120 million), and MS ($76 million).

Backlog/Interest

In FY2018, 42,887136.3 mil ion), CA ($116.8 mil ion), and MS ($62.4 mil ion). Backlog/Interest In FY2019, 41,471 applications were funded (4527.7%) of the 93,778149,574 applications received. 14,84049,443 applications were determined to be valid, but unfunded. The highest numbers of unfunded applications were submitted in AR (6,208), MS (6,234), and GA (3,417).The total estimated cost of these unfunded valid applications was $206 million. The highest numbers of unfunded applications were submitted in MS (4,751), LA (1,187), and WI (1,109).

Funding authority

1.5 bil ion. States with the highest estimated unfunded application totals were AR ($224.4 mil ion), MS ($118.8 mil ion), and MO ($92.7 mil ion). Funding authority Mandatory and subject to sequestration. FY2019—$1.75 billionbil ion, FY2020—$1.75 billion, bil ion, FY2021—$1.8 billionbil ion, FY2022—$1.85 billionbil ion, and FY2023—$2.025 bil ion. FY2020 funding $1.6 bil ion (authorized $1.75 bil ion, and FY2023—$2.025 billion.

FY2019 funding est.

$1.6 billion (authorized $1.75 billion reduced by sequestration and a transfer to the Farm Production and Conservation Business Center). FY2021 $1.8 bil ion (authorization to be reduced by an unknown amount of sequestration). Administration Requests a transfer of $30.7 mil ion to the Farm Production and Conservation Business request Center in FY2021. Statutory Production and Conservation Business Center).

FY2020 Administration request

$1.75 billion (authorization to be reduced by an unknown amount of sequestration).

Statutory authority

Authorized in subtitle D of Title III (§§331-336) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement authority and Reform Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-127) as §§1240-1240G of the Food Security Act of 1985 ((P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended in §§2302-2306 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 16 U.S.C. §§3839aa-3839aa-7.

Authorization expires

September 30, 2023.

Program website

). 16 U.S.C. §§3839aa-3839aa-7. Authorization September 30, 2023. expires Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/eqip

Administering agency(s)

NRCS

Program description

financial/eqip Congressional Research Service 19 link to page 24 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs EQIP—Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Administering NRCS. agency(s) Program CIG is a subprogram of EQIP that awards competitive grants to state and local agencies, description 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. Grantees must provide a one-to-one match to grant funding. Examples of eligible projects include market systems for pollutionpol ution reduction, demonstrating precision agriculture, capturing nutrients through a community anaerobic digester, and establishing a tribal partnership for regional habitat conservation.

Major 2018 farm bill amendments

Community colleges Major 2018 farm Community col eges were added to the list of eligible EQIP producers that may be bill amendments included in a project. The list of eligible projects was expanded to include urban agriculture and edge-of-field monitoring. The air quality funding carve-out was reauthorized and expanded from $25 millionmil ion to $37 millionmil ion annually. Up to $25 millionmil ion annually of EQIP funds for FY2019-FY2023 are required to be used for an on-farm conservation innovation trial to test new or innovative conservation approaches either directly with producers or with eligible entities. A soil health demonstration trial is required to be carried out under the on-farm conservation trial that provides financial assistance for soil health and carbon-related practices ("(“EQIP, CIG—On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials").

National scope

”). National scope Available nationwide with selectselected states offering state competitions. In FY2019FY2020, CIG announced a total of $12.5 millionup to $15 mil ion available for projects. Priorities for FY2019 include increasing conservation adoptionFY2020 include water reuse, water quantity, pollinator habitat, and urban agricultureair quality, energy, and wildlife habitat. CIG funding since 2004, when the program began, totals nearlyover $300 millionmil ion though FY2019FY2020 and has funded over 700 projects. Applications for FY2019FY2020 funding closed June 29, 2020. Leading states None identified. Backlog/Interest None identified. Funding authority Unspecified subset of EQIP. FY2020 funding Unspecified subset of EQIP. FY2021 Unspecified subset of EQIP. Administration request Statutory funding closed May 30, 2019.

Leading states

None identified.

Backlog/Interest

None identified.

Funding authority

Unspecified subset of EQIP.

FY2019 funding

Unspecified subset of EQIP.

FY2020 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) ) authority as §1240H of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended in §2308 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 16 U.S.C. §3839aa-8.

Authorization expires

September 30, 2023.

Program website

). 16 U.S.C. §3839aa-8. Authorization September 30, 2023. expires Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/cig

Administering agency(s)

NRCS

Program description

financial/cig Congressional Research Service 20 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs EQIP, CIG—On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials Administering NRCS. agency(s) Program On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials is a subprogram of CIG, which is a subprogram description of EQIP. Funding is provided to partners, who provide incentive payments and technical assistance to producers to offset the risk of adopting innovative conservation practices. Producers must meet the EQIP eligibility criteria. Partners must evaluate and report on the environmental and economic impact of adopted conservation practices. Annual requests for proposals are posted on http://www.grants.gov and include a Soil Health Demonstration Trial component. The Soil Health Demonstration Trial component focuses exclusively on soil health practices that minimize disturbance, maximize soil cover, maximize biodiversity, and maximize the presence of living roots. Partners under the Soil Health Demonstration Trial agree to followfol ow NRCS soil health assessment protocols when evaluating practices. Major 2018 farm Created in the 2018 farm bil . bill amendments National scope Available nationwide. In FY2020, NRCS announced up to $25 mil ionevaluating practices.

Major 2018 farm bill amendments

Created in the 2018 farm bill.

National scope

Available nationwide. In FY2019, NRCS announced up to $25 million available for On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trial projects, including $10 millionmil ion for Soil Health Demonstration Trials. The maximum amount for a single award was limited to $5 million. mil ion. Priorities for FY2019FY2020 include irrigation management, precision agriculture, and management technologies and strategies. Applications for FY2019 closed July 15, 2019.

Leading states

Not Available.

Backlog/Interest

Not Available.

Funding authority

Mandatory and subject to sequestration. $25 million annually of total EQIP funding.

FY2019 funding

$25 million, including $10 millionFY2020 closed May 29, 2020. Leading states In FY2019, $24.3 mil ion was awarded to 16 projects, including nine Soil Health Demonstration Trial projects totaling $13.6 mil ion. States with awarded projects include AL, CA, CO, DE, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MD, MI, NE, NM, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TX, UT, VT, and WI. Backlog/Interest Not available. Funding authority Mandatory and subject to sequestration. $25 mil ion annually of total EQIP funding. FY2020 funding $25 mil ion, including $10 mil ion for the Soil Health Demonstration Trial. FY20201 $25 mil ion of total EQIP funding. Administration request Statutory for the Soil Health Demonstration Trial.

FY2020 Administration request

$25 million of total EQIP funding.

Statutory authority

Authorized in §2307 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334) as ) as authority §1240H(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. 16 U.S.C. §3839aa-8(c). Authorization September 30, 2023. expires Program website https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/financial/cig/?cid=nrcseprd1459039 Congressional Research Service 21 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program Administering NRCS and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) agency(s) Program 8(c).

Authorization expires

September 30, 2023.

Program website

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/financial/cig/?cid=nrcseprd1459039

Administering agency(s)

NRCS and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Program description

NRCS and APHIS coordinate the pilot through three components: (1) feral swine removal description by APHIS, (2) restoration efforts supported by NRCS, and (3) assistance to producers for feral swine control provided through partnership agreements with non-federal partners. Projects can be one to three years in duration. Pilot areas are limited to states where feral swine have been identified as a threat. Cost-share assistance is limited to 75% of the cost of eradication and control measures or restoration. Total funding is split between NRCS and APHIS, with no more than 10% for administrative expenses.

Major 2018 farm bill amendments

Created in the 2018 farm bill.

National scope

Major 2018 farm Created in the 2018 farm bil . bill amendments National scope Not available nationwide. Available in select project areas of AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC, and TX. In FY2019, USDA announced $33.75 millionmil ion for partnership efforts in 20 project areas in 10 states. The maximum amount for a single award is limited to $1.5 millionmil ion and requires a 25% match by the partner. Eligible activities under a partnership agreement may include outreach, training, equipment, and operation of feral swine training that are consistent with APHIS technical standards. Leading states Not available. Backlog/Interest Not available. Funding authority Mandatory and subject to sequestration. $75 mil ion total for FY2019-FY2023. FY2020 funding $70 mil ion, including $35 mil ion for conservationthat are consistent with APHIS technical standards. Applications for FY2019 close August 19, 2019.

Leading states

Not Available.

Backlog/Interest

Not Available.

Funding authority

Mandatory and subject to sequestration. $75 million total for FY2019-FY2023.

FY2019 funding

$70 million (authorization reduced by sequestration). FY2021 $0 Administration request Statutory sequestration).

FY2020 Administration request

$0

Statutory authority

Authorized in §2408 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 7 U.S.C. §8351.

Authorization expires

September 30, 2023.

Program website

). 7 U.S.C. authority §8351. Authorization September 30, 2023. expires Program website https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/farmbill/?cid=NRCSEPRD1461219

Administering agency(s)

FSA

Program description

farmbil /?cid=NRCSEPRD1461219 Congressional Research Service 22 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Grassroots Source Water Protection Program Administering FSA. agency(s) Program Grassroots Source Water Protection Program provides funding to the National Rural description Water Association for technical assistance to operate state's source water protection programprograms. Local programs encourage the voluntary adoption of practices that prevent drinking water pol ution. Major 2018 farm drinking water pollution.

Major 2018 farm bill amendments

Reauthorized discretionary funding authority and authorized $5 millionmil ion in mandatory bill amendments funding to remain available until expended. National scope The program is active in all 50 states. In FY2019, 171 source water plans were complete with management activities implemented in the source water areas. These water plans provide protection measures for 618 public drinking water sources (579 wells and 37 surface water intakes). Leading states Annual appropriations are divided equally among all states. Backlog/Interest None identified. Funding authority Mandatory and subject to sequestration: FY2019—$5 mil ionfunding 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 and subject to sequestration: FY2019—$5 million (to remain available until expended). Discretionary: $20 million annually.

FY2019 funding

mil ion annually. FY2020 funding Mandatory: $4.7 millionmil ion (authorized $5 millionmil ion is reduced by sequestration). Discretionary: $6.5 mil ion. FY2021 Mandatory: $0. Discretionary: $0. Administration request Statutory $6.5 million.

FY2020 Administration request

$0

Statutory authority

Authorized in §2502 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-171) ) authority as §1240O of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended in §2405 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 16 U.S.C. §3839bb-2

Authorization expires

September, 30, 2023.

Program website

). 16 U.S.C. §3839bb-2. Authorization September, 30, 2023. expires Program website https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/source-water-protection/index Congressional Research Service 23 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) Administering NRCS agency(s) Program protection/index

Administering agency(s)

NRCS

Program description

HFRP assists landowners in restoring and enhancing forest ecosystems using 10-year description agreements, 30-year contracts, 30-year easements, and permanent easements.

Major 2018 farm bill amendments

Major 2018 farm HFRP is reauthorized through FY2023, subject to appropriations. Expanded the purposes, bill amendments eligibility requirements, and enrollmentenrol ment priorities of the program to include species recovery and habitat conservation considerations. Authorized federally recognized Indian tribes to sell permanent easements on lands they own in fee simple. Specified that restoration plans may include a variety of land management practices if necessary to achieve habitat restoration objectives.

National scope

National scope Not available nationwide. Limited participation in selectselected states. As of the end of FY2018, 104FY2019, 102 agreements covering 676,131675,535 acres have been enrolledenrol ed in the program. Leading states Not applicable. Backlog/Interest Not applicable. Funding authority Discretionary. $12 mil ion annually. FY2020 funding $0 FY2021 $0 Administration request Statutory in the program.

Leading states

In FY2018, Oklahoma ($47,000) was the only state to receive funding.

Backlog/Interest

Not available.

Funding authority

Discretionary. $12 million annually.

FY2019 funding

$0

FY2020 Administration request

$0

Statutory authority

Authorized in Title V Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-148), as amended. authority Amended in §8407 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 16 U.S.C. §§6571-6578. Authorization September 30, 2023. expires Program website §§6571-6578.

Authorization expires

September 30, 2023.

Program website

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/easements/forests

Administering agency(s)

NRCS

Program description

easements/forests Congressional Research Service 24 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Administering NRCS. agency(s) Program RCPP provides financial and technical assistance for multi-statestate, multistate or watershed-scale description 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 five-year renewal or a 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, which can be provided through direct funding, in-kind, or a combination thereof. HalfOne-half of the available funding is directed to "“critical conservation areas"areas” (CCA), which include the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, Great Lakes Region, Mississippi River Basin, Colorado River Basin, Longleaf Pine Range, Columbia River Basin, Western Waters, Prairie Grasslands Region, and California Bay DeltaNortheast Forests and Waters. The remaining one-half of the funding is provided to state orand multistate projects. Major 2018 farm multistate projects.

Major 2018 farm bill amendments

Reauthorized and amended the program by shifting away from enrollingenrol ing land through bill amendments existing conservation programs to a stand-alone program with its own contracts. Expanded the scope of eligible activities and granted more flexibility to partners. Funding was increased from $100 millionmil ion annually to $300 millionmil ion annually for FY2019-FY2023.

National scope

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 FY2018, 91 projects were selected totaling over $220 million in federal spending.

Leading states

Following the final selection in FY2018, the three funding categories received the following (most total partners; most federal investment): state—54 projects (IL and IN—33 partners; NM––$3.4 million), CCA—19 projects (Mississippi River Basin—66 partners; Chesapeake Bay Watershed––$16.1 million total), and national—18 projects (Driftless Area Habitat for the Wild and Rare Phase 2—46 partners; Crisis to Opportunity: Sierra Nevada Tree Mortality and Partnership GRIC Water Supply Protection Program—$10 million).

Backlog/Interest

In FY2018, the total amount of funding requested was three times the amount available. During the pre-proposal round, 164 proposals were received requesting $683 million with a partner match of $1 billion.

Funding authority

Mandatory and subject to sequestration. $300 million annually for FY2019-FY2023.

FY2019 funding

$281 million (authorized $300 millionfunding announcements: Classic and Alternative Funding Arrangement (AFA). In FY2019, 48 projects from the Classic funding announcement were selected totaling $206 mil ion in federal spending with close to $300 mil ion in partner contributions. Applications for the FY2020 Classic announcement close November 4, 2020. The first AFA announcement was made in FY2020 and closed May 18, 2020. Leading states Fol owing the final selection in the FY2019 Classic funding announcement, the two funding pools (state/multistate and CCA) that received the most federal investment were: state/multistate—23 projects total (MA, Cranberry Bog Conservation and Habitat Restoration—$10 mil ion), and CCA—25 projects total (Colorado River Basin—$33.2 mil ion total). Backlog/Interest Between FY2014 and FY2018, 33% of proposals submitted were selected for a project. Funding Mandatory and subject to sequestration. $300 mil ion annually for FY2019-FY2023. authority FY2020 funding $282 mil ion (authorized $300 mil ion is reduced by sequestration). FY2021 $300 mil ion is reduced by sequestration).

FY2020 Administration request

$300 million (authorization to be reduced by an unknown amount of sequestration).

Statutory authority

Administration request Statutory Authorized in subtitle E of Title II (§2401) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79) as ) as authority §1271 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended in §§2701-2707 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 16 U.S.C. §§3871-3871f.

Authorization expires

September 30, 2023.

Program website

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/rcpp/

Administering agency(s)

NRCS

Program description

). 16 U.S.C. §§3871-3871f. Authorization September 30, 2023. expires Program website https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/rcpp/ Congressional Research Service 25 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Administering NRCS. agency(s) Program The Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program encourages owners and description 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. Projects last up to three years, and no award is more than $3 mil ion. Up to 25% of funds may be used to restore, enhance, or create wildlife habitat. 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 2018 farm bill amendments

Major 2018 farm Priority for funding under the program is amended to include wildlife habitat improvement bill amendments efforts on CREP acres and wetland reserve easements under ACEP. Reauthorized $50 millionmil ion in mandatory funding for FY2019-FY2023. Added a $3 millionmil ion set-aside to encourage public access on land covered by wetland reserve easements under ACEP.

National scope

Available nationwide. In FY2014 and FY2015, $20 million was made available each year. In total, 21 states and one tribal government were awarded agreements. In FY2016, all formal grant agreements were complete. Additional mandatory funding authorized under the 2018 farm bill is forthcoming.

Leading states

Of the FY2014 and FY2015 National scope Available nationwide. In March 2020, $49 mil ion was awarded to 27 recipients in 27 states. Leading states Of the March 2020 selected proposals, states receiving the most funding were PA ($6 million), IA ($3 million), and KS ($2.7 million).

Backlog/Interest

In FY2014, 28 state wildlife agencies and two tribal governments submitted proposals requesting funding in excess of $62 million. Nine state agencies and one tribal government received $19.7 million. In FY2015, 25 state wildlife agencies submitted proposals requesting funding of over $33 million. Fifteen state agencies received $19.7 million.

Funding authority

NE and OK ($3 mil ion each), and VA ($2.9 mil ion). Backlog/Interest Not available. Funding authority Mandatory and subject to sequestration. $50 millionmil ion total for FY2019-FY2023. FY2020 funding $47 mil ion (authorized $50 mil ion total for FY2019-FY2023.

FY2019 funding

$47 million (authorized $50 million is reduced by sequestration).

FY2020 Administration request

$0

Statutory authority

is reduced by sequestration). FY20201 $0 Administration request Statutory Authorized in Title II, §2606 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246 authority 246) as §1240R of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended. Amended in §2406 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 16 U.S.C. §3839bb-5.

Authorization expires

September 30, 2023.

Program website

). 16 U.S.C. §3839bb-5. Authorization September 30, 2023. expires Program website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/farmbill/?cid=stelprdb1242739

Administering agency(s)

NRCS

Program description

programs/farmbil /?cid=stelprdb1242739 Congressional Research Service 26 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Water Bank Program Administering NRCS. agency(s) Program The Water Bank Program offers 10-year, nonrenewable rental agreements to landowners description 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 followsfol ows: $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 without funding, the program was appropriated $7.5 millionmil ion in FY2012. These funds were obligated exclusively for agreements in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota and were focused on flood reduction efforts. Major 2018 farm None. bill amendments National scope reduction efforts.

Major 2018 farm bill amendments

None.

National scope

Not available nationwide. Only landowners in MN, ND, and SD are eligible. In FY2018, $4.0 millionFY2019, $3.3 mil ion was obligated to 5383 agreements covering 8,437 acres. Leading states In FY2019 agreements covering 10,315 acres.

Leading states

In FY2018, eligible states receiving the most funding were ND ($3.5 million), MN ($5772.8 mil ion), SD ($379,000), and SD ($195MN ($231,000). Backlog/Interest Not available. Funding Discretionary. No specific authorization level. authority FY2020 funding $4 mil ion. FY2021 $0 Administration request Statutory Authorized in the Water Bank Act (P.L. 91-559), as amended. 16 U.S.C. §§1301-1311. authority Authorization Permanent authorization. expires Program website ,000).

Backlog/Interest

Not available.

Funding authority

Discretionary. No specific authorization level.

FY2019 funding

$4 million.

FY2020 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

Administering agency(s)

NRCS

Program description

financial/?&cid= stelprdb1047790 Congressional Research Service 27 link to page 32 link to page 32 link to page 32 link to page 32 link to page 32 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations Administering NRCS. agency(s) Program Also referred to as the Small Watershed Program, the Watershed and Flood Prevention description Operations (WFPO) program consists of projects built under two authorities—the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act of 1954 (P.L. 83-566) and the Flood Control Act of 1944 (P.L. 78-534). The vast majority of the projects have been built pursuant to the authority of P.L. 83-566 (referred to as P.L. 566 projects), under which smaller projects authorized by the chief of the NRCS are constructed. Larger projects must be approved by Congress. Eleven projects were specifically authorized under P.L. 78-534 (referred to as P.L. 534 projects); they are much larger and more expensive than P.L. 566 projects.

Under P.L. 566 projects, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to state and local organizations to plan and install measures to prevent erosion, sedimentation, and flood damage and to conserve, develop, and utilize land and water resources. The project costs are shared with local partners. No project may exceed 250,000 acres,* and no structure may exceed more than 12,500 acre-feet of floodwater detention capacity, or 25,000 acre-feet of total capacity. The Senate and House Agriculture Committees must approve projects that need an estimated federal contribution of more than $25 millionmil ion for construction or include a storage structure with a capacity in excess of 2,500 acre-feet. If the storage structure will wil have a capacity in excess of 4,000 acre-feet, approval is also required from the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

*The 250,000 -acre limitation applies only to activities undertaken for the primary purpose of flood prevention in FY2020. Major 2018 farm of flood prevention in FY2019.

Major 2018 farm bill amendments

Waived the watershed planning requirements when considered unnecessary or duplicative. bill amendments Added a new section permanently authorizing $50 millionmil ion annually in mandatory funding beginning in FY2019 to be used for WFPO and the “Watershed Rehabilitation Program.” National scope beginning in FY2019.

National scope

Available nationwide. There are over 2,100 active or completed P.L. 566 projects in 50 states and U.S. territories. In FY2018FY2019, funding was provided to 2337 new projects, 19 18 authorized but unfunded projects, and 5 remedial projects in 1619 states. Leading states States in which the most funding was obligated in FY2019 include TX ($195.4 mil ion), MS ($36.3 mil ion), and UT ($30.2 mil ion). Backlog/Interest Not available. Funding authority Mandatory and subject to sequestration: $50 mil ion annually (may also be used for the “Watershed Rehabilitation Program”). Discretionary: no specific authorization level. FY2020 funding Mandatory: $47 mil ion (authorized $50 mil ion is reduced by sequestration, and an unspecified portion may be used for “Watershed Rehabilitation Program”). Discretionary: $175 mil ion, plus $5.6 mil ion states.

Leading states

States obligating the most funding in FY2018 were FL ($96.7 million), MO ($42.1 million), and MS ($36.2 million).

Backlog/Interest

Not available.

Funding authority

Mandatory and subject to sequestration: $50 million annually. Discretionary: no specific authorization level.

FY2019 funding

Mandatory: $47 million (authorized $50 million is reduced by sequestration). Discretionary: $150 million, plus $5.6 million in congressionally directed funds from Conservation Operations. FY2021 Mandatory: $50 mil ionOperations.

FY2020 Administration request

Mandatory: $50 million (authorization to be reduced by an unknown amount of sequestration). Discretionary: $0.

Statutory authority

Administration sequestration, and an unspecified portion may be used for “Watershed Rehabilitation request Program”). Discretionary: $0. Statutory Authorized in the Flood Control Act of 1944 (P.L. 78-534), as amended, and the authority Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (P.L. 83-566), as amended. Amended in §2401 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 33 U.S.C. §701b-1 and 16 U.S.C. §1001 et. seq. Authorization Permanent authorization. expires Program website 16 U.S.C. §1001 et. seq.

Authorization expires

Permanent authorization.

Program website

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/nrcs/detailful /national/programs/landscape/?&cid=nrcs143_008271

Administering agency(s)

NRCS

Program description

landscape/?&cid=nrcs143_008271 Congressional Research Service 28 link to page 31 link to page 31 link to page 31 link to page 31 link to page 31 link to page 31 link to page 31 Agricultural Conservation: A Guide to Programs Watershed Rehabilitation Program Administering NRCS. agency(s) Program The Watershed Rehabilitation Program provides technical and financial assistance for description 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 Smal watershed project dams have a 50-year design life. As of the end of 2018, 6,2452019, 6,470 of these dams have reached or exceeded that time span. By the end of 20192020, this number is expected to rise to 6,578. Major 2018 farm Reauthorized discretionary funding authority. Added a new section permanently bill amendments authorizing $50 mil ion annually in mandatory funding beginning in FY2019 to be used for the Watershed Rehabilitation Program and “Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations.” National scope , this number is expected to rise to 6,470.

Major 2018 farm bill amendments

Reauthorized 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 235 rehabilitation projects have been authorized in 31 states355 dams have been funded for rehabilitation between FY2000 and FY2018. Of these, a total of 150 projects are complete, and 85 projects are in progress (either in planning, design, or construction phase).

Leading states

FY2019. Of these, 248 dams in 25 states are authorized for rehabilitation, including 161 projects completed and 87 projects in progress (either in planning, design, or construction phase). The remaining 107 dams are in the planning phase awaiting funding. In FY2019, 117 assessments of high hazard dams were conducted. Leading states States with the largest number of dam projects funded over the life of the program (FY2000-FY2018) are OK (53), TX (36), UT (22), and MS (22). States receiving the most funds in FY2018 were TX ($22.5 million), OK ($15.2 million), and MA ($4.9 million).

Backlog/Interest

Not available.

Funding authority

Discretionary: $85 millionin which the most funding was obligated in FY2019 include TX ($11.1 mil ion), GA ($5.6 mil ion), and UT ($2.2 mil ion). Backlog/Interest Not available. Funding authority Mandatory and subject to sequestration: $50 mil ion (may also be used for “Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations”). Discretionary: $85 mil ion annually for FY2008-FY2023. FY2020 funding Mandatory: $47 mil ion (authorized $50 mil ion is reduced by sequestration, and an unspecified portion may be used for “Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations”). Discretionary: $10 mil ion. FY2021 Mandatory: $50 mil ion (authorization to be reduced by an unknown amount of Administration sequestration and an unspecified portion may be used for “Watershed and Flood request Prevention Operations”). Discretionary: $0. Statutory annually for FY2008-FY2023.

FY2019 funding

$10 million.

FY2020 Administration request

$0

Statutory authority

Authorized in §313 of the Grain Standards and Warehouse Improvement Act of 2000 (P.L. P.L. authority 106-472) as §14 of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, as amended. Amended in §2401 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334). 16 U.S.C. §1012. Authorization September 30, 2023. expires Program website §1012.

Authorization expires

September 30, 2023.

Program website

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/landscape/wr