Conservation Provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill

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The 2008 enacted farm bill (Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, P.L. 110-246)
reauthorizes almost all existing conservation programs, modifies several programs, and creates
various new conservation programs. A new Conservation Stewardship program replaces the
existing Conservation Security Program and a new Agricultural Water Enhancement Program
under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program is also authorized with mandatory funding.
Other new programs include the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Program and a “Sodsaver” provision
to help preserve native sod, including virgin prairie in the Prairie Pothole National Priority Area.
Significant modifications to existing programs include a reduction of the maximum enrolled
acreage under the Conservation Reserve Program to 32 million acres and an increase in the cap
for the Wetlands Reserve Program to over 3 million acres.
Other changes in the enacted bill include modifications to address eligibility requirements,
program definitions, enrollment and payment limits, contract terms, evaluation and application
ranking criteria, among other administrative issues. Eligibility is expanded for many programs
and technical assistance under most programs is broadened to cover forested and managed lands,
pollinator habitat and protection, and identified natural resource areas. Beginning, limited
resource, and socially disadvantaged producers, specialty crop producers, and producers
transitioning to organic production are also targeted for special consideration in many existing
programs.
Estimated new spending on the conservation title—not including estimated conservation-related
revenue and cost-offset provisions in the bill—is projected to increase by $2.7 billion over 5 years
and $4.0 billion over 10 years. Total mandatory spending for the conservation title is projected at
$24.3 billion over 5 years (FY2008-FY2012) and $55.2 billion over 10 years (FY2008-FY2017).
A comparison of conservation provisions in the enacted 2008 farm bill with existing law and the
House and Senate farm bills is provided in the Appendix.
This report will not be updated.

Policy Questions and Issues Shaping the Conservation Title of the 2008 Farm Bill.....................1
Program Funding and Producer Payment Limits......................................................................2
Geographic Emphasis................................................................................................................2
Program Complexity.................................................................................................................2
Delivery Effectiveness..............................................................................................................2
Regional and Multistate Conservation Efforts..........................................................................3
Program Evaluation...................................................................................................................3
Program Changes in the Enacted 2008 Farm Bill (P.L. 110-246)..................................................3
Land Retirement and Easement Programs................................................................................4
Conservation Reserve Program...........................................................................................4
Wetlands Reserve Program.................................................................................................5
Grasslands Reserve Program (GRP)...................................................................................6
Farmland Protection Program (FPP)...................................................................................6
Working Lands Conservation Programs....................................................................................6
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)...........................................................7
Conservation Security (Stewardship) Program...................................................................8
Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP).....................................................................8
Other Programs...................................................................................................................9
Technical Assistance and Conservation Program Administration.......................................9
Authorized Reports...........................................................................................................10
New Conservation Programs...................................................................................................10
Chesapeake Bay Watershed Program................................................................................10
Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentives Program.................................................11
Sodsaver Provision.............................................................................................................11
Environmental Services Markets.......................................................................................11
Miscellaneous Conservation Provisions...................................................................................11
Response from Conservation Interest Groups..................................................................12
Appendix. Agricultural Conservation Provisions in the Enacted 2008 Farm Bill (P.L. 110-

246) Compared with Previous Law and the House- and Senate-Passed Bills (H.R.

2419) .......................................................................................................................................... 13
Author Contact Information..........................................................................................................36

he Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246), the 2008 farm bill,
reauthorizes almost all existing conservation programs, modifies several programs, and
creates various new conservation programs. These changes address eligibility T

requirements, program definitions, enrollment and payment limits, contract terms, evaluation and
application ranking criteria, among other administrative issues. In general, the conservation title
includes specific changes that expand eligibility and delivery of technical assistance under most
programs to cover more broadly, for example, forested and managed lands, pollinator habitat and
protection, and identified natural resource areas, among other expansions. Producer coverage
across most programs is also expanded to include beginning, limited resource, and socially
disadvantaged producers; speciality crop producers; and producers transitioning to organic
production. The enacted bill also creates new conservation programs to address emerging issues
and priority resource areas, and also new subprograms under existing programs.
Estimated new spending on the 2008 farm bill’s conservation title—not including estimated
conservation-related revenue and cost-offset provisions in the bill—is projected to increase by
$2.7 billion over 5 years and $4.0 billion over 10 years. Total mandatory spending for the title is
projected at $24.3 billion over 5 years (FY2008-FY2012) and $55.2 billion over 10 years
(FY2008-FY2017).

Agricultural conservation became a significant and visible policy focus in the Food Security Act
of 1985. Since then, questions and concerns about conservation program funding, policy
objectives, individual program effectiveness, comparative geographic emphasis, and the structure
of federal assistance have been recurring issues in the debate shaping each successive omnibus ¹
farm bill. The 2008 farm bill is no exception. These long-standing issues arguably became even
more apparent in this farm bill as they found their way into many individual program changes.
This result may be a continuation of the more active profile taken by many conservation groups
and their supporters in the 2002 farm bill. Unlike commodity programs, conservation program
participation tends to be well represented by small and mid-size farming operations, according to
the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Economic Research Service. The
programs also enjoy wider public support. In an environment of pronounced domestic budget
constraint, however, conservation groups and producers found themselves competing with other
farming interests for the necessary resources to expand and continue many conservation
programs. Budget concerns aside, several other issues emerged in the debate leading to enactment
of the 2008 farm bill: funding priorities and payment structure, geographic targeting, program
complexity, the importance of large-scale conservation efforts, and measurement of costs and
effectiveness. These general policy issues—in various forms—raised questions central to the
deliberations and outcomes in the enacted conservation title of the farm bill.

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Among the questions raised were: Should payment limits be program-specific, or for some
combination of conservation programs? Would the imposition of payment limits change patterns
of participation and effectiveness of conservation programs? What are the potential differences in
saving under different payment limit options? Where should savings be allocated? Should each
conservation program have the same payment limit? How will funding levels affect the existing
backlog of interest in program participation that cannot be met?
Because agricultural production is concentrated in specific regions of the United States,
agricultural conservation and environmental issues are not randomly distributed. Some areas and
some natural resources reveal greater environmental impact from agricultural activities—actual
and potential—than others. For example, pressures on farmland development from urban sprawl
are more pronounced on the East and West Coasts. Although many areas of the United States
have water quality/quantity concerns or air quality issues, the deterioration of certain watersheds
and certain air sheds is more advanced in some places than in others. How is it determined where
federal conservation spending would be most effective? Should certain locations (states, regions,
or watersheds) be targeted? Does targeting particular producer groups provide an effective
strategy in resource management? Should some types of agricultural production or resource
concerns receive higher priority in evaluating applications?
Members of Congress, conservation groups, the Administration, and individual producers raised
questions about the desirability of proliferating conservation programs and the complexity of
adhering to various regulations that govern the programs. Some producers might have some
acreage under one program and other acreage under another program. On-farm wetland
management may be regulated by one program, while the environmental management plan of
retired acreage is under another program. The question arises whether there is avoidable
duplication or other inefficiencies that significantly limit conservation and resource management
effectiveness. Could existing programs be combined in certain ways? Would a consolidated effort
targeting a few specific resource issues reduce the complexity?
Along with the perceived complexity of agricultural conservation programs is the related issue of
the effectiveness of program delivery. Does the conservation delivery capacity of USDA agencies
need to be further supplemented through partnerships, relationships with other organizations, or
expansion of the technical assistance provider system? What opportunities and problems would
result if a large portion of staff in the responsible agencies retired in a short time period? Does
USDA currently have the staff needed to administer conservation programs if they were all fully
funded? How might more market-based solutions to resource conservation improve delivery
efficiency and program effectiveness?

Local planning and implementation of conservation programs through locally constituted councils
is an important aspect of conservation management and a long-standing characteristic of U.S.
local-federal relations. A significant question raised by conservation groups, however, is the
extent to which conservation efforts would be more effective and more efficient if they took place
at larger scales, for example, through regional or multistate resource planning and multistate
conservation planning. Because the conservation programs are voluntary, concern was voiced that
participation could decline if producers felt that conservation programs were more remote from
local planning input. Using watersheds or river basin drainage areas as policy targets, for
example, could reduce the planning control of any single area jurisdiction. The trade-off is seen in
the efficiencies that potentially stem from pooling financial and planning resources and targeting
particular resource issues affecting most if not all producers. The Chesapeake Bay region, the
Great Lakes, and specific river basins with significant agricultural impacts are examples where
larger scale planning may hold particular advantages.
How effective are federal conservation programs in improving environmental management of
natural resources? Evaluation is an essential part of effective conservation management. Yet,
developing practical and reliable indicators that can be used across programs and with different
producers and different resources has been a challenge. Policymakers and stakeholders generally
agree that conservation measures have been effective in reducing the environmental impact of
agricultural activities, but at what cost, in what locations, and under what specific circumstances
are much more difficult questions to answer. The recognized importance of establishing valid
indicators has been an ongoing issue in environmental management. Research has advanced
considerably in the area, to the point that integrating those findings within the structure of current
programs is viewed by many to be more feasible than it was in the past.

The 2008 farm bill reauthorizes almost all current conservation programs, modifies several
current programs, and creates various new conservation programs. The various conservation
programs administered by USDA can be broadly grouped into land retirement and easement
programs and so-called “working lands” programs. In general, land retirement and easement
programs take land out of crop production and provide for program rental payments and cost-
sharing to establish longer term conservation coverage, in order to convert the land back into
forests, grasslands, or wetlands. Working lands programs provide technical and financial
assistance to assist agricultural producers in improving natural resource conservation and
management practices on their productive lands. The enacted 2008 farm bill also creates several
new conservation programs under the bill’s conservation and other titles. The following sections
provide brief overviews of the Title II changes to agricultural conservation programs.

Major land retirement and easement programs include the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP),
the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), the Grasslands Reserve Program (GRP), the Farmland
Protection Program (FPP), among other programs.
The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a voluntary program that allows producers to enter
into 10-15 year contracts that provide annual rental payments and financial assistance to install
certain conservation practices and maintain vegetative or tree covers. Its purpose is to conserve
and improve soil, water, and wildlife resources by converting highly erodible and other
environmentally sensitive acreage to a long-term vegetative cover. CRP is the largest
conservation program in terms of total annual funding. It is administered by USDA’s Farm
Service Agency (FSA) and is funded through the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA)
Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). CRP also has several subprograms, one of which is the
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), that are designated to support state and
federal partnerships through incentive payments for installing specific conservation practices that
help protect environmentally sensitive land, decrease erosion, restore wildlife habitat, and ²
safeguard ground and surface water.
The enacted 2008 farm bill (Secs. 2101-2111) caps CRP enrollment at 32 million acres, down
from its current cap of 39.2 million acres. The managers report on the conference agreement
states this reduction is “not ... an indicator of declining or reduced support for CRP”; however, in
other sections of the report USDA is encouraged to assist producers who are transitioning from
land retirement to working lands conservation. The farm bill makes certain program changes,
including allowing USDA to address state, regional, and national conservation initiatives;
providing incentives for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers/ranchers to purchase CRP
land from retiring farmers; allowing certain types of managed haying and grazing and installation
of wind turbines on enrolled lands (but at reduced rental rates); requiring that program
participants manage lands according to a conservation plan; requiring USDA to survey annually
the per-acre estimates of county cash rents paid to CRP contract holders; clarifying the status of
alfalfa grown as part of a rotation practice; and establishing cost-sharing rates for certain types of
conservation structures.
The bill also amends the pilot program for wetland and buffer acres in CRP. Each state can enroll
up to 100,000 acres up to a national maximum of one million acres. This maximum may be raised
to 200,000 in each state following a review of the program. Eligible lands for the program include
(1) wetlands that have been cropped three of the immediately preceding 10 crop years; (2) land on
which a constructed wetland is to be developed to manage fertilizer runoff; and (3) land that has ³
been devoted to commercial pond-raised aquaculture.
Conditions under which managed haying and grazing on CRP acreage may occur have been
modified. The farm bill allows managed harvesting and grazing in response to drought and

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routine grazing to control invasive species. Where routine harvesting is permitted, state technical
committees are required to coordinate to ensure appropriate environmental management. In
addition to managed harvesting, the installation of wind turbines on enrolled land is now
permitted activity. Any of these permitted uses on CRP acreage will result in a rental payment
reduction commensurate with the economic value of the authorized activity.
The enacted farm bill permits 50% cost share payments on land used for hardwood trees,
windbreaks, shelterbelts, and wildlife corridors for contracts entered into after November 1990.
Contracts extend from a minimum of two years up to four years. Funding of $100 million also is
authorized to cover cost sharing for the thinning of trees to improve the management of natural
resources on the land.
The 2008 farm bill modifies the criteria for evaluating CRP contract applications. Evaluation
criteria include the extent to which a CRP contract application would improve soil resources,
water quality, or wildlife habitat. The bill also allows the Secretary to establish different criteria in
various states or regions that lead to improvements in soil quality or wildlife habitat. Preference
in new CRP contracts will be given to land owners and operators who are residents of the county
or a contiguous county in which the land is located.
The farm bill also establishes incentives to increase the participation of beginning and socially
disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. It authorizes CRP contract modifications to assist these
producers in leasing or purchasing land under a CRP contract from a retired or retiring farm
owner or operator. The provision authorizes $25 million for assistance in making these land
transfers.
Other enacted modifications to CRP include redefining the Chesapeake Bay region as a priority
area without limiting the region to the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. While the
new program apples to all watersheds draining into the Chesapeake Bay, the Susquehanna,
Shenandoah, Potomac, and Patuxent Rivers will get funding priority. A provision in the Trade and
Tax Provisions Title (Section 15301) will permit retired or disabled farmers and ranchers to ⁴
exclude CRP payments from self-employment taxes beginning January 2008.
The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) provides long-term technical and financial assistance to
landowners with the opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands on their property, and
to establish wildlife practices and protection. It is a voluntary program administered by USDA’s
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
The enacted 2008 farm bill (Secs. 2201-2210) increases the WRP maximum enrollment cap to
over 3.014 million acres (up from an existing cap of 2.275 million acres), and 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. The farm bill authorizes a new
Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program, to establish agreements with states similar to that for
CREP, which includes a Reserved Rights Pilot program to explore whether reserving grazing
rights is compatible within WRP. The bill makes certain program changes, including changing the

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payment schedule for easements; limiting wetland restoration payments; specifying criteria for
ranking program applications; requiring that USDA conduct an annual survey of the Prairie
Pothole Region starting with FY2008; and requiring USDA to submit a report to Congress on
long-term conservation easements under the program.
GRP is a voluntary program administered by USDA’s Farm Services Agency (FSA) that helps
landowners restore and protect grassland, rangeland, pastureland, and shrubland and provides
assistance for rehabilitating grasslands.
The enacted 2008 farm bill (Sec. 2403) adopts a new acreage enrollment goal of an additional
1.22 million acres by 2012, with 40% of funds for rental contracts (10-, 15-, and 20-year
duration) and 60% for permanent easements. Requirements for cooperative agreements similar to
those under the Farmland Protection Program are also authorized for GRP easements. The farm
bill modifies the terms and conditions of GRP contracts and easements to permit fire
presuppression and the addition of grazing-related activities, such as fencing and livestock
watering. Priority for enrollment is also given to certain expiring CRP lands, and tribal lands are
made eligible. The bill does not include a Grassland Reserve Enhancement provision, as proposed
in the House.
FFP is a voluntary program administered by USDA’s NRCS that provides matching funds to help
purchase development rights for eligible farmlands to keep productive farm and ranchland in
agricultural uses. USDA partners with state, tribal, or local governments and nongovernmental
organizations to acquire conservation easements or other interests in land from landowners, and
provides up to 50% of the fair market easement value of the conservation easement.
The enacted 2008 farm bill changes the program’s purpose from protecting topsoil to protecting
the land’s agricultural use by limiting nonagricultural uses and including lands that promote state
and local farmland protection (Sec. 2401). The federal share of easement costs are capped at 50%,
with the land owner contributing 25% of the costs. The program is also restructured to emphasize
longer term and renewable cooperative agreements. The bill also makes other technical changes
to the program covering the program’s administrative requirements, appraisal methodology, and
terms and conditions, among other issues. It does not rename the program the Farm and ⁵
Ranchland Protection Program, as the program is often referred to by USDA. The bill provides
additional budget authority for FPP of $743 million.
Major working lands programs include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP),
the (renamed) Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), the Agricultural Management
Assistance (AMA) program, and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), among others.

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EQIP and CSP are the two largest working lands programs, and received additional budget
authority over five years under the 2008 farm bill of $3.4 billion for EQIP and $1.1. billion for
CSP. The enacted farm bill did not include a Senate proposal that would have closely coordinated
CSP and EQIP under the so-called Comprehensive Stewardship Incentives Program.
EQIP is administered by USDA’s NRCS and provides technical and cost-share assistance to
farmers and ranchers for promoting agricultural production and environmental quality by
supporting the installation or implementation of structural and management practices on eligible
agricultural land. EQIP includes a number of subprograms, including the Colorado River Basin
Salinity Control, Conservation Innovation Grants, the Ground and Surface Water Conservation
Program, and the Klamath River Basin.
The enacted 2008 farm bill (Secs. 2501-2510) expands the program to cover practices that
enhance soil, surface and ground water, air quality, and conserve energy; it also covers grazing
land, forestland, wetlands, and other types of land and natural resources that support wildlife. In
evaluating applications, cost-effectiveness and comprehensive treatment of resource issues are
given priority. The bill sets aside 5% of the EQIP spending for beginning farmers and ranchers
and 5% for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, providing up to 90% of the costs of
implementing an EQIP plan for these farmers. It also provides payments to assist tribal or native
corporation members, and producers transitioning to organic production.
The 2008 farm bill lowers the EQIP payment limit to $300,000 (down from $450,000) in any 6-
year period per entity, except in cases of special environmental significance including projects
involving methane digesters, as determined by USDA. Projects with organic production benefits
are capped at $20,000 annually or $80,000 in any six-year period. The enacted bill retains the
requirement that 60% of funds be made available for cost-sharing to livestock producers,
including an incentive payments for producers who develop a comprehensive nutrient
management plan.
The bill reserves $37.5 million of annual EQIP funds for the Conservation Innovation Grants
program and modifies the grants to cover air quality concerns associated with agriculture
(including greenhouse gas emissions). It also replaces the Ground and Surface Water
Conservation Program within EQIP with a new Agricultural Water Enhancement Program
(AWEP) to address water quality and quantity concerns on agricultural land, highlighting certain
priority areas and providing additional mandatory funds for the program. The manager’s report
accompanying the farm bill suggests priority areas under the programs to include the Eastern
Snake Plain Aquifer region, Puget Sound, the Ogallala Aquifer, the Sacramento River watershed,
the Upper Mississippi River Basin, the Red River of the North Basin, and the Everglades. AWEP
prioritizes assistance to areas experiencing significant drought. The bill provides a total of $280
million through FY2012 for AWEP activities.
Funding for EQIP is authorized at $1.2 billion (FY2008), $1.337 billion (FY2009), $1.45 billion
(FY2010), $1.588 billion (FY2011), and $1.75 billion (FY2012).

The pre-existing Conservation Security Program is a voluntary program administered by NRCS
that 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 ⁶
working lands. However, the 2008 farm bill (Sec. 2301) phases this program out (except for
existing contracts) and replaces it with a new and renamed Conservation Stewardship Program
(CSP). The new CSP, beginning in 2009, will continue to encourage conservation practices on
working lands, but will be different from the former 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.
More than $2 billion in funding is made available for existing contracts under the former CSP
program.
Rather than the three-tier payment system, payments for new CSP contracts will be based on
meeting or exceeding a stewardship threshold—the level of resource conservation and
environmental management required to improve and conserve the quality and condition of at least
one resource concern. The stewardship threshold also must be met for at least one priority
resource concern identified at the state level as a priority for a particular watershed or area of the
state. Payments are based on the actual costs of installing conservation measures, any foregone
income, and the value of the expected environmental outcomes. The CSP reserves 5% of the
funds each for beginning farmers and ranchers and disadvantaged farmers and ranchers (Sec.
2704). Monitoring and evaluation of the stewardship plan to assess the environmental
effectiveness is also an element of the new CSP.
The bill sets a target of enrolling 12.8 million acres annually under the new CSP. Individual
producer payments are limited to $200,000 in any 5-year period per entity. Rather than annual
sign-ups for the program, CSP enrollment will be contracted on a continuous basis. The type of
eligible lands is expanded to include priority resource concerns, as identified by states; certain
private agricultural and forested lands; and also some nonindustrial private forest lands (limited to
not more than 10% of total annual acres under the program). Technical assistance will also be
provided to specialty crop and organic producers, along with a pilot testing of producers who
engage in innovative new technologies or participate in on-site conservation research. Producers
may also receive supplemental payments for resource-conserving crop rotations that provide
specific environmental benefits such as improving soil fertility, thus reducing the need for
irrigation. Program payments may not be used for the design, construction, or maintenance of
animal waste storage or treatment facilities or associated waste transport or transfer devices.
WHIP is a voluntary program designed for the development and improvement of habitat primarily
on private land. Through WHIP, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service provides both
technical assistance and up to 75% cost-share assistance to establish and improve fish and
wildlife habitat. The terms of WHIP agreements between NRCS and the participant generally are
from 5 to 10 years from the date the agreement is signed. The 2008 farm bill (Sec. 2602)
reauthorizes WHIP at current funding levels, but limits program eligibility to focus on “the

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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. The manager’s report emphasizes that the program
address various specific wildlife initiatives at state and local levels. The 2008 farm bill provides
$425 million (FY2008-FY2012) and also increases the limit on cost-share payments to 25% for
long-term projects. Payments to an individual entity are limited to $50,000 per year.
The 2008 farm bill also authorizes a $15 million increase in funding to $20 million annually for
FY2008-FY2012 for the Grassroots Source Water Protection Program (Sec. 2603). Funding is
also increased to $100 million (FY2009) for the Small Watershed Rehabilitation Program, to
remain available until expended (Sec. 2803). The Grassroots Source Water Protection Program, a
partnership between the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the National Rural Water Association, is
designed to help keep surface and groundwater water pollution from affecting drinking water. The
Small Watershed Rehabilitation Program is administered by NRCS and works to rehabilitate
older community dams.
The farm bill (Sec. 2801) also provides additional mandatory funding ($15 million annually,
FY2008-FY2012) for the Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA) and includes
Hawaii as an eligible state under that program. AMA provides cost share assistance to agricultural
producers to voluntarily address issues such as water management, water quality, and erosion
control by incorporating conservation into their farming operations.
The enacted bill amends the Resource Conservation and Development Program (RC&D) to
emphasize locally led planning processes and to provide assistance for implementing area plans
(Sec. 2805). The RC&D program designates RC&D areas and assists the capability of elected and
civic leaders to plan and carry out projects for resource conservation and community
development.
Also reauthorized through FY2012 is the Farm Viability Program (Sec. 2402). The Farm Viability
Program, as authorized in the 2002 farm bill, provides authority for USDA to provide grants to
eligible entities for the purpose of carrying out farm viability programs. To date, Congress has not
appropriated funds to implement the program.
The Great Lakes Basin Program for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control is a federal-state
partnership providing demonstration and technical assistance projects throughout the Great Lakes
region. The program is coordinated by the Great Lakes Commission in partnership with the
NRCS, the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The enacted
bill modifies the program to implement the recommendations of the Great Lakes Regional
Collaboration Strategy (Sec. 2604).
Site-specific technical assistance (TA) is provided for producers and landowners in constructing
and installing conservation and natural resource management technologies. Producers often need
TA in designing and implementing appropriate conservation strategies. The enacted 2008 farm
bill makes changes in the TA component of various conservation programs to respond to these

producer needs and clarifies the purposes of TA. The bill also requires a review of conservation
practice standards and includes specific provisions to ensure that speciality crops, organic
producers, and precision agricultural producers receive adequate conservation TA. Although
NRCS provides TA directly, the enacted bill also authorizes a national certification process for
third-party providers, including non-federal providers (Sec. 2706). In addition, the bill creates an
Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services (ACES) Program to make use of the talents and
skills of older, non-USDA employees (Sec. 2710). The bill further establishes state TA
committees composed of various state conservation officials and agricultural producers for each
state to assist in the implementation and technical aspects of conservation programs (Sec. 2711).
The bill authorizes a new Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI) (Section 2707)
as a component of the Conservation Technical Assistance program. It is authorized to target
technical and financial resources on conservation priorities on agricultural and nonindustrial
private forest land on a state, local, multistate, and regional basis. The manager’s report especially
encourages locally developed projects. Eligible CCPI programs include EQIP, CSP, WHIP, Great
Lakes Basin Sediment Control, Conservation of Private Grazing Land, Chesapeake Bay Region,
and Grassroots Water Conservation. The provision reserves 6% of the funding for these programs
for initiatives under the CCPI and establishes criteria for prioritization of projects, including
projects that provide innovative conservation methods.
The enacted 2008 farm bill directs USDA to prepare a number of statistical and evaluation reports
regarding various conservation programs: (1) an annual report on conservation program
enrollments and payments—those greater than $250,000—under the Wetlands Reserve Program,
Farmland Protection Program, Grassland Reserve Program, and the Environmental Quality
Incentives Program (for land having special environmental significance). The bill also requires a
report on the new Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (Sec. 2705). Other required reports
include one on the long term implications of conservation easements (Sec. 2210), an annual
report on average county cash rental rates (Sec. 2110), and an appraisal of soil and water
conservation programs (Sec. 2804).
In addition to the changes made to existing agricultural conservation programs, the enacted 2008
farm bill also expands the range of USDA conservation activities by creating several new
programs, including a program expanding conservation activities in the Chesapeake Bay region, a
new state grants program, a provision to limit production on native sod, and a provision
promoting market-based approaches to conservation.
This program (Sec. 2605) is targeted at conserving and protecting the Chesapeake Bay and the
water sources that make up the watershed. It applies to all tributaries, backwaters, and side
channels, including watersheds, draining into the Chesapeake Bay, but gives priority to the
Susquehanna, Shenandoah, Potomac, and Patuxent Rivers. The bill authorizes $188 million in
mandatory funding (FY2009-FY2012) and $438 million over 10 years (FY2009-FY2018).

Also referred to as the “Open Fields” program, this program authorizes state grants to encourage
land-owners to provide public access for wildlife-dependent recreation, subject to a 25%
reduction for the total grant amount if the opening dates for migratory bird hunting in the state are
not consistent for residents and non-residents. The bill provides $50 million in mandatory funds
(FY2009-FY2012) for the program.
This 2008 farm bill provision (Sec. 12020) makes producers that plant an insurable crop (over 5
acres) on native sod ineligible for crop insurance and the noninsured crop disaster assistance
(NAP) program for the first five years of planting. The conference agreement states that this
provision may apply to virgin prairie converted to cropland in the Prairie Pothole National
Priority Area, if elected by the state.
This new conservation provision (Sec. 2709) is intended to facilitate the participation of farmers
and landowners in emerging environmental services markets, such as water and air quality,
habitat protection, and carbon storage. The farm bill directs USDA to establish a framework for
developing consistent standards and processes for quantifying environmental services from the ⁷
agriculture and forestry sectors, but does not authorize funding for this effort.
The enacted farm bill also includes changes to several additional programs. The Colorado River
Basin Salinity Control Act makes funding available to support resource management activities
targeting sources of salinity in the Colorado River (e.g., leaking wells, irrigation, industrial
sources). The enacted farm bill establishes a Basin States Program for salinity control activities
upstream of the Imperial Dam (sec. 2806).
The 2002 farm bill authorized that mandatory spending of $200 million be transferred to the
Bureau of Reclamation to provide water to at-risk natural desert terminal lakes. Section 2807 of
the enacted bill provides $175 million for desert terminal lakes, but also designates that part of
this funding be used for land and water purchases in the Walker River Basin. The basin lies on
California’s eastern border with Nevada.
A provision in the Credit title of the enacted 2008 bill (Sec. 5002) establishes a new loan and loan
guarantee program to assist producers in financing the cost to the producer for applying for
needed conservation installations. The manager’s report states that the loan program is only a
complement to the assistance provided through the various conservation programs. The bill gives
priority for these loans to beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, those
converting to organic systems, and producers who need conservation assistance to address
various compliance requirements.

⁷^F^o^{r m}^o^{re i}ⁿ^f^o^rm^atⁱ^oⁿ^on^en^vi^ronmen^t^a^l^servi^{ces an}^d^t^h^{e ro}^l^e^o^f^market^{s i}ⁿ^en^vi^roⁿ^m^en^t^a^l^coⁿ^s^ervatⁱ^oⁿ^p^l^annⁱⁿ^g^,^see
^C^R^S^R^e^por^t^R^L³⁴⁰^42,^Eⁿ^vi^r^oⁿ^m^en^t^a^l^S^e^rvi^{ces Ma}^rket^{s i}ⁿ^t^h^{e 20}⁰⁸^F^a^rm^Bⁱ^l^l^,^by^R^e^né^e^J^ohns^oⁿ^.

The majority of agriculture and farmland conservation groups have responded favorably to the
expanded provisions and increased funding for programs in the Conservation Title of the 2008
farm bill. Since enactment, a few national wildlife groups have expressed concern about changes
to some provisions during the conference negotiations, which are perceived as providing fewer
benefits to the protection of wildlife and wildlife habitat. Among the concerns expressed by these
groups are the reduction in the CRP acreage enrollment cap reduction, easing of the requirements
under the “sodsaver” provision, limitations on the types of lands eligible under Wildlife Habitat
Incentives Program, and the new permanent disaster fund, which could encourage marginal land
plantings, among other concerns.

^{Prior Law/P}^olicy
^{(P.L. 10}^7-1⁷¹⁾^{House Bill}^{Senate Amendment}^{Enacted 2008 Farm Bill}
^{(unless otherwise Indicated)}^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(P.L. 11}^0-2⁴⁶⁾
^Progr^{am Definitions and Fu}ⁿ^ding
^{Sec. 120}^{1 of the}^{Food Security Act of}^{No provisions.}^{Adds definitions of beginning far}^{mer or}^{Adopts Senate provision with c}^h^a^nges.
¹⁹⁸^{5 (FSA) (P.L. 99-19}^{8, or the}¹⁹⁸⁵⁽^Note^{: some terms added b}^y^the^Senate^ranch^{er, Indian t}^{ribe, nonindust}^{rial private}^{Removes the test of}^{net wort}^{h. Adopts}
^{farm bill), as amended, defines 18}^terms.^{bill in this section are defined for}^{forest land, socially d}^{isadvantaged farmer or}^{the 1}⁹⁹⁰^far^{m bill definition of a socially}
^{[16 U.S.C. 3801]}^{specific conservation}^{programs, a}^s^ranch^{er, and tec}^{hnical assistance.}^Authorizes^{disadvantaged farmer or ra}^nc^her,^with
^{noted below.)}^{USDA to employ a test of net w}^{orth or}^{other meas}^{ure to q}^ualify.^{[Sec. 2001]}^changes^{to define farm, integ}^rate^{d pest}^management,^{person a}^{nd legal en}^{tity, and}
ⁱ^{ki/CRS-RL34557}^livestock.^{[Sec. 2001]}
^g/w^{Sec. 124}^{1(a) of the FSA, as amen}^ded,^Exte^{nds rea}^{uthorization through}^Exte^{nds rea}^{uthorization through}^FY2012^Exte^{nds rea}^{uthorization through}^FY2012
^s^.or^{authorizes mandatory f}^{unding t}^h^r^ough^FY2012^{with f}^{unding s}^{pecified for}^CSP,^{with fu}^{nding specified for CSP, FPP, EQIP,}^{with the following in additi}^{onal new}
^le^ak^FY2007^{to carry o}^{ut various}^{conservation p}^rograms.^{[16 U.S.C.}^{FPP, EQIP, and WHIP.}^{[Sec. 2401(a)]}^{WHIP, GRP, and the Voluntary P}^ublic^{Access and}^{Habitat I}^{ncentives Pr}^ogram.^[Sec.^{budget au}^{thority: CSP ($1.1 billio}^{n); EQIP}^($3,39^{3 million); and FPP ($773}^mill^ion).
^://wiki^3841]^2401(a)]^{[Sec. 2701]}
^h^ttp^Note^{: Aut}^{horized funding levels f}^or
^{various programs}^are^{provided in}
^{individual program sections below.}
^{Highly Erodible and}^{Wetland Conservation}
^{Secs. 121}^1-12¹²^{of the FSA, as}^{No comparable}^provision.^{Adds a second level of review by}^{the state}^{Adopts Senate provision, providing for}
^{amended, make violators of the}^{or district director, with technical}^{review of good faith determinations}
^{conservation compliance}^progra^m^concur^rence^{from USDA’s Natur}^al^{related to highly erodible land}
^{ineligible for certain program}^ben^efits,^{Resources Conser}^{vation Service (NRCS) if}^{conservation.}^{[Sec. 2002]}
^{with some exce}^{ptions from f}^{ull loss of}^{the Secretary}^{has dete}^{rmined tha}^{t this}
^eligibi^lity.^{[16 U.S.C. 3811-3812}^{a, 3812f]}^{exception s}^{hould apply.}^{[Sec. 210}^1]
^{Secs. 122}^1-12²²^{of the FSA, as}^{No comparable}^provision.^{Add a second level of review by t}^{he state or}^{Adopts Senate provision, providing for}
^{amended, makes swam}^pb^{uster in}^eligible^{district director, with technical concurre}^nce^{review of good faith determinations}
^{for certain}^program^{benefits, wit}^{h some}^{from NRCS if the Secreta}^{ry ha}^{s determined}^{related to wetland conservation.}
^exceptions^{from f}^{ull loss of elig}^ibi^lity.^{that this e}^{xemption s}^{hould apply.}^{[Sec. 2201]}^{[Sec. 2003]}

^{[16 U.S.C. 3821-3824, 3822h]}

^{Prior Law/P}^olicy
^{(P.L. 10}^7-1⁷¹⁾^{House Bill}^{Senate Amendment}^{Enacted 2008 Farm Bill}
^{(unless otherwise Indicated)}^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(P.L. 11}^0-2⁴⁶⁾
^{Comprehensive Conservatio}^{n Enh}^{ancement Pro}^gram
^{The 19}⁹⁰^farm^{bill amended Sec. 123}⁰^{No comparable}^{provision. (}^Note^:^{Deletes Section 124}^{3 in c}^urre^{nt law, and}^{Does not reauthorize the}^{CCEP. The}
^{of the FSA to establish a p}^rogram^later^Amendments^{to Sec. 124}^{3 descri}^bed^{moves some provisions, amende}^{d, into this}^{Healthy Forest Reserve}^Program^is
^{renamed t}^{he Compre}^hen^sive^{below in the “other}^conserva^tion^{(and other) sections. Ex}^{tends CC}^{EP throug}^h^{retained in the}^{forestry title}^[Sec.^8205]^;
^{Conservation E}^nhan^cement^Program^{programs” s}^ubse^ction.)^FY2012.^{Makes c}^hanges^that^redu^ce^{the cou}^{nty acreage}^{cap is address}^ed
^{(CCEP). The CCEP, which includes the}^{administrative burde}^{ns, streamlin}^{e the}^elsewhere^{[Sec. 2708]}^{. The agre}^e^ment
^{Conservation Reserve Program (}^CRP),^{application process, and}^promote^{adopts a provision to exclude CR}^EP
^{Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), and}^partne^rship^{s. Deletes EQIP f}^{rom CCEP and}^{acreage and contin}^{uous CRP acr}^eage
^{the E}^nvironme^{ntal Quality Ince}^nt^ives^{adds the Healthy Forests}^Reserve^Program.^{from the}²⁵^{% cap}^{if the cou}^nty
^{Program (EQIP), promotes long-term}^{Adds a new exc}^{eption whe}^reb^y^{USDA may}^government^concu^{rs, and f}^urt^her
^{protection for en}^{vironmentally s}^ensitive^{exceed the}^{enrollment limitation when a}^{specifies this p}^{rovision is separat}^{e and}
^{lands throug}^{h easeme}^{nts a}^{nd tec}^hnical/^{state or local regulation prohibits}^{distinct from the e}^{xisting waiver}
^{financial assistance.}^{[16 U.S.C. 38}^30]^{agricultural water}^{use, req}^uiring^{USDA to}^{authority. Additional guidance is}^provided
^Note:^{Administration of CCEP, th}^e^{enroll the land within 1}^{80 day}^{s of}^{receiving a}^{in the Ma}^nagers^stateme^nt.
^{subject of sec.}¹²^{43, is described}^below.^reque^{st and}^{pay a re}^{ntal rate t}^hat^reflects
ⁱ^{ki/CRS-RL34557}^{the rate}^{prior to implementing t}^h^e
^g/w^regulation.^{[Sec. 2301]}
^s^.or^{The 19}⁹⁰^farm^{bill amended Sec. 124}³^{Amends administration provision}^{s by}^{Amends to streamline a}^{pplication process,}^{Adopts House p}^{rovision with cha}^nges
^le^ak^{of the FSA to authorize administr}^ation^{moving sections on acreage}^enrol^lment^{add new endange}^{red spe}^{cies pro}^{visions, and}^{and names t}^{he initiative the Cooperative}
^{of CCEP. Provisi}^{ons include avoiding}^{limits, tenant protection, and obt}^aining^{establish new}^part^ners^{hips a}^{nd c}^ooperation^{Conservation Partner}^ship^Initiative
^://wiki^{duplication of required con}^servat^ion^{technical assistance.}^{Establishes a}^new^{projects for sp}^{ecial projects (up t}^o^{5 years)}^(CCPI).^{[Sec. 2707]}^Al^{lows US}^D^A^to
^h^ttp^{plans, limiting enrollment under}^CRP^{and WRP to 25% of t}^{he cropla}^{nd in a}^{Cooperative Conservation Partn}^ership^{Initiative to carry out p}^{rojects/initiatives}^{with multiple produce}^{rs and eligible part}^ners^{to address state conservation}^{make consider local circumstanc}^{es, goals,}^{and objectives, and provides for}
^{county, protecting}^{the inte}^{rests o}^f^share^{using competitive (2-5}^{years) gra}^nts.^{recommendations. Specifies five}^project^{adjustments to p}^{rovide producer}^s
^cropper^{s and te}^{nants, allowing}^{Specifies 14 c}^{riteria to be u}^{sed in}^pur^{poses, lists application conten}^{ts, and}^prefer^{ential enrollment in t}^{he ap}^plicable
^{approved sou}^{rces to p}^{rovide technical}^{reviewing applications and}^{9 proj}^ect^{identifies USDA}^{’s duties and priorities when}^{program as}^{part of t}^{he s}^{pecial pr}^oject.
^{assistance, and usi}^{ng u}^p^{to 5%}^of^the^{priorities. Specifies duties of participant}^{selecting projects (including 1}⁴^p^r^iority^{Applies to all USDA conservation}
^funds^{from the}^{mandatory f}^unded^{and USDA. Specifies program will}^be^{water project areas); also re}^quire^s^{programs e}^xcept^{CRP, WRP, F}^P^P^and
^{conservation p}^{rograms to foster}^{funded with}¹⁰^{% of f}^{unds for CS}^{P, EQIP,}^{monitoring and evaluation. Specifies fu}^nding^{GRP. The stated intent is to p}^{rovide for}
^{cooperation throug}^{h part}^ners^hip^s.^{and WHIP. The federal s}^{hare for}^each^{of 10% of}^{the ma}^{ndatory f}^{unds allocated to}^{applications that include in}^novative
^{[16 U.S.C. 3844]}^{project will be at least 75%}^{of costs;}^{each state (e}^xcept^{CRP, CSP}^{, W}^{RP, and the}^{combinations of covered initiative}
^{90% of}^{the f}^unds^{will be allocated}^{at the}^{new Conservation Stewards}^{hip P}^rogram),^{programs, and a}^{pplications that}^might
^{state level (incentives and}^bonus^{with 75}^{% of f}^{unds for int}^ra-state^{and 25}^{% for}^{work in tandem with t}^{he e}^nha^nc^ement
^payment^{s may}^{be u}^{sed for sp}^ecified^{multi-state projects.}^{[Sec. 2405]}^programs^{under CRP or WRP. Additi}^onal
^pur^{poses). Limits administrative costs to}^{guidance is provided in the}^Mana^gers
^{5% of an}^{y gra}^nt.^{[Sec. 2403]}^statement.

^{Prior Law/P}^olicy
^{(P.L. 10}^7-1⁷¹⁾^{House Bill}^{Senate Amendment}^{Enacted 2008 Farm Bill}
^{(unless otherwise Indicated)}^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(P.L. 11}^0-2⁴⁶⁾
^{Conservation Reserve Prog}^r^a^m
^{Sec. 123}^{1(a-d) of the 1}⁹⁸⁵^farm^b^ill^Exte^{nds aut}^{horization through C}^Y201^2;^Exte^{nds aut}^{horization through C}^Y201^2.^Exte^{nds aut}^{horization through C}^Y201^2,
^{(FSA) authorizes the CRP; the pr}^ogram^{retains cu}^rre^{nt acreage}^{enrollment limit}^{Retains curre}^{nt ac}^{reage en}^{rollment limit.}^{and allows USDA to a}^{ddress issues unde}^r
^{is curre}^{ntly aut}^{horized through}^CY200⁷^{(39.2 million acres).}^{[Sec. 2101(a-b)]}^{Adds pollinator habitat to the ge}^neral^{State, regional, and national cons}^ervation
^{at 39.2}^milli^{on acres.}^{[16 U.S.C. 3}^831(a-^pur^{poses. Ex}^pands^{eligible land to include}^{initiatives. Caps enrollment at 32}^mill^ion
^d)]^{some types of ma}^{rginal past}^{ure-land and land}^acres^{[Sec. 2103]}^{. Clarifies that alfalfa}
^{enrolled in a new flooded farmland program.}^{grown as pa}^{rt of a rotation p}^{ractice is a}
^{[Sec. 2311(a-c)]}^{commodity for crop history p}^u^r^p^oses.
^{[Secs. 2101-2102, 2105]}^{Provides for}
^{pollinator habitats.}^{[Secs. 2706, 2708]}
^{Sec. 123}^{1(f) of the FSA, as amend}^ed,^{Deletes states but}^{retains C}^hesa^peake^Simi^{lar to the House}^{bill; also ad}^d^s^{to the list}^{Adopts House p}^{rovision to include all}
^{lists priority areas as the C}^hesa^p^eake^{Bay region.}^{[Sec. 2101(b)]}^{the p}^{rairie pothole region, the G}^{rand Lake}^{States that make}^{up t}^{he C}^hesape^{ake Bay}
^{Bay region (PA, MD, VA) , the Great}^{St Mary’s Watershed, and t}^he^Ea^{stern Snake}^{Region as the Conservation Prior}^ity
^{Lakes Region, and Long Island Sound.}^{Plain Aquifer.}^Area.^{[Sec. 2104]}
ⁱ^{ki/CRS-RL34557}^{[16 U.S.C. 3831f]}^{[Sec. 2311(d)]}
^g/w^{Sec. 123}^{1(h) of the}^{FSA, as amen}^ded,^Exte^{nds progra}^{m thro}^{ugh CY2}⁰¹^2.^Exte^{nds progra}^{m thro}^{ugh CY2}⁰¹^{2; ex}^pands^{Adopts Senate provision with c}^h^a^nges.
^s^.or^{authorizes a one million acre pilot}^{[Sec. 2101(e)]}^eligibi^{lity to include certain shallo}^{w water}^{Caps en}^{rollment at 10}^0,00^{0 ac}^re^{s in any}
^le^ak^{program within t}^{he CRP for wetl}^ands^{and bu}^{ffer a}^reas.^{[16 U.S.C. 3831}^h]^{areas and ce}^{rtain agricultu}^{ral drainage water}^{treatment collection areas, and e}^xpands^the^{State and 1 million acres total. A}^dds^{conforming cha}^{nges to t}^{he E}^merg^ency
^://wiki^{eligible buffer acr}^{eage. Directs USDA to}^{establish the}^maximum^{size of th}^{e buf}^fer^{Forestry Conservation Reserv}^{e Program.}^Expa^{nds e}^{nrollment of wetland a}^{nd bu}^ffer
^h^ttp^{acreage to be e}^{nrolled along with eligible}^{acreage to include land that}^had^been
^{lands. Increases t}^{he ma}^{ximum w}^e^{tland size}^{cropped du}^{ring 3 of}¹⁰^crop^year^{s prior}
^{to 40 contiguou}^{s acres}^{and make}^{s all acres}^{to 200}^{2 and a}^fter¹⁹^{90 a}^{nd is su}^b^{ject to a}
^{eligible for payment.}^{[Sec. 2311(e}^)]^{natural overflow of a p}^{rairie wetland.}
^{[Sec. 2106]}
^{Sec. 123}^{2(a)(7) of the FSA, as am}^ended,^{Allows managed haying and grazi}^{ng to}^{Allows managed haying and grazi}^{ng to}^{Adopts House p}^{rovision with cha}^nges,
^{specifies a duty of}^participant^{s is limiting}^{control invasive species, and adds}^detail^{control invasive species and}^per^mits^allow^{ing for routine grazing, inclu}^ding
^{commercial uses, including haying}^and^{on allowed uses, enrolled lands, a}^nd^{managed haying a}^{nd grazing t}^{hat is a part of}^{grazing to control invasive specie}^s.
^{grazing on enrolled lands; allows}^{adjustments to an}^{nual cont}^ract^{a conservation plan.}^{[Sec. 2311(h)}^]^Additi^{onal guidance is provided i}ⁿ^the
^{managed haying/g}^{razing unde}^{r ce}^rtain^payment^s.^{[Sec. 2101(f)]}^Managers^stateme^nt.^{[Sec. 2108]}^Grants
^circumstan^ces.^{[16 U.S.C. 3832a(7)]}^{“management}^{on land” sho}^{uld not result}
^{in a reduced}^payme^{nt, if done in}
^{accordance with t}^{he contra}^ct.
^{[Sec. 2107]}
^{Sec. 123}^{4(c) of the FSA, as amen}^ded,^{Requires USDA to conduct a}^{nd make}^Simi^{lar to the House}^{bill; also requires}^{Adopts Senate provision with c}^h^a^nges,
^{establishes a f}^{ramework for calc}^u^lating^{available an ann}^{ual surv}^{ey of dryl}^{and and}^{USDA to give preference}^{to local}^{owners or}^{adding a new re}^quireme^{nt that}^USDA

^{Prior Law/P}^olicy
^{(P.L. 10}^7-1⁷¹⁾^{House Bill}^{Senate Amendment}^{Enacted 2008 Farm Bill}
^{(unless otherwise Indicated)}^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(P.L. 11}^0-2⁴⁶⁾
^{annual r}^{ental pay}^ments.^{[16 U}^.S.C.^{irrigated cropland cash r}^{ental rat}^{es in all}^{operators whe}^{n considering com}^peting^{give priority to offers from local residents}
^3834c]^{counties with more t}^han^20,⁰⁰⁰^{acres of}^{offers p}^{roviding equivalent b}^enefi^ts.^[Sec.^{if conservation be}^{nefits are}^eq^uivalent
^{crop and}^pastu^{re land.}^{[Sec. 2101(g)]}^2311(j)]^{among offers.}^{[Sec. 2110 ]}
^{Sec. 123}^{5(e) of the FSA, as amen}^ded,^{Allows US}^{DA to terminate any c}^ontract^{Allow U}^{SDA to terminate a contract if a}^{Adopts House p}^rovision.^{[Sec. 2111]}
^{allows US}^{DA to terminate CRP}^{after 5}^{years, b}^{ut p}^{rohibits termi}^nating^{retired or disabled producer}^has^endured
^{contracts afte}^{r 5}^{years if co}^ntract^was^{contracts for land e}^{nrolled under}^a^{financial hardship}^beca^{use of ta}^xe^{s on rental}
ⁱⁿ^{effect before 1/1/}^95.^{[16 U.S.C.}^{continuous sign}^up.^{[Sec. 2101(I) a}^{nd (j)]}^payment^s.^{[Sec. 2311(k)]}
^3835e]
^{No comparable}^provision.^{No comparable}^provision.^{No comparable}^provision.^{Specifies a 50}^{% federal s}^{hare of c}^ost
^sharing^payme^{nts relating to tree}^s,
^{windbreaks, shelter}^{belts, and wildlife}
^corridors.^{[Sec. 2109]}
^{The 20}⁰²^farm^{bill amended Sec.}^{Facilitates the transfer of}^{CRP land from}^{No comparable}^provision.^{Adopts House p}^{rovision with}
¹²⁴^{4(a) of the FSA to aut}^{horize USDA}^{a retiring owner to a}^beginning^/⁽^Note^{: Support}^{for socially disadv}^{antaged and}^modificati^ons.^{[Sec. 2111]}
ⁱ^{ki/CRS-RL34557}^{to provide incentives to begin}ⁿⁱⁿ^g^socially^{-disadvantaged producer t}^o^{limited resource farmers/}^ranc^her^{s are in}
^g/w^farmers/ra^nc^{hers a}^{nd Indian t}^ribe^{s to}^{participate in con-se}^{rvation progr}^ams.^retur^{n land to production, and allows}^{new owner}^{to begin land imp}^rovements^{other bill sections.)}
^s^.or^{[16 U.S.C. 3844(a)}^]^{or start organic cer}^{tification process}
^le^ak^{one year}^{before CRP contract e}^x^pires.
^{[Sec. 2101(h)]}
^://wiki^{No comparable}^provision.^{No comparable}^provision.^{Creates new Flooded Farmland Program for}^{Deletes this section and modifies CRP}
^h^ttp^{the Prairie Pothole region within the CRP.}^{and WRP to accomplish the inte}^{nt of the}
^{Allows continuous enrollment. Eligible land}^{Senate amendme}^{nt, including ex}^p^anding
^{parcels m}^{ust ex}^{ceed 5 ac}^{res, bee}^{n incapa}^ble^{eligible lands under the CRP pilot}
^{of production pr}^{eceding 3}^{crop y}^{ears, have a}^{program for wetla}^{nds and}^buf^fer^areas
^cropping^{history, and have}^{no nat}^{ural outlet.}^{[Sec. 2106]}^{and ex}^{pands eligible lands}
^{[Sec. 2312]}^{under WRP.}^{[Sec. 2201]}
^{No comparable}^provision.^{No comparable}^provision.^{Creates new Wildlife Habitat Program for}^{Deletes this section and modifies CRP to}
^{CRP participants with esta}^{blished softwood}^{accommodate the intent of t}^{he S}^enate
^{pine stands}^using^manageme^{nt p}^r^{actices that}^{amendment. Additional guidance is}
^{benefit wildlife (contracts up}^{to 5}^years).^{provided in the Ma}^nagers^statem^ent.

^{Program ends Septem}^ber^30,²⁰¹^1.^[Sec.
^2313]

^{Prior Law/P}^olicy
^{(P.L. 10}^7-1⁷¹⁾^{House Bill}^{Senate Amendment}^{Enacted 2008 Farm Bill}
^{(unless otherwise Indicated)}^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(P.L. 11}^0-2⁴⁶⁾
^{Wetlands Reserve Program}
^{The 19}⁹⁶^farm^{bill amended Sec.}^{Adds to the pu}^{rposes to c}^{reate a}^{nd to}^{No comparable}^provision.^{Amends p}^u^r^{poses to restore, p}^r^{otect, or}
¹²³^{7(a) of the FSA to aut}^{horize WRP,}^enha^{nce wetlands, and to p}^urc^ha^se^enha^{nce wetlands on}^{private or t}^ribal
^{stating its pu}^{rpose to restore}^and^floodpla^{in easements.}^{[Sec. 2102(}^a)]^lands.^{[Sec. 2201]}
^{protect wetlands.}^{[16 U.S.C. 3837}^a]
^{Sec. 123}^{7(b) of the}^{FSA, as amen}^ded,^{Sets maximum e}^{nrollment at 3.6}⁰⁵^{Sets ann}^{ual fiscal year en}^{rollment goal of}^{Sets maximum e}^{nrollment at 3.0}⁴¹
^{sets maximu}^{m en}^{rollment at 2.27}⁵^mill^{ion acres. Sets an an}^{nual fiscal}^year^250,⁰⁰^{0 acres, with}^{no enrollmen}^{t after}^mill^{ion acres. Sets ann}^{ual fiscal year}
^mill^{ion acres, with an an}^{nual cale}^ndar^{enrollment goal of 250,0}⁰⁰^acres,^of^FY2012.^{[Sec. 2321]}^{enrollment goal of 250,0}⁰⁰^acres^through
^{year en}^{rollment goal of 250,0}⁰⁰^acres.^{which not more}^tha^{n 1}^0,00^{0 acre}^{s may}^FY2012.^{[Sec. 2202-2203]}
^{[16 U.S.C. 3837b]}^{be flood plain easements.}^{[Sec. 21}^02(b)]
^{New section adds language}^aut^horizing
^{WRP from FY2008-}^12.^{[Sec. 240}^2(h)]
ⁱ^{ki/CRS-RL34557}^{Sec. 123}^{7(c) of the FSA, as amen}^ded,^{establishes re}^quireme^{nts for}^eligi^ble^{Adds riparian areas to eligible wetlands,}^{and makes eligible floodpla}^{in land}^{Reauthorizes throug}^{h FY20}^12.^[S^{ec. 2321(2)]}^Expa^{nds eligible lands under WR}^{P to}^{include cropland or grassland t}^h^a^t^was
^g/w^{lands throug}^{h 2}⁰⁰^7.^{[16 U.S.C. 3837c]}^flooded^{in the past}^{calendar yea}^r^{or at}^{used for agricult}^{ural production}^{prior to}
^s^.or^{least twice in the pa}^{st 1}⁰^year^{s, and land}^flood^{ing from the}^natu^{ral overflow of a}
^le^ak^{that contrib}^{utes to flood water s}^torage,^{closed basin lake or pothole.}^{[Sec. 2203]}
^{flow, or erosion control.}^[^{Sec. 2102(c)]}^{Adds terms to “meet ha}^{bitat nee}^{ds of}
^://wiki^{specific wildlife species.”}^{[Sec. 22}^04]
^h^ttp^{Sec. 123}^{7(e) of the FSA, as amen}^ded,^Expa^{nds ineligible lands to include}^{No comparable}^provision.^Expa^{nds ineligible lands to include farmed}
^{identifies inelig}^{ible land to include lands}^floodpla^{ins where}^{restoration pra}^ctices^{wetland or converted wetland, t}^ogether
^{already planted to timber in t}^he^CRP.^{would not be produc}^{tive or the l}^{and is}^{with the adjacent land t}^{hat is f}^unc^tionally
^{[16 U.S.C. 3837e]}^{already protected.}^{[Sec. 2102(d)]}^{dependent o}ⁿ^{the w}^{etlands, exce}^pt
^{wetlands converted}^{before Dece}^mber^23,
¹⁹⁸^5.^{[Sec. 2203]}
^{Sec. 123}^{7A(f) of the FSA, as ame}^nded,^{Limits compensation to lowest of 4}^{Limits compensation to lowest of 3 options:}^{Adopts House p}^{rovision with cha}^nges,
^{states compe}^{nsation to be}^{paid in cash}^{options: percentage of}^the^{fair m}^arket^{an amount}^nece^{ssary to e}^ncoura^ge^{revising the}^{process for}^determin^{ing the}
^{(in 5 to 30}^payme^{nts) a}^{nd not to}^{value; perce}^{ntage of ma}^{rket value}^{enrollment; a limit for a geograph}^{ic area; or}^{value of easement}^{s and cont}^racts^by
^{exceed the}^{fair market}^{value, as}^{determined by a}^surv^{ey; a geogra}^phic^{a landowner’s offer. Compensati}^{on may be}^{requiring USDA to provide the}^lowest
^{reduced by}^{the ea}^sement.^{[16 U.}^S.C.^{cap; or a landowner’s offe}^{r. Allo}^ws^{in 1 to 3}⁰^pay^ments.^{[Sec. 2322(b}⁾⁽³^-4)]^{amount of compe}^{nsation ba}^{sed on a}
^3837a(f)]^{USDA to use non-federal contrib}^utions^{comparison of the}^{fair market}^{value of}
^{to administer program}^{[Sec. 2102}^(e)]^{the land, a geographic ca}^{p, or an}^offer
^{made by th}^{e landowner. Provides that}
^{easements with}^{values less t}^han^$^500,⁰⁰⁰
^{be paid out over}^1-3^{0 years; ea}^se^ments
^{with values greate}^{r tha}^{n $}⁵⁰^0,00^{0 are to}

^{Prior Law/P}^olicy
^{(P.L. 10}^7-1⁷¹⁾^{House Bill}^{Senate Amendment}^{Enacted 2008 Farm Bill}
^{(unless otherwise Indicated)}^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(P.L. 11}^0-2⁴⁶⁾
^{be paid out over}^5-3^{0 years.}^[Sec.^2208]
^{Provides for the rep}^{eal of payme}^nt
^limitat^{ions (exception for State}
^agreements^{for new}^{Wetlands Reserve}
^Enha^nceme^{nt Program.}^{[Sec. 220}^9]
^{Sec.1237C(c) of t}^{he FSA, as ame}^nded,^{Adds new additional criteria for ranking}^{No comparable}^provision.^{Adopts House p}^rovision.^{[Sec. 2207]}
^{lists three considerations USDA is to}^{offers (conservation}^bene^{fits; cost-}
^{use whe}^{n con}^{sidering offers for}^WRP^{effectiveness; a}^{nd offer of}^{a finan}^cial
^contracts.^{[16 U.S.C. 3837c(c)]}^{contribution) and con}^{servation b}^enefits
^{of floodpla}^{in lands.}^{[Sec. 2102(f)]}
^{Sec. 123}^{7D(c)(4) of the FSA, as}^{Replaces provision with a new}^language^{Authorizes a Wetlands Reserve}^{Adopts Senate provision aut}^horizing
^{amended, waives limits for public}^{on Wetland Reserve E}^nha^nceme^nt^Enha^nceme^{nt Program (WREP). Makes a}^{WREP for agreement}^{s with State}^{s similar}
^{entities receiving payme}^{nts t}^hrou^{gh the}^{program, wher}^{e states co}^ntribut^{e funds}^{conforming cha}^{nge to allow paym}^{ents for}^{to CREP. Authorizes a Reserved Rights}
^{wetland and environme}^ntal^{so as to increase pa}^yments.^{30-year contracts.}^{[Sec. 2322(c)]}^Pil^{ot program.}^{[Sec. 2205-2206]}
^enha^nceme^{nt progra}^ms.^{[16 U.S.}^C.^{[Sec. 2102(g)]}
ⁱ^{ki/CRS-RL34557}^d(c)(4)]
^g/w^{No comparable}^provision.^{No comparable}^provision.^{Requires a r}^{eport to Hous}^{e and}^Senate^{Adopts Senate provision.}^{[Sec. 2210]}
^s^.or^{Agriculture Committees b}^y^1/^1/2⁰¹⁰^{on th}^e
^le^ak^{implications of long-term easements on}
^{USDA resources.}^{[Sec. 2322(d)]}
^://wiki^{Conservation Security Pro}^gr^am
^h^ttp
^{The 20}⁰²^farm^{bill amended the}^{FSA to}^{Establishes a}^{new CSP for FY20}¹^2-20^17.^{Authorizes throug}^{h FY2}⁰¹^{2 a n}^e^w^{CSP as a}^{Defines program}^terms^{for the}ⁿ^{ew CSP.}
^{establish the Con}^{servation Secu}^rity^{Eligible producers m}^{ust s}^{ubmit a}ⁿ^offer^{conforming ame}^{ndment, and r}^e^a^uthorizes^{Adopts elements of th}^{e Senate}^p^rovision.
^{Program (CSP) for FY2003-1}^{1. Defines}^{addressing “at least one p}^riority^curre^{nt CSP for existing co}^ntract^{s only.}^Expa^{nds eligible lands to include}
^{eligible producers and eligible lands and}^{resource of co}^ncer^{n to a minimu}^{m level}^{Future CSP contra}^{cts would be}^r^{eplaced by}^{nonindustrial private}^{forest land (}^limited
^{excluded lands (land enrolled in}^{of management}^{intensity.” Eligible land}^{a Comprehe}^{nsive Stewardship}^In^centives^{to not more than}¹^{0% of total an}^nual
^{multiyear land retiremen}^{t progra}^{ms and}^{excludes incidental forest land. Li}^mits^{Program consisting of a Conserv}^ation^{acres u}^{nder t}^{he p}^{rogram). Permits 5-year}
^{land not in crop}^{production at le}^{ast 4 of}^{program to one ty}^{pe of cont}^ract^{of 5}^{Stewardship Program with similar}^provisions^{extension of cont}^{racts. E}^xcludes^under
^{the p}^{receding 6}^{years). Specifies t}^erms^{years; describes}^{five elements to}^{be in}^{of the existing CSP and}^{EQIP. Eligible land}^{the p}^{rogram, land used for c}^{ropland that}
^{for 3 tiers of co}^{nservation cont}^ra^cts.^{all contracts, but eliminates list of topics}^{must ha}^{ve be}^en^{planted to crops}^{4 of}^{had not bee}ⁿ^{planted, considered to be}
^{Identifies topics that may}^{be addr}^essed^{to be addressed. Prohibits termin}^ation^preceding^{6 years. Specifies cont}^r^{act are for}^{planted, or devoted to crop prod}^uction
^{in contracts. Contracts}^are^{5 yea}^rs^{of contracts, without}^{penalty, by}^a^{5 years, with}^renewal^{under c}^ert^ain^{for 4 of t}^{he 6}^years^{prior to the}^{date of}
^{under tier}^{1, and}^{5 to 10}^years^u^nder^{producer w}^{ho is req}^{uired to modify a}^{conditions. Al}^{lows for terminating and}^enactment^{of the a}^{ct (u}^{nless the l}^{and had}
^{tiers 2 and}^{3. Specifies circum}^sta^nces^{contract. Allows contracts to be}^{changing co}^{ntracts. Specifies}^{how to evaluate}^{previously bee}^{n e}^{nrolled in CRP;}^had
^{and req}^uirement^{s for modifying,}^{renewed for one}^{additional 5 year}^{contract offer}^{s, producer}^duties,^{been mai}^{ntained in a long term}^c^rop
^{terminating, and re}^{newing cont}^ra^cts.^{period. Adds new provisions on}^enha^nceme^{nt terms, a}^{nd su}^pple-^mental^{rotation; or was incidental land needed}
^{Contracts may}^{be re}^{newed for}⁵^{to 10}^{evaluating offers}^{from organic}^payment^{s. Defines 1}⁵^term^s.^{for efficient operation).}^{[Sec. 230}^1]

^{Prior Law/P}^olicy
^{(P.L. 10}^7-1⁷¹⁾^{House Bill}^{Senate Amendment}^{Enacted 2008 Farm Bill}
^{(unless otherwise Indicated)}^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(P.L. 11}^0-2⁴⁶⁾
^{years. Defines 1}⁵^ter^{ms pe}^rtainin^{g to}^{producers. Defines}^{twelve terms}^that^{[Secs. 2391 and 2341]}
^{the p}^rogram.^{are new te}^{rms or differ}^{from c}^u^r^rent
^{[16 U.S.C. 3838]}^law.^{[Sec. 2103(a)]}
^{Secs 12}^{38A(d-3) of the}^{FSA, as}^{Limits program to 1 ty}^{pe of con}^t^{ract of}^{Defines eligible land and eligible p}^roducers;^{Adopts Senate provision with}
^{amended, specifies terms}^{for 3}^{tiers of}^{5 years a}^{nd describe}^{s 5 eleme}^nts^{to be}^{land must ha}^{ve bee}ⁿ^{planted to c}^{rops 4 of}^modificati^{ons. Authorizes sup}^plemental
^{conservation contrac}^{ts. Identifies}^topics^{in all contracts, but eliminates list of}^preceding^{6 years. Conte}^{nts of c}^{ontracts are}^payment^{s for}^producers^{who adopt a}
^{that may}^{be addressed in co}^ntrac^ts.^{topics to be addressed. Contract}^{s could}^{specified and are for}^{5 yea}^{rs, with re}^{newal if}^{beneficial crop rotation that}^prov^ide
^{Contracts are}^{5 year}^{s u}^{nder tier}^{1, and}^{no longer be te}^{rminated, without}^{certain conditions are met. Specif}^ies^{significant conservation}^bene^{fits and are}
^{5 to 10}^years^unde^{r tiers 2}^and^3.^{penalty, by a}^produce^{r who is re}^quired^{considerations in evaluating contr}^{act offers,}^{not limited to a particular crop, c}^ropping
^{Specifies circumsta}^{nces a}^nd^{to modify a contract. Contracts}^{may be}^{producer d}^{uties, enha}^nceme^{nt te}^{rms, and}^{system, or region of the}^count^{ry. Allows}
^requirem^{ents for}^modifying,^{renewed for}^{1 additional 5 year p}^eriod.^sup^{plemental pay}^{ments. Adds p}^r^{ovisions on}^{for on-farm cons}^{ervation resea}^rc^{h and}
^{terminating, and re}^{newing cont}^ra^cts.^{New p}^{rovisions on evaluation of offers}^{terminating and c}^hanging^contrac^ts.^[Sec.^{demonstration activities and pilot}^-testing
^{Contracts may}^{be re}^{newed for}⁵^{to 10}^{and coordination with organic}^2341]^{as part of co}^{ntract offe}^{rs. Allows for}
^years^{[16 U.S.C. 3838a(d-e)]}^{certification are added.}^{[Sec. 2103(a)]}^{contract modification.}^{[Sec 2301]}
^{Sec. 123}^{8C of the FSA, as ame}^nded,^{Alters duties of the Secreta}^{ry to include}^{Alters duties of the Secreta}^{ry to}^{allow for}^{Provides that state acreage allocations be}
ⁱ^{ki/CRS-RL34557}^{specifies that d}^{uties of the Secr}^et^ary^{identification of priority resource}^{s of}^{continuous e}^{nrollment (allowing}^{a producer}^{based on eac}^{h state’s p}^roportion^of
^g/w^{include making paym}^{ents ea}^{rly in}^each^{concern at}^the^{state level (limited}^{to 5}^{to apply at any}^{time during t}^{he ye}^ar),^{eligible acres to the total elig}^{ible acres}
^s^.or^{fiscal year, the compone}^{nts of}^pa^yments^concerns^{in any}^geograp^{hic area}^{of a}^{providing assistance to p}^roducers^{, and}^{nationwide (available to a}^{ll producers,}
^le^ak^{for each tier, an}^nual^payment^limi^{ts for}^{each tier ($}^20,0⁰⁰^{for tier 1, $}^35,⁰⁰⁰^{state). Limits total payments u}^{nder a}^{contract to $}¹⁵^0,00^{0 (5 yea}^{rs); allows}^{maintaining contract a}^{nd pay}^men^t^{information that will support}^pro^gram^{not only specific waters}^{heds/geographic}^{regions), all}^{owing for input f}^rom^USDA.
^://wiki^{for tier 2, and $}^45,0⁰⁰^{for tier}^3),^{minimum re}^quireme^{nts for}^practi^ces,^{for the e}^nvironmen^{tal needs asso}^ciated^{with agriculture to}^{be considered}ⁱⁿ^{monitoring and evaluation, and e}^nabling^{specialty crop}^producers^{to parti}^cipate.^{Directs USDA to adopt continuous}^{enrollment, but allows for USDA to}
^h^ttp^{and req}^uirement^{s for impleme}^nting^{state allocati}^{ons; require}^{s USDA to}^{Specifies an acreage allocation, li}^miting^{determine whe}^{n to ra}^{nk ap}^plications.
^regulations^{[16 U.S.C. 3838c]}^{compile data of specified progra}^m^payment^{s to $2}^40,0⁰⁰^(6-year).^{Directs USDA to provide technical}
^{contract and}^payme^{nt topics.}^{[Sec. 2103}^{[Secs. 2391 and 2341]}^{assistance to spe}^{cialty crop and o}^rganic
^(a)]^{producers. Directs USDA to enc}^ourage
^producers^{who are t}^{ransitioning f}^rom
^{land retirement}^{programs to e}ⁿ^r^ollⁱⁿ
^{CSP and other working lands p}^rograms.
^{Limits payments}^{to $2}^00,0^{00 in}^a^{ny 5-}
^{year pe}^riod.^{[Sec. 2301]}
^{No comparable}^provision.^{No comparable}^provision.^{Provides for enrollment of up}^{to 79.6}²⁸^{Deletes Senate provision. Enrolls an}
^mill^{ion acres and attem}^{pted an}^nu^al^additi^{onal 12.8 million acres ann}^u^ally
^{enrollment of 1}^3.27^{3 million acres,}^FY2008-²⁰^17.^{[Sec. 2301]}

^{nationwide and at a average a}ⁿⁿ^u^{al cost of}
^$19^per^{acre. Provides for small farm}
^{participation, and allocates to each state}
^{each year}^{the lesse}^{r of 2}^0,00^{0 ac}^{res or 2.2}^%

^{Prior Law/P}^olicy
^{(P.L. 10}^7-1⁷¹⁾^{House Bill}^{Senate Amendment}^{Enacted 2008 Farm Bill}
^{(unless otherwise Indicated)}^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(P.L. 11}^0-2⁴⁶⁾
^{of the eligible land.}^{[Sec. 2341]}
^{No comparable}^provision.^{No comparable}^provision.^{Requires reg}^{ulations to be issued}^{within 18}⁰^Delete^{s Senate provision. Directs USDA}
^{days of enactme}^nt.^{[Sec. 2341]}^{to promulgate reg}^ulations.^{[Sec. 2301]}
^{Sec. 124}^{1(a)(3) of the FSA, as am}^ended,^{Prohibits any ne}^{w contract}^{s u}^nde^{r the}^{Prohibits any ne}^{w contract}^{s u}^nde^{r the te}^rms^{Adopts Senate provision. The Ma}^nager’s
^{authorizes mandatory f}^unding^for^the^{terms of the}²⁰⁰²^{CSP, such t}^hat^no^{of the 2}⁰⁰²^{CSP, such t}^hat^{no ne}^{w CSP}^{report states}^{that t}^{he bill provides for a}
^{CSP at $1.95}^{4 billion for FY2006-}^{10 a}^nd^{new CSP contracts ma}^{y be}^enter^{ed into}^{contracts may}^{be e}^{ntered into aft}^{er October}^$1.1^billi^{on increase in}^{budget a}^u^t^hority
^$5.65^{billion from FY200}^6-15.^{after Octobe}^{r 1,}²⁰^{07 (althoug}^h^{1, 20}^{07 (althoug}^{h pa}^yments^may^be^{above cur}^rent^{baseline (FY20}^08-²⁰¹^7).
^{[16 U.S.C. 3841(a)(3)]}^payment^{s may}^{be contin}^{ued u}^ntil^{continued u}^{ntil contracts e}^{xpire). Authorizes}^{Provides such s}^{ums as}^necessa^ry^{to carry}
^{contracts e}^{xpire). For contracts}^s^igned^$2.3^billi^{on in mandatory f}^unding^for^{out existing CSP contracts.}^{[Sec. 2701]}
^{before 1}^0/1/^07,^{provides a total of $1.5}^{contracts e}^{ntered into be}^{fore th}^{e date of}
^billi^{on in mandatory f}^{unding for F}^Y200^7-^{enactment, (available until spe}^nt)^{and an}
^{12, and $}^1.9^{billion for FY2012-1}^{7. For}^uns^pecified^amount^{for the new CSP}
^{contract signed afte}^{r 1}^0/1/^{11, p}^r^ovides^{(enrollment in the}^new^{program i}^s^measur^ed
^$0.5^billi^{on for FY201}^{2 a}^{nd $4.6}^billi^on^{in acres rat}^{her t}^han^dollars).^[Sec.^2401(a)(3^-
^{for FY201}^2-1^7.^4)]
ⁱ^{ki/CRS-RL34557}^{[Sec. 2401(b)]}
^g/w^{Environmental Qu}^{ality Incentives Program}
^s^.or
^le^ak^{The 19}⁹⁶^farm^{bill amended Sec. 124}⁰^{Adds forest manageme}^{nt and org}^anic^{Adds forest manageme}^{nt to the}^s^{tatement of}^{Adds forest manageme}^{nt to p}^u^r^p^oses,
^{of the FSA to authorize EQ}^{IP, stating its}^{transition to the p}^{rogram p}^u^r^poses.^program^pur^{poses, and recog}^nizes^{and adds language rega}^{rding fores}^{t lands}
^://wiki^pur^{pose as}^{promoting productio}^{n and}^{Revises the descriptions of}^{2 of t}^{he 5}^{pollinators and fuels managem}^ent^{in the}^{on EQIP}^program^{plan and d}^uplication.
^h^ttp^{environmental}^{quality as compati}^ble^{goals, and optimiz}^{ing environmen}^tal^pur^{poses to recognize ene}^rgy^{conservation and con}^{servation o}ⁿ^forest^{amplifying statement}^s.^{[Secs. 235}^{1, 2352, and}^2354]^{Adds aquacultu}^{re to the “}^eligible^{[Secs. 2505-2506]}^{Adopts the Se}^nate^{provisions with an ame}^ndment^{to modify}
^benefits^{by working in}^{5 s}^{pecified areas.}^lands.^{[Sec. 2105(a)]}^{Adds forestry,}^{land” definition; forestry is added to the}^{eligible land}^.^{[Sec. 2502}^]^All^{ows for}
^{[16 U.S.C. 3839aa]}^{Defines 6 ter}^ms:^{forest managem}^ent^{practices, and}^{“land management}^pra^{ctice” defin}^{ition; adds}^{technical assistance}^{to farmer}^{s th}^at
^beginning^farmer^{or ran}^{cher, eligible}^{coordinated implementation to the}^{conservation plan}^ning^{practices t}^o^{promote pollinator habitats, and f}^armers
^{land, land management}^practice,^{“land management}^pra^{ctice” defin}^ition.^{“practices;” defines “}^produce^{r” t}^o^include^{transitioning to organic farming, a}^mong
^{livestock, practice, and struct}^ural^{Adds alpacas and bison to th}^e^{custom feeding}^busine^{sses a}^{nd contract}^activities.^{[Sec. 2501]}^{Further clar}^ifies
^practice.^{“livestock” definiti}^{on. Adds defini}^tions^{growers; and adds fireb}^{reaks to “}^struct^ural^{duties of the Secreta}^ry.^{[Sec. 2507]}
^{of “integrated pest}^manageme^nt”^and^practice.”^{[Sec. 2352]}
^{“socially d}^{isadvantaged farmer or}
^ranch^er.”^{[Sec. 2105(b)]}
^{Sec. 124}^{0B(a-c) of the FSA, as amended,}^{Reauthorizes throug}^{h FY20}^12.^Ex^pands^{Reauthorizes throug}^{h FY20}^12.^Ex^pands^{Reauthorizes throug}^{h FY20}^{12. Li}^mits
^{authorizes EQ}^{IP throug}^{h FY2}⁰¹^0.^{types of eligible practices to inclu}^de^{permitted pra}^{ctices to include conservation}^payment^{s to 75}^{% of costs.}^{[Sec. 2}^503]
^{Eligible practices are defined. Contracts}^{organic certification using tec}^hnic^al^{planning. Limits contract}^{s to a ma}^{ximum of}⁵^{Lowers individual payment limits from}
^{are 1 to 1}⁰^yea^rs.^{[16 U.S.C. 3839aa-}^{services from a}^p^p^{roved provider}^{s, and}^{years. Removes prohibitions on}^b^idding^$45^0,00^{0 to $}³⁰^0,00^{0 duri}^{ng any}^6-year
^2(a-c)]^{improved energy}^{efficiency, re}^ne^wable^down.^{period , except in}^{cases of s}^pecial
^{energy s}^ystems.^{[Sec. 2105(c)]}^{[Sec. 2353(a-c)]}^{environmental significanc}^{e (including}

^{Prior Law/P}^olicy
^{(P.L. 10}^7-1⁷¹⁾^{House Bill}^{Senate Amendment}^{Enacted 2008 Farm Bill}
^{(unless otherwise Indicated)}^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(P.L. 11}^0-2⁴⁶⁾
^{projects involving methan}^{e digesters),}
^allow^{ing USDA to raise the limit}^{to not}
^{more than}^$4^50,0^00.^{[Sec. 2508]}^Directs
^{USDA to devel}^{op criteria for eva}^luating
^{applications to address national, State,}
^{and local conservation priorities, allow}^ing
^{for prioritization and grouping of}
^{applications based on cost-effe}^ctiveness,
^{how address the designat}^{ed reso}^urce
^{concern(s), how b}^{est f}^{ulfills the p}^urpose
^{of EQIP, and if improves}^conserv^ation
^{practices or sy}^stems.^{[Sec. 2504]}
^{Sec. 124}^{0B(d)(2) of the FSA, as}^{Sets the federal cost s}^{hare at}⁹⁰^{% for}^{Sets the federal cost s}^{hare at}⁹⁰^{% for}^{Adopts Senate pro}^posal.^{[Sec. 2503}^]
^{amended, allows l}^{imited resource and}^{socially d}^{isadvantaged producers.}^{socially d}^{isadvantaged producers.}^{Allows for}
^beginning^produce^{rs to receive}ⁿ^ot^{Provides increased federal cost-share of}^{advanced payme}^{nts to}^purc^hase^materials
ⁱ^{ki/CRS-RL34557}^{more than a}⁹^{0% fede}^{ral cost sha}^re.^[16^{U.S.C. 3839aa-2(d)]}^90%^{for using}^{gasifier tech}^{nology for}^{certain p}^u^r^poses.^{[Sec. 2105(d-e)]}^{and contracting.}^{[Sec. 2353(c)]}
^g/w
^s^.or^{Sec. 124}^{0B(e) of the FSA, as ame}^nded,^Expa^nds^pur^{poses for inc}^entive^Expa^nds^pur^{poses rec}^{eiving speci}^{al emphasis}^{Adopts House p}^rovision.^{[Secs. 2503.}
^le^ak^{provides incentive pa}^yment^{s to p}^erform^{land management}^pra^{ctices, with special}^payment^{s: (1) receiving tec}^hnical^{services from a}^p^p^{roved third par}^ty^{to include predator spe}^{cies prote}^{cted under}^{the E}^{ndangered S}^{pecies Act, gray}^wolves,^{2706 and 2708]}^{Includes special r}^{ule that}^{USDA may accord significance to}
^://wiki^{emphasis given}^{to practices}^that^{promote specified goals.}^{[16 U.S.C.}^{providers, (2) developing a}^comprehe^{nsive n}^utrient^manage^ment^{grizzly bears, and black bea}^rs.^[Sec.^2353(c)(3)]^practices^{promoting residue, n}^utr^{ient, air}^{quality, pest, and invasive s}^pecies
^h^ttp^3839aa-2(e)]^{plan, and (3) implementi}^{ng ene}^rg^y^management;^{pollinator habitat; and}
^{efficiency and}^renewa^{ble energ}^y^{animal carcass ma}^nagement^tech^nology.
^{projects. Poll}^{inator habitats will receive}^The^confere^{nce report recognizes}^as
^{special emphasis.}^{[Sec. 2105(f)]}^{consistent with t}^{he p}^u^r^{poses of E}^QIP
^{options to deter predators}^prote^{cted by}
^{the E}^{ndangered S}^{pecies Act, and}^also
^{delisted populations.}
^{Sec. 124}^{0B(g) of the FSA, as amended,}^Exte^{nds thro}^{ugh FY2}⁰¹^{2 the}⁶⁰^%^of^Simi^{lar to the House}^bill.^{[Sec. 23}^53]^Exte^{nds thro}^{ugh FY2}⁰¹^{2 the}⁶⁰^%^of
^requires^that⁶⁰^{% of pay}^{ments go}^to^payment^{s to livestock production}^payment^{s to livestock production}
^{practices related to livestock}^requirem^ent.^{[Sec. 2105(g)(2)]}^requirem^ent.^{[Sec. 2503]}
^{production re}^quireme^nt.^{[16 U.S.}^C.
^3839aa-2(g)]
^{No comparable}^provision.^{Requires USDA to reserve at}^{least 5%}^{Amends the}^cost-share^{rate ex}^ce^{ption for}^{Adopts Senate provision for adva}^nce
^{of program f}^unds^{for begin}^{ning a}^nd^{beginning a}^{nd socially disadvantag}^{ed farmers}^payment^{s for}^{beginning, socially}
^{socially d}^{isadvantaged producers}^{for at}^{or ranc}^{hers to allow variable pay}^{ment, not}^{disadvantaged and limited resource}
^{least 90 days a}^{fter t}^{he p}^{rogram f}^unds^{to exceed 9}^{0%, and a}^{uthority to}^provide^{farmers or}^ranc^hers^{and deletes}^Senate

^{Prior Law/P}^olicy
^{(P.L. 10}^7-1⁷¹⁾^{House Bill}^{Senate Amendment}^{Enacted 2008 Farm Bill}
^{(unless otherwise Indicated)}^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(P.L. 11}^0-2⁴⁶⁾
^{have be}^{en made available.}^{[Sec. 2}^105(g)]^{advance pay}^ments^up^{to 30}^{% for}^the^{provision for guara}^{nteed loan eligibility}^.
^purc^{hase of ma}^{terials or contract}^ing.^[Sec.^{Adopts Senate provision with an}
^2353]^amendment^{for cost-share}^rates^and
^{advance pay}^ments^{for begin}^ning,^socially
^{disadvantaged, and limited resource}
^{farmers or}^ranc^hers.^{[Sec. 2503]}
^{No comparable}^provision.^{No comparable}^provision.^{Gives priority to improving wate}^r^{Deletes Senate provision.}
^{conservation and air}^{quality, und}^{er certain}
^{conditions. Requires participants}^to
^have/ex^{pect at least}^$1^5,00^{0 in g}^{ross sales}
^{from farming.}^{[Sec. 2353(c)(6)]}
^{No comparable}^provision.^Expa^{nds eligibility to market agencies}^Expa^{nds ‘produce}^{r’ eligibil}^{ity to i}^{nclude a}^{Adopts Senate provision with an}
^{and custom fe}^eders.^{[Sec. 2105(h)]}^{custom feeding}^busine^{ss and a}^contract^{amendment to modify eligible land.}
^{grower or finisher.}^{[Sec. 2352]}^{[Sec. 2502]}
ⁱ^{ki/CRS-RL34557}^{Sec. 124}^{0C of the FSA, as ame}^nded,^{Identifies 5 p}^{riorities for program}^{Adds a higher}^{priority for improv}^ing^{Adopts House p}^{rovision with cha}^{nges to}
^g/w^{gives higher}^{priority for participat}^{ion in}^{EQIP to p}^roducers^{using cost-eff}^ective^{applications. Specifies a streamlined}^{evaluation process for o}^perations^with^{conservation p}^{ractices or syste}^m^s^{in place at}^{the time of the}^{contract of}^fer.^{[Sec. 2354]}^{prioritize State, regi}^{onal, or l}^ocal^{resource co}^ncer^{ns, and to allow for the}
^s^.or^{conservation p}^{ractices and}^practi^ces^substa^{ntial and sound e}^nvironme^ntal^{grouping of a}^{pplications of similar}
^le^ak^{that address}^{national conservation}^management^systems^{involving a limited}^{agriculture ope}^rations.^{[Sec. 2502]}
^priorities.^{[16 U.S.C. 3839aa-3]}^num^{ber of}^practices.^{[Sec. 2105(I)}^]
^://wiki^{Sec. 124}^{0E of t}^{he FSA, as amend}^ed,^{Adds to the planning}^req^uiremeⁿ^{ts the}^{Includes forest}^{ry lang}^{uage similar to House}^{Adopts House forest}^{ry p}^rovision^[Sec.
^h^ttp^{defines the ge}^{neral conte}^{nts of a}^{need to be consiste}^{nt with}^forest^plans,^{bill, but also all}^{ows a producer or}^ganization^2502]^{, but strikes Senate}^{provision on}
^producer’s^{EQIP pla}^{n, and calls on}^{and allows as an accepta}^{ble plan}^{to act on behalf of its m}^embe^rshi^{p in}^{producer orga}^nizations.
^{USDA to avoi}^{d duplication with other}^{consideration of an air or water}^quality^{submitting a}^{pplications or conduc}^{ting similar}
^{conservation plans.}^{permit that}^{meet reg}^ulatory^{activities to facil}^{itate program par}^ticipation.
^{[16 U.S.C. 3839aa-5]}^requirem^{ents as}^{an ac}^cepta^{ble pl}^an.^{[Sec. 2356]}^{Establishes a}^Chesa^pe^{ake Bay}
^{[Sec. 2105(k)]}^{Watershed Conser}^{vation Program under}
^{EQIP to assist p}^{roducers in}^ap^plying
^{conservation p}^{ractices on}
^{agricultural/nonindust}^{rial private f}^orestland
^{in the Bay water}^{shed to address}^natural
^{resource co}^ncer^{ns related to agriculture,}
^{funded at}^$1^{65 million for FY200}^8-12.^[Sec.
^2361]
^{Sec. 124}^{0F of the FSA, as amende}^d,^{Lists 3 criteria t}^{hat mu}^{st be}^met^before^{No comparable}^provision.^{Deletes House provision.}

^{provides for USDA funding,}^{USDA can provide assistance for}
^{information, and training to develop and}^{practices with a}^primary^p^urpose^of

^{Prior Law/P}^olicy
^{(P.L. 10}^7-1⁷¹⁾^{House Bill}^{Senate Amendment}^{Enacted 2008 Farm Bill}
^{(unless otherwise Indicated)}^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(P.L. 11}^0-2⁴⁶⁾
^{implement conse}^{rvation plans.}^{water conser}^vation.^{[Sec. 2105 (l)]}
^{[16 U.S.C. 3839aa-6]}
^{Sec. 124}^{0H of t}^{he FSA, as amend}^{ed by}^{Adds to the Conservation I}^nnova^tion^{Adds to the Conservation I}^nnova^{tion Grants}^{Adopts House p}^{rovisions related to}
^{the 2}⁰⁰²^far^{m bill, provides for a}^Grants^{provisions u}^nder^{EQIP. A}^dds^{provisions under}^EQ^{IP. Adds nonindustrial}^{forest resour}^{ce ma}^{nagement a}ⁿ^d^air
^{competitive grants}^{program withi}ⁿ^{detail on qualities of elig}^{ible projects,}^{private forest lands to t}^{he list of potential}^{quality. Provides $37.5 million annually}
^{EQIP, on a matc}^{hing ba}^{sis, to implement}^{establishes a pilot program}^for^{recipients of in}^{novative tech}^nolo^{gies. Adds}^(FY2009-2⁰¹^{2) to implement air}^quality
^{innovative conservation}^practices^;^{conservation plan}^{ning in t}^he^{two items to the list of examples:}⁽¹⁾^plans.^{[Sec. 2509]}^{The conf}^eren^c^e^report
^{examples listed are u}^{sing market}^{Chesapeake Bay}^waters^{hed, and}^{adds a}^transfe^{rs of innovative tec}^{hnologies to}^states^{conservation programs sh}^ould
^{systems in}^{pollution reduction, and}^{new su}^{bsection to assist}^produce^{rs who}^{nonindustrial private}^{forest land in}^{recognize the u}^{se of innovative}
^{using innovative}^{practices, suc}^{h a}^s^{are meeting state a}^{nd local regulatory}^{production, and (2) assistanc}^{e for}^specialty^{technology suc}^{h as e}^nha^{nced effi}^ciency
^{storing carbon i}ⁿ^{soil; no funding}^is^{air quality req}^uirement^{s. Provides}^{crop p}^roduction.^{[Sec. 2358]}^fertilizers.
^specified.^{funding f}^{rom EQ}^{IP: $3}^{0 million}
^{[16 U.S.C. 3839aa-8]}^{(FY2008) rising to}^$75^{million (F}^Y201^2),
^{with specified fu}^{nds for air}^{quality and}
^{for organic and s}^{pecialty crop}
ⁱ^{ki/CRS-RL34557}^producers.^{[Sec. 2105(}^m)]
^g/w^{Sec. 124}^{0I of t}^{he FSA, as amende}^{d by}^{Replaces GSWCP with a Regional}^{Maintains GSWCP and}^{provides an increase}^{Replaces GSWCP with the Agric}^ultural
^s^.or^{the 2}⁰⁰²^far^{m bill, creates a Gro}^und^{Water En}^han^cement^{Program to}^{in funding}^{from $}^{60million to $6}^{5 million}^{Water En}^han^cement^{Program (A}^WEP)
^le^ak^{and Surface Wate}^{r Conser}^vation^{Program (GSWCP) within EQIP f}^or^{address water q}^{uality, make eligible}^{governmental e}^{ntities (including}^{annually. Provides funding for}^eac^{h state t}^hat^{received fu}^{nding unde}^{r the}^progr^{am in}^under^{EQIP. Provides mandatory}^funding:^$73^{million annually (FY2009-}²⁰¹^{0), $74}
^://wiki^{activities that will result in a net s}^avings^{of ground or s}^urface^{water; lists 6 type}^s^{irrigation and water districts) and Indian}^{tribes, and to implement}^progra^{m on a}^{previous year}^{s (simple average of}^funds^{provided for FY200}^{2- 2}⁰⁰⁷^{or th}^{e amount}^mill^{ion (FY2011), and $}^{60 million ann}^ually^{(FY2012 a}^{nd eac}^{h year t}^herea^fter^).
^h^ttp^{of eligible activ}^{ities (improve irrig}^ation^{regional scale through}^cooperative^{provided in 20}^{07, whic}^{hever is gr}^eater),^{Recognizes the pu}^{rpose as addre}^ssing
^{systems, for exa}^{mple), and provi}^des^agreements.^Ex^{pands t}^{he list of eligible}^except^{for states over}^the^Ogallal^{a Aquifer,}^{water q}^{uality/quantity con}^cern^{s on}
^{mandatory fu}^{nding of $}²⁵^milli^{on in}^{activities and requires t}^{he Secret}^{ary to}^{which will receive not less tha}^{n t}^{he greater}^{agricultural land, with the role of}^AWEP
^{FY2002, growing to}^$6^{0 million a}^nnually^{identify priority areas. Lists 5}^pri^ority^{of $3 million or the average of}^fu^nds^partne^{rs as leveraging}^{federal f}^uⁿ^{ds and}
^{in FY200}^4-07.^{areas, which togethe}^{r may}^receiv^{e no}^{provided for FY200}^2-20^{07. Provi}^{des at least}^encouraging^produce^{rs to addres}^{s these}
^{[16 U.S.C. 3839-aa-9]}^{more than}⁵⁰^{% of th}^{e available fu}^nds.^$20^{million for the Easter}^{n Snake}^Plain^{concerns. The}^Manag^{ers r}^eport
^Establishes^{a process for}^Aquifer.^{[Sec. 2359]}^{emphasizes t}^{he importan}^{ce of ad}^dressing
^solicit^{ing/selecting proposals and}^{groundwater ma}^nageme^{nt in t}^he^Ogallala
^{developing implementation agree}^ments.^{region, promoting water use}^effic^iency
^{Provides mandatory funds of}^$6⁰^milli^on^{projects, converting irrigated far}^ming
^{annually th}^{rough FY2}⁰¹^{2 (limits}^{operations to a dryland farming;}^and
^{administrative expe}^{nses to no m}^ore^{providing assistance to constr}^uct^{on farm}
^than^{3% of t}^{he total).}^{[Sec. 2106]}^{reservoirs/irrigation ponds in dro}^ught-
^{stricken areas. Ide}^{ntifies six p}^riority
^{areas: The Easte}^{rn Sna}^{ke Plain Aquifer}
^{region, Puget Sound, the Ogallala Aquifer,}
^{the Sacrame}^{nto River watershed,}^Upper

^{Prior Law/P}^olicy
^{(P.L. 10}^7-1⁷¹⁾^{House Bill}^{Senate Amendment}^{Enacted 2008 Farm Bill}
^{(unless otherwise Indicated)}^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(P.L. 11}^0-2⁴⁶⁾
^{Mississippi River Basin, the Red River of}
^{the Nort}^{h Basin, and the}^Eve^rglades.^[Sec.
^2510]^Fol^{lows same payment limits as}
^{under EQIP.}^{[Sec. 2508]}^{Provides for a}
^{transition period for the e}^xisting^GSWCP
^through^Septem^ber^{30, 2}⁰⁰^8.^{[Sec. 2903]}
^{Sec. 124}^{0I(c)(2) of the FSA, as a}^mended^{Lists the Klamath River}^{basin as}^{one of}^{No comparable}^provision.^{Deletes House provision.}
^{by the}²⁰⁰²^farm^{bill, provides $50}^{the 5 listed priority areas}^unde^{r t}^he⁽^Note^{: The Klamath Basin is listed as 1 of}¹⁴
^mill^{ion to carry out water}^conser^vation^{Regional Water Enha}^ncement^Pr^ogram.^{priority areas in t}^{he Partne}^rship^s^and
^{activities in the Klamath River ba}^sin^{[Sec. 2106 (b)(2)]}^{Cooperation Program; see above}^.)
^{(OR, CA)}^{[16 U.S.C. 3839aa-9(c)(}^2)]
^{No comparable}^provision.^{No comparable}^provision.^{Adds program at e}^{nd of EQ}^{IP to assist}^{Adopts Senate provision. Include}^{s organic}
^{farmers w}^{ho are con}^{verting to o}^rganic^{practices as eligible manageme}^nt^systems
^{production (with contract}^{s of 3-}⁴^years).^{and limits payment to an}^aggregat^{e of}
^{Payments are limited to $20,}⁰⁰⁰^{per yea}^r.^$80,0⁰⁰^{in any}^6-year^period.
ⁱ^{ki/CRS-RL34557}^{[Sec. 2360]}^{[Secs. 2501 and 2503]}
^g/w^{Sec. 124}^{1(a)(6) of the FSA, as am}^ended,^{Authorizes EQ}^{IP fu}^{nding: $1.2}^{5 b}^ill^ion^{Authorizes EQ}^{IP fu}^{nding: $1.2}^{7 b}^ill^ion^{Provides addit}^{ional budget autho}^rity.
^s^.or^{authorizes EQ}^{IP fu}^{nding, rising fr}^om^{(FY2008), $}^{1.6 billion (FY2009), $1.7}^{annually (FY20}^08-0^{9), $1.3}^billion^each^{Authorizes EQ}^{IP fu}^{nding: $1.2}^billion
^le^ak^$0.4^billi^{on in FY200}^{2 to $}^{1.3 billion in}^billi^{on (FY2010), $}^{1.8 billion (FY2011),}^(FY2010-FY20^12).^{[Sec. 2401(a)(}^7)]^{(FY2008); $}^1.33⁷^billi^{on (FY2009}^);
^FY2010.^{[16 U.S.C.}^3841(a)(6)]^{and $2}^{billion (FY2012).}^{[Sec. 2401(d)]}^$1.45^{billion (FY2012); $1.5}⁸⁸^billion
^://wiki^{(FY2011); and}^$1.7^{5 billion (FY2012).}
^h^ttp^{[Sec. 2701]}
^{Farmland Pr}^{otection Prog}^ra^m
^{The 19}⁹⁶^farm^{bill amended Sec. 123}^8H^{Reauthorizes program, and}^rena^{mes to}^{Reauthorizes the}^{program. Modifies}^{Reauthorizes the}^{program t}^hroug^{h 2}⁰¹^2,
^{of the FSA to authorize the Far}^m^land^{Farm and Ranc}^{hland Protection}^{definition of elig}^{ible forest land, and makes}^{but does not}^rename^{program. C}^hanges
^{Protection Program (FPP)}^{, defini}^ng^{Program (FRPP)}^{. Expa}^{nds eligible land}^{eligible other land that is needed}^{for efficient}^{administrative requireme}^{nts, ap}^p^raisal
^{eligible entity, land}^{, Indian tribes,}^and^{definition to include historic and}^{administration of an easeme}^{nt. Changes}^{methodology, and terms and con}^ditions
^programs.^{[16 U.S.C. 3838h-I]}^Th^e^{archaeological resources. States will be}^pur^{pose of p}^{rogram from}^protec^{ting topsoil}^{of cooperative agreement}^{s. Adopts}
^{program, as ame}^{nded, provides for the}^{certified (reviewed every 3}^years^{) to}^{to “protecting agricultu}^{ral use a}ⁿ^d^related^{terms/conditions for cooperative}
^purc^{hase of co}^{nservation ease}^me^{nts to}^{participate and}^{receive p}^{rogram f}^unds^{conservation values.” Adds new}^agreements^{similar to Senate pro}^vision.
^{protect topsoil by limiting the lan}^d’s^{based on 4}^{listed requireme}^{nts. States}^requirem^ents^{for cooperative agr}^eements^{Clarifies the pu}^{rpose of t}^{he p}^{rogram as}
^{nonagricultural}^{uses s}^{ubject to a}^{may spe}^{nd u}^p^{to 1}^{0% of f}^unds^for^{with participant}^{s, cost-sharing, an}^d^{protecting land for agric}^{ultural us}^{e by}
^{pending offe}^{r. The federal cost m}^{ay not}^{administrative costs. Lists terms}^and^{protection of the}^{federal investm}^{ent. Allows}^limit^{ing nonagricultu}^{ral uses. Adopts}
^{exceed 5}^{0% of t}^{he value of}^the^{conditions for agreements wit}^{h e}^ligible^{USDA to enter into cooperative agreements}^{Senate provision to modify the d}^efinition
^{easement; t}^{he value of a}^charitabl^e^{entities (reviewed every 3}^years).^{with eligible entities under certai}ⁿ^{of eligible land to}^{include forestland and}
^{donation by the seller may}^{not e}^xceed^{Provides that USDA may require}^a^circumstan^{ces, and re}^quires^the^p^rotection^{other land that co}^ntribut^{es to th}^{e econo-}
^{25% of}^{the valu}^{e of the}^easement^{. If}^{contingent right}^{to enforce}^ease^ment,^{of federal investment}^throug^{h a}ⁿ^executory^{mic viability of an operation. Establishes a}

^{Prior Law/P}^olicy
^{(P.L. 10}^7-1⁷¹⁾^{House Bill}^{Senate Amendment}^{Enacted 2008 Farm Bill}
^{(unless otherwise Indicated)}^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(P.L. 11}^0-2⁴⁶⁾
^{multiple applications are compa}^ra^ble,^{and req}^{uires t}^{he use}^{of a conse}^rv^ation^limitat^{ion. Limits the amount USDA can}^{certification process similar to th}^{e House}
^{USDA may not use cost alone to}^{plan for}^{highly erodible cropland.}^{share in t}^{he costs of}^pu^rchasing^t^he^{bill for all el}^{igible entities}^{. To become}
^{determine which}^{ones will be fu}ⁿ^ded.^{Retains a federal contingent}^right^of^{easement to 5}^{0% of}^{the a}^p^p^{raised fair}^{certified, entities must have t}^{he a}^uthority
^enforceme^{nt or e}^{xecutory limitation in}^{market value a}^{nd establishes}^minimum^{and resourc}^{es to enfor}^{ce easeme}^nts,
^{an easeme}^{nt to ens}^{ure its e}^nforc^ement.^{amounts e}^{ntities pay ba}^{sed on th}^{e amount of}^{polices in place that are}^consiste^{nt with}
^{Provides cost-share assistance fo}^r^{landowner contrib}^{utions. Requir}^{es app}^raisals^{the p}^u^r^{poses of the}^{program, a}^{nd clear}
^purc^{hasing a}ⁿ^easeme^{nt, b}^{ut assis}^tance^{based on u}^{niform sta}^{ndards of p}^r^ofessional^procedures^{to protect t}^{he integri}^{ty of the}
^{may not exc}^{eed 5}^{0% of t}^{he ap}^pra^ised^{appraisal pra}^{ctice or any ot}^{her in}^dustry-^{program. Incl}^{udes a limit on impervious}
^{fair market value of}^{the eas}^ement^{. The}^{approved sta}^ndard.^{[Sec. 2371]}^surface^{s consistent}^{with agricultu}^ral
^{fair market value is dete}^{rmined b}^y^an^{activities, and clarifies agreement terms}
^{appraisal using}^{an indu}^stry-ap^pro^ved^{for certified and non-ce}^{rtified entities.}
^method.^{[Sec. 2110]}^{[Sec. 2401-2402]}
^{Sec. 124}^{1(a)(4) of the FSA, as am}^ended,^{Mandatory f}^{unding for t}^he^renam^ed^{Mandatory f}^{unding for t}^{he FPP is}^authorized^{Provides addit}^{ional budget autho}^rity.
^{authorizes mandatory f}^unding^for^the^{Farm and Ranc}^{hland Protection}^{at $9}^{7 million annually from FY2}⁰⁰⁸^thro^ugh^{Authorizes FPP funding: $}^{97 million}
^{FPP at; $50 million in FY2002, $}¹⁰⁰^{Program is authorized at; $1}²⁵^m^ill^ion^FY2012.^{(FY2008); $}¹²¹^{million (FY2009); $1}⁵⁰
ⁱ^{ki/CRS-RL34557}^mill^{ion in FY2003, $}¹²⁵^{million in}^FY2004^{and FY2}⁰⁰^{5, $1}^{00 millio}^{n in}^{in FY200}^{8, $1}⁵⁰^milli^{on in FY200}^{9, $2}⁰⁰^mill^{ion in FY2010, $}²⁴⁰^{million in}^{[Sec. 2401(a)(5)]}^mill^{ion (FY2010); $1}⁷⁵^{million (F}^Y201^1);^{and $2}⁰⁰^milli^{on (FY2012).}^{[Sec. 2701]}
^g/w^{FY2006, a}^{nd $9}^{7 million in FY2007.}^{FY2011, a}^{nd $2}⁸⁰^{million in FY2}^012.
^s^.or^{[16 U.S.C. 3841(a)(4)]}^{[Sec. 2401(c)]}
^le^ak
^{Grassland Reserve Prog}^ram
^://wiki^{The 20}⁰²^farm^{bill amended Sec. 123}^8N^{Sets the GRP en}^{rollment ceiling at an}^{Adds definitions: el}^{igible entity, el}^{igible land,}^{Adopts an acreage}^{enrollment go}^{al of an}
^h^ttp^{of the FSA to authorize the}^Gras^slands^additi^{onal 1.34 million acres, with at}^{and perma}^ne^{nt conser}^{vation ease}^ment.^additi^{onal 1.22 million acres by 2}^012.
^{Reserve Program (GRP), setting}^{least 60% of t}^{hese a}^{cres to}^{be en}^rolled^{Eligible entity and authority woul}^{d allow for}^Includes^{10-, 1}^{5-, and 20-yea}^{r re}ⁿ^tal
^{maximum e}^{nrollment for at}^2.0^mill^ion^{using 3}⁰^yea^{r re}^{ntal agreement}^{s a}^nd^{USDA to enter cooperative agre}^ements^{contracts a}^{nd perma}^ne^{nt easeme}^nts.
^{acres (all enrolled parcels in at least 40}^easements.^{[Sec. 2104(a) and (b)]}^{with entities to pur}^chase^easeme^nts.^{Deletes House priority for}^60%^of
^{contiguous acres). Req}^{uires 4}^0%^{of land}^{Provides for GRP enrollment opt}^ions^{acreage in long term}^contracts;^r^etains
^{enrolled in 10-2}^{0 year, and}⁶⁰^{% in 3}⁰^through^{a 3}⁰^year^contract,^{30 ye}^ar^curre^{nt law that}⁶⁰^{% of f}^{unds wo}^{uld be}
^{year agreeme}^nts.^{[16 U.S.C. 3838}^n]^easement,^{and perma}^{nent easem}^ent.^[Sec.^{dedicated to easements, while 40}^{% of}
^2381]^{funds would b}^e^{dedicated to short term}
^{contracts. Adopts Senate definiti}^{on of}
^{eligible entity, authority, and eligi}^{ble land}
^{(with technical corrections). Adopts a}
^{priority for enrollment of CRP land with}
^{a modificati}^{on to clarify that the}^priority
^{applies upo}^{n ex}^{piration of the C}^RP
^contract.^{[Sec. 2403]}
^{No comparable}^provision.^{Allows US}^{DA to transfer ce}^rtain^land^{Allows US}^{DA to transfer ce}^rtain^land^{Adopts House p}^{rovision regardin}^{g the}
^curre^{ntly in th}^{e CRP into the GR}^{P, but}^curre^{ntly in th}^{e CRP to be tra}^nsf^{erred to a}^{method for determining}^{fair mar}^{ket value}

^{Prior Law/P}^olicy
^{(P.L. 10}^7-1⁷¹⁾^{House Bill}^{Senate Amendment}^{Enacted 2008 Farm Bill}
^{(unless otherwise Indicated)}^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(P.L. 11}^0-2⁴⁶⁾
^{limits the total in any calendar ye}^{ar to}^perma^{nent eas}^ement^unde^{r GRP, but limits}^{with a tech}^{nical correction.}^{[Sec. 2403]}
^{no more tha}^{n 1}^{0% of}^{GRP acres}^{the total transfe}^{rred in a}^{ny calen}^{dar year to}
^{enrolled. Requires USDA pay the}^lowest^{10% of}^{the total fu}^{nding available for the}
^{of four sp}^{ecified ways to calculate fair}^{GRP in that yea}^r.^{[Sec. 2381]}
^{market value.}^{[Sec. 2104(c)]}
^{Sec. 123}^{8O of t}^{he FSA, as amend}^ed,^{No comparable}^provision.^{Specifies landowner duties and U}^SDA^{Adopts Senate provisions with c}^h^anges.
^{specifies the d}^{uties and re}^quirem^{ents of}^{considerations in evaluating offer}^{s. Specifies}^{[Sec. 2403]}
^{landowners in the}^{GRP, terms of}^{how to determine compe}^nsation^{levels and}
^{easements a}^{nd agreeme}^{nts, and}^h^ow^{technical assistance. Specifies}
^{applications are to be eval}^uated.^{terms/conditions that ap}^{ply to G}^RP
^{[16 U.S.C. 3838o]}^{contracts/easeme}^{nts, su}^{ch as}^per^{mitted and}
^{prohibited uses, minim}^{um re}^quir^{e-ments for}
^{cooperative agreement}^{s, and oth}^er
^{considerations.}^{[Sec. 2381]}
^{No comparable}^provision.^{Authorizes a Gra}^{sslands Reserve}^{No comparable}^provision.^{Deletes House provision.}
ⁱ^{ki/CRS-RL34557}^Enha^nceme^{nt Program.}^{[Sec. 210}^{4 (d)]}
^g/w^{Sec. 123}^{8Q(a) of the FSA, as ame}^nded,^{Requires USDA to transfe}^{r th}^{e title of}^{Provides authority for USDA to enter into}^{Adopts the Senate a}^mendme^{nt p}^rovision
^s^.or^{allows US}^{DA to transfer t}^{he title of an}^{an easeme}^{nt to a p}^{rivate organizations}^{cooperative agreement}^{s with eligible entities}^{for cooperative agreeme}^nts^betw^een
^le^ak^{easement in t}^he^{GRP to a state or}^{or a state.}^{[Sec. 2104 (e)]}^{for those entities to p}^urc^{hase, own, enforce,}^{USDA and eligible entities with a}
^{private organization.}^{[16 U.S.C.}^{and monitor easement}^s.^{[Sec. 2381]}^modificati^{on to the language s}^pec^ifying
^://wiki^3838q(a)]^{that eligible entities shall assume}^{costs of}
^h^ttp^{administering and en}^{forcing ease}^ments.
^{Adopts a req}^uirement^{for a conti}^ngent
^{right of enforc}^ement.^{[Sec. 2403]}
^{Sec. 124}^{1(a)(5) of the FSA, as am}^ended,^{No comparable}^provision.^{Total GRP funding limited to $240 million}^{Deletes Senate provision.}
^{limits funding for the}^{GRP to a total of}⁽^Note:^{Sets acreag}^{e en}^{rollment li}^{mit in}^{for FY200}^8-1^{2, with no acreage}^e^nrollment
^$25^{4 million from FY200}^3-07.^{GRP provisions, but}^{no fu}^{nding limit.)}^limit^.^{[Sec. 2401(a)(6]}
^{[16 U.S.C. 3841(a)(5)]}
^{Wildlife Habitat Incenti}^{ves P}^rog^ram
^{The 19}⁹⁶^farm^{bill amended Sec. 124}^0N^{Reauthorizes WHIP thro}^{ugh FY2}^012;^{Reauthorizes WHIP thro}^{ugh FY2}^012;^{Limits program eligibility to focus on}
^{of the FSA to authorize Wildl}^{ife Habitat}^{allows add}^iti^{onal funds to be}^use^{d to}^increases^{portion of fu}^{nds for lon}^g-term^{lands ‘‘for the development of wildlife}
^Incentives^{Program (WHIP), prov}^iding^{meet regulatory r}^e^q^uirements^th^at^agreements^{from 1}^{5% to}²⁵^{% of f}^unding;^{habitat on}^{private agricultu}^{ral land,}
^{cost-sharing to landowners w}^ho^{“reduces t}^{he economic scope}^of^the^requires^{USDA to give priority to projects}^{nonindustrial private}^{forest land, and}
^{improve ha}^{bitat, with up to}^15%^{of the}^{producer’s ope}^{ration;” increases}^{that foster t}^{he goals of state, regional, and}^{tribal lands.” Raises lim}^{it on cost-}^share
^{total made available in any years f}^or^{portion of fu}^{nds for long-term}^{national fish and wildlife conservation plans.}^payment^{s for long-term}^projects^{to 25%}
^agreements^{that ar}^{e longer tha}ⁿ¹⁵^agreements^{from 1}^{5% to}²⁵^{% of f}^unding.^{[Sec. 2393]}^{and limits total payments to $5}^0,000^pe^r
^years.^{year. Allows USDA t}^o^{provide priority to}

^{Prior Law/P}^olicy
^{(P.L. 10}^7-1⁷¹⁾^{House Bill}^{Senate Amendment}^{Enacted 2008 Farm Bill}
^{(unless otherwise Indicated)}^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(P.L. 11}^0-2⁴⁶⁾
^{[16 U.S.C. 3839bb-1]}^{[Sec. 2112]}^{projects that address}^issues^{raised by}
^{State, regional, and national cons}^ervation
^initiatives.^{[Sec. 2602]}
^{Sec. 124}^{1(a)(7) of the FSA, as am}^ended,^{Mandatory f}^{unding for W}^{HIP is}^Simi^{lar to the House}^bill.^{Reauthorizes program t}^hroug^{h F}^Y201^{2 at}
^{authorizes mandatory f}^unding^raising^{authorized at $8}^{5 million annually}^{[Sec. 2401(a)(8)]}^curre^{nt levels.}^{[Sec. 2701]}
^{from $1}^{5 million to $60 million}^through^FY20^12.^{[Sec. 2401(e)]}
^{between FY2}⁰⁰^2-0^{4, and $}^{85 million}
^{annually (FY20}^05-0^7).^{[16 U.S.C.}
^3841(a)(7)]
^{Other Conservation Pr}^og^ra^ms
^{The 20}⁰²^farm^{bill amended the}^{FSA to}^{Reauthorizes discretionary fu}^ndin^{g for}^{Reauthorizes discretionary fu}^ndin^{g for}^{Reauthorizes the}^{program t}^hroug^{h 2}⁰¹^2.
^{provide grants to impleme}^{nt a Fa}^rm^{program t}^hrough^FY20^12.^{[Sec. 2}^111]^{program t}^hrough^FY20^12.^{[Sec. 2}^396]^{[Sec. 2402]}
^Viabil^{ity Program. Authorizes}
^approp^{riations “suc}^{h sum}^{s as are}
ⁱ^{ki/CRS-RL34557}^necessar^{y” thro}^{ugh FY2}⁰⁰^7.
^g/w^{[16 U.S.C. 3838j]}
^s^.or^{The 19}⁹⁶^farm^{bill amended Sec.}^Exte^{nds aut}^{horization of appropr}^iations^Exte^{nds aut}^{horization of appropr}^iations^Exte^{nds aut}^{horization of appropr}^iations
^le^ak¹²⁴^{0M(e) of t}^{he FSA to authoriz}^{e the}^through^FY20^12.^{[Sec. 2108]}^through^FY20^12.^{[Sec. 2392]}^through^FY20^12.^{[Sec. 2601]}
^{Conservation of Private Grazing}^Land
^://wiki^{Program. Authorizes app}^{ropriations of}
^h^ttp^$60^{million annually through}^FY2^007.^{[16 U.S.C, 3839bb(e)]}
^{The 20}⁰²^farm^{bill amended Sec. 124}^0O^{Authorizes $2}^{0 million annually in}^{Authorizes $2}^{0 million annually in}^{Adopts Senate provision.}^{[Sec. 2603]}
^{of the FSA to authorize a G}^rassr^oots^{discretionary fu}^{nds (FY200}^8-1^{2) and}^{discretionary fu}^{nding (FY200}^8-12^).
^{Source Water Protection Progra}^{m to}^{one-time funding of}^$10^{million i}ⁿ^{[Sec. 2394]}
^{assist state ru}^{ral water associations that}^{mandatory fu}^{nding to remain a}^vailable
^{operate wellhead and grou}^ndwat^er^{until spen}^t.^{[Sec. 2107]}
^{protection program}^{s. Authorizes}
^approp^{riations of $5 million annu}^ally
^through^FY20^07.^{[16 U.S.C. 3839}^bb-2]
^{The 20}⁰²^farm^{bill amended Sec. 124}^0P^Exte^{nds aut}^{horization of appropr}^iations^Exte^{nds aut}^{horization of appropr}^iations^{Reauthorizes program, and a}^utho^{rizes $5}
^{of the FSA to authorize a G}^reat^Lakes^through^FY20^12.^{[Sec. 2109]}^through^FY20^{12; s}^{pecifies progra}^{m will help}^mill^{ion annually FY20}^08-2⁰¹^2.
^{Program for Soil Erosion and Sed}^iment^{implement recomme}^{ndations of a}^{[Sec. 2604]}
^{Control, and provides $5 million}^{collaborative restoration strategy, giving}

^{annually th}^{rough FY2}⁰⁰^7.^{[16 U.S}^.C.^{priority to certain projects.}^{[Sec. 2395]}^.
^3839bb-3]

^{Prior Law/P}^olicy
^{(P.L. 10}^7-1⁷¹⁾^{House Bill}^{Senate Amendment}^{Enacted 2008 Farm Bill}
^{(unless otherwise Indicated)}^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(P.L. 11}^0-2⁴⁶⁾
^{Sec. 524(b)(1) of t}^{he Federal Cro}^p^{Adds Hawaii and Virginia to the li}^{st of}^{Reauthorizes the}^{program t}^hroug^{h FY20}^12;^{Adopts House p}^{rovision with cha}^{nges to}
^Insu^rance^{Act aut}^{horizes an Agri}^cultural^{eligible states. Al}^{locates 50% of f}^{unds to}^{adds Idaho to the list of eligible s}^tates.^[Sec.^{include Hawaii as an eligible State.}
^Manageme^{nt Assistan}^{ce (AMA)}^{USDA’s NRCS; 10% to Agricultu}^ral^2601]^{Provides an additi}^{onal $25million}ⁱⁿ
^{program for listed states t}^{hat hav}^e^{Marketing Service (for orga}^nic^{mandatory fu}^{nding (FY20}^08-2⁰¹²^).
^{historic low participation rates in}^the^{certification assistance); and 4}^0%^{to the}^{[Sec. 2801]}
^{Federal Crop Ins}^uran^{ce Program.}^[7^{Risk Management}^Agency.^{[Sec. 2}^201]
^{U.S.C. 1524(b)]}
^{Secs. 152}^8-15³⁷^{of the}¹⁹⁸¹^far^{m bill}^{Amends RC&D program to}^{provide a}^Simi^{lar to House provision, clarifying that a}ⁿ^{Adopts Senate provision.}^{[Sec. 2805]}
^{(Agriculture and Food Act of 1}⁹⁸^{1, P.L.}^{designated coordinator to assist each}^{area plan m}^ust^{be developed thr}^{ough a}
^108-^{7) aut}^{horizes the Resourc}^e^{approved area.}^{Eliminates req}^uire^ment^local^{ly led process, and that t}^{he p}^lanning
^{Conservation and Development}^{to submit a p}^{rogram evaluation t}^o^the^{process, and t}^{hat the}^plan^{ning p}^r^{ocess must}
^{Program (RC&D) to devel}^{op and}^{House and Senat}^{e Agricultu}^re^{be conducted}^{by a local council. Provides for}
^{implement a regional plan to add}^ress^{Committees before J}^une^30,²⁰⁰^5.^{a coordinator to improve technic}^al
^{conservation, water/land manage}^ment,^{[Sec. 2202]}^{assistance to coun}^{cils, as designated by}
^{or community developme}^nt.^{[16 U.S.C.}^USDA.^{[Sec. 2605]}
ⁱ^{ki/CRS-RL34557}^1528-1527]
^g/w^{Sec. 14(h) of the}^{Watershed Prot}^ection^{Authorizes $5}^{0 million annually in}^{Authorizes suc}^{h s}^{ums as}^necessa^{ry in}^{Adopts House p}^{rovision and pro}^vides
^s^.or^{and Flood Prevention Act (P.L. 1}^06-^{mandatory fu}^{nding (FY20}^09-1^2);^{discretionary fu}^{nding ann}^{ually (FY200}^8-12).^$10^{0 million in mandatory fu}^ndin^{g for}
^le^ak^{472) a}^{uthorizes discretionary a}^nd^{extends FY2}⁰⁰^{7 discretionary f}^uⁿ^ding^{[Sec. 2604]}^FY2009^{to remain available u}^ntil
^{mandatory fu}^{nding for a Small}^{level through FY2}⁰¹^2.^{[Sec. 2203]}^expe^nded.^{[Sec. 2803]}
^://wiki^{Watershed Reha}^bilitati^{on Program.}^[16
^h^ttp^{U.S.C. 1012]}
^{The 20}⁰²^farm^{bill amended Sec.}^{Annual f}^unding^{for regional eq}^{uity is}^{Annual f}^unding^{for regional eq}^{uity is raised}^{Adopts Senate provision with c}^h^a^nges.
¹²⁴^{1(d) of the FSA to aut}^{horize a}^{raised to at least $15}^milli^on^{[Sec. 2404]}^{to at least $15}^milli^{on, and crop insura}^nce^{[Sec. 2703]}
^{program to p}^{romote regional eq}^uity,^payment^{s are added to this calcul}^ation.
^{giving each state a total of at leas}^{t $1}²^{Directs USDA to update state allocation}
^mill^{ion annually from ce}^{rtain man}^datory^formulas.^{[Sec. 2402]}
^programs.
^{[16 U.S.C. 3841d]}
^{The 20}⁰²^farm^{bill amended Sec. 124}²^Expa^{nds use}^of^{third party providers}^Expa^{nds use}^of^{third party providers}^using^{Adopts Senate provision with c}^h^a^nges
^{of the FSA to authorize delivery of}^{using contra}^{cts. Specifies providers}^{contracts. Directs USDA to develop national}^{regarding the delivery of tec}^hnica^l
^{technical assistance}^{directly or us}^{ing a}^{should get at least pre}^{vailing market}^{certification criteria and app}^rove^established^assistance.^{[Sec. 2706]}

^{third party}^{provider and s}^pecifies^how^{rates, calls for a review/update of}^all^{state standards. Provides funding}^through
^{providers are to be}^ap^{proved by}^USDA.^{technical assistance}^{specifications}^,^{each conse}^{rvation program, s}^peci^fies
^{Authorizes cooperative agreeme}^nts^{including the n}^{eeds of spe}^{cialty crop}^{minimum and ma}^ximum^contract^terms,
^{with non-federal entities to p}^rovide^producers.^{[Sec. 2402]}^{among other considerations. In}^{cludes similar}
^{technical assistance.}^{[16 U}^{.S.C. 3842]}^{provisions for specialty crop}^pro^{ducers as}

^{Prior Law/P}^olicy
^{(P.L. 10}^7-1⁷¹⁾^{House Bill}^{Senate Amendment}^{Enacted 2008 Farm Bill}
^{(unless otherwise Indicated)}^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(P.L. 11}^0-2⁴⁶⁾
^{the House}^bill.^{[Sec. 2404]}
^{The 20}⁰²^farm^{bill amended Sec.}^Expa^{nds acce}^{ss to progra}^{m incen}^{tives to}^{Requires USDA to develop a stre}^amlined^{Adopts House p}^{rovision with cha}^{nges to}
¹²⁴^{4(a) of the FSA to aut}^{horize USDA}^{include socially d}^{isadvantaged and}^{application process for}^conservat^ion^{include certain acr}^{eage limitation}^{s and}
^{to provide incentives to begin}ⁿⁱⁿ^g^{limited resource farmers}^{and ra}ⁿ^chers.^{programs. Provides for Safe Har}^b^or^{exemptions, and also a pollinator}
^farmers/ra^nc^{hers a}^{nd Indian t}^ribe^{s to}^{Requires USDA to develop a}^assura^{nces to the}^landowner^und^{er the}^{protection provision. Requires U}^SDA
^{participate in conse}^{rvation p}^rograms.^{streamlined application process.}^[^Sec.^Endange^{red Species Act. Allows producers}^{report to Congress}^{on the}^compl^{etion of}
^{[16 U.S.C. 3844(a)]}^2405]^{to apply for p}^{rograms t}^hroug^{h a}^producer^{the re}^quireme^nts^{not later tha}^{n 1}^year
^{organization.}^{[Sec. 2405]}^{after ena}^ctment.^{[Sec. 2708]}
^{The 19}⁹⁰^farm^{bill amended Sec. 126}¹^{Specifies STC have at least 12}^pr^oducers^{Adds non-industrial private fores}^{t land}^{Adopts House p}^{rovision with cha}^{nges to}
^{of the FSA to authorize state tec}^hnical^represe^{nting agric}^{ulture; re}^moves^{owners to the list of grou}^{ps re}^pr^{esented on}^{require USDA to develop standa}^rd
^{committees (STC)}^{, including members}^requirem^{ent for}^per^{sons k}^nowledgeable^{the STC. Requires USDA to develop}^{committee operating p}^rocedures,
^{and interests to}^{be re}^prese^nted,^{about conse}^{rvation; adds new}^{standard operating}^procedu^{res t}^o^{be used}^by^{updates t}^{he na}^{mes of pa}^rticipatin^g
^{outlining duties, and specifying t}^h^at^{provisions creating s}^ubcommitte^{es and}^{the State tech}^{nical committee in}^the^{agencies, and deletes the}^req^{uirement for}
^{committees are advisory with no}^{lists potential topics; describes}^{development of tech}^{nical guidelines for the}^{establishing spe}^{cific issue-area}
^{implementation or enforce}^ment^{responsibilities in more general t}^erms.^{implementation of the con}^servati^on^{subcommittees. Req}^{uires that}^p^u^blic
ⁱ^{ki/CRS-RL34557}^authority.^{[Sec. 2408]}^{provisions of this title. Makes local work}^{notice be given for}^{meetings of t}^{he State}
^g/w^{[16 U.S.C. 3861-3862]}^{groups s}^{ubcommittees of}^{the Sta}^{te technical}^{technical committee and adds local}
^s^.or^committee.^{working groups a}^s^su^bcommittee^s.^[Sec.
^le^ak^{[Sec. 2501]}^2711]
^{The 19}⁹⁶^farm^{bill amended Sec. 351}^of^{No comparable}^provision.^{Amends n}^umerou^{s p}^{rovisions authorizing}^{Deletes Senate provision.}
^://wiki^{the FSA to authorize a National}^Natural^{the Foundation.}^{[Sec. 2606]}
^h^ttp^{Resources Conser}^{vation Foundat}^{ion to}
^{raise private f}^{unds t}^{hat will be us}^{ed to}
^{promote conservation. Program}^has
^never^been^implemented.
^{[16 U.S.C. 5801-5809]}
^{The 20}⁰²^farm^{bill amended Sec. 250}⁷^{No comparable}^provision.^{Amends the}^{desert ter}^{minal lakes provision}^{Adopts Senate provision with c}^h^a^nges.
^{of the FSA to authorize USDA to}^{to allow funds to be used to leas}^{e water or}^{Provides $175}^{million in mandato}^ry
^transfe^{r $}²⁰⁰^{million of CCC fun}^{ds to}^{to purc}^{hase land a}^{nd related inte}^{rests in t}^he^funding.^{[Sec. 2807]}
^{the Burea}^{u of Reclamation for w}^{ater to}^{Walker River Basin.}^[2607]
^{at-risk natural desert}^{terminal lakes.}
^{[43 U.S.C. 2211note]}
^{The 19}⁹⁰^farm^{bill amended Sec. 126}¹^{Specifies STC have at least 12}^pr^oducers^{Adds non-industrial private fores}^{t land}^{Adopts House p}^{rovision with cha}^{nges to}
^{of the FSA to authorize state tec}^hnical^represe^{nting agric}^{ulture. Remove}^s^{owners to the list of grou}^{ps re}^pr^{esented on}^{require USDA to develop committee}
^{committees (STC)}^{, including members}^requirem^{ent for}^per^{sons k}^nowledgeable^{the STC.}^{[Sec. 2501]}^{standard operating}^procedu^{res, and to}
^{and interests to}^{be re}^prese^nted,^{about conse}^{rvation. Adds new}^{update t}^{he name}^{s of pa}^rticipating
^{outlining duties, and specifying t}^h^at^{provisions creating s}^ubcommitte^{es issue}^{agencies. Deletes the re}^quiremeⁿ^t^for

^{Prior Law/P}^olicy
^{(P.L. 10}^7-1⁷¹⁾^{House Bill}^{Senate Amendment}^{Enacted 2008 Farm Bill}
^{(unless otherwise Indicated)}^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(P.L. 11}^0-2⁴⁶⁾
^{committees are advisory with no}^{areas. Describes re}^{sponsibilities in more}^{establishing spe}^{cific issue-area}
^{implementation or enforce}^ment^{general terms.}^{[Sec. 2408]}^{subcommittees.}^{[Sec. 2711]}
^authority.
^{[16 U.S.C. 3861-3862]}
^{New Conservation Pro}^grams
^{No comparable}^provision.^{Authorizes a new C}^hesa^{peake Ba}^y^{No comparable}^{provision. (}^Note^{: The}^{Adopts House p}^{rovision with cha}^nges.
^{Program for N}^{utrient Reduction}^and^{Chesapeake Bay}^program^{is auth}^{orized as a}^{Renames p}^{rogram Chesa}^{peake B}^ay
^{Sediment Control to carry out}^{part of E}^QIP.)^{Watershed Program. Ap}^{plies to all}
^{restoration, enhan}^{cement, a}^nd^{tributaries, backwat}^{ers, and side}
^preser^{vation projects. Identifies f}^our^chan^{nels, including watersheds, d}^raining
^{specified watersheds. The}^non-fe^deral^{into the Chesa}^{peake Bay, b}^{ut giv}^es
^{cost share for}^each^{project will be at}^{priority to t}^{he Susq}^ue^han^{na, Shenandoah,}
^{least 35%, b}^{ut will not exceed $}⁵^{Potomac, and Patuxent Rivers. Pr}^ovides
^mill^{ion. Sets mandatory funding a}^t^$1⁰^{mandatory fu}^{nds of $}²³^{million (}^FY2009);
ⁱ^{ki/CRS-RL34557}^mill^{ion (FY2008), rising to $5}^{5 mi}^lli^on^(FY2012).^{[Sec. 2301]}^$43^{million (F}^Y2010);^$72^million^{(FY2011); and}^$5^{0 million (FY2012).}^[Sec.
^g/w^2605]
^s^.or^{No comparable}^provision.^{The so-called “Open Fields” provision}^Simi^{lar to the House}^{bill, and incl}^{udes a}^{Adopts Senate provision with an}
^le^ak^{authorizes state gra}^{nts t}^hrough^a^new^{priority to States where t}^{he location of}^{amendment, p}^{roviding $50}^millio^{n in}
^{Voluntary Public Access a}^{nd Ha}^bitat^{participating lands would be avail}^{able to the}^{mandatory fu}^{nds for t}^he^{period FY200}^9-
^://wiki^{Incentive Progra}^{m to encou}^{rage land-}^{public and}^{provides $2}^{0 million per year in}²⁰¹^{2. In}^{cludes a 2}^5%^{reduction f}^{or the}
^h^ttp^{owners to provide p}^{ublic access}^f^or^{mandatory fu}^{nding an}^{nually (FY2}^008-²⁰^12).^{total grant amount if t}^{he ope}^ning^dates
^wild^{life-dependent recreation. Se}^ts^{[Sec. 2399 and Sec. 2401(a)(9)]}^{for migratory bird h}^unting^{in the}^State
^{application contents a}^{nd award}^{are not consiste}^{nt for re}^{sidents a}^{nd non-}
^{priorities. Authorizes discretionary}^residents.^{[Sec. 2606]}
^{funding of}^$2^{0 million annually th}^rough
^FY2012.
^{[Sec. 2303]}
^{No comparable}^provision.^{No comparable}^provision.^{Creates a new}^{Conservation Acc}^ess^{Adopts Senate provision with c}^h^a^nges.
^{program, req}^{uiring 1}^{0% of}^{the f}^u^{nds (or}^{Provides that 5% of CSP acres a}ⁿ^d^{5% of}
^{acres in t}^{he cases of WRP and C}^{RP) be used}^{EQIP f}^unds^{be u}^{sed to assist begi}^nning
^{to assist beginning a}^{nd socially dis}^advantaged^{farmers or}^ranc^{hers, a}^{nd an additional 5%}
^{farmers a}^{nd ra}^nche^{rs with a}ⁿⁿ^{ual gross sales}^{of each to assist socially disadvantaged}
^{of $15,0}⁰⁰^{or more.}^{[Sec. 2403]}^{farmers or}^ranc^hers.^{[Sec. 2704]}
^{No comparable}^provision.^{Authorizes a new}^Mu^{ck Soils Co}^nser-^{No comparable}^provision.^{Deletes provision.}

^{vation Program for eligible land,}^defined
^{by five c}^{haracteristics. Aut}^horizes

^{Prior Law/P}^olicy
^{(P.L. 10}^7-1⁷¹⁾^{House Bill}^{Senate Amendment}^{Enacted 2008 Farm Bill}
^{(unless otherwise Indicated)}^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(P.L. 11}^0-2⁴⁶⁾
^approp^{riations of $5}^{0 million annually}
^through^FY20^{12, with}^payment^s
^{between $3}^00-$⁵⁰^{0 per}^ac^re.^[Sec.
^2303]
^{No comparable}^provision.^{Authorizes new}^payme^{nt limits, d}^eleting^{No comparable}^provision.^{Deletes provision. Places paymen}^{t limits}
⁽^Note:^Cu^rrent^{law limits CRP payments}^{existing conservation}^payme^{nt limit}^{language. Limits ann}^{ual payme}^nts^to^{within each se}^{ction of the}^{bill and deletes}^{this section.}
^to^$50,0^{00 per year,}^{sets payme}ⁿ^t^limits^$60,0⁰⁰^{for an}^{y single progra}^{m; limits}
^{for each of}^{3 tiers in t}^{he CSP, an}^{d limits}^{total payments to $}¹²^5,00^{0 u}^nde^{r all}
^{EQIP pa}^yments^{to $4}^50,0⁰⁰^{for a}^ll^{conservation (exce}^{pt WRP, FRPP}^{, GRP).}
^{contracts in a}^ny^{6-year p}^eriod.^{Defines how pay}^ments^{should be}
^{[16 U.S.C. 3834, 3838c, and 3839aa-7]}^{attributed to individuals.}^{[Sec. 2409]}
^{No comparable}^provision.^{Requires USDA to sub}^{mit an an}ⁿ^ual^{No comparable}^provision.^{Deletes provision. The managers}^report
^{report on s}^{pecialty crop}^produce^r^{states it has modified the compliance and}
^{participation in conser}^{vation pro}^grams,^performa^nce^{provisions of Sectio}^{n 1}²⁴⁴
ⁱ^{ki/CRS-RL34557}^{including how to improve p}^roduc^er^{of FSA to accommodate the intent of the}
^g/w^{program acce}^ss.^{[Sec. 2406]}^{House bill.}
^s^.or^{No comparable}^provision.^{Authorizes a new}^{provision to develop}^{Authorizes a new}^{provision to develop}^{Adopts House p}^{rovision with cha}^nges.
^le^ak^{agriculture a}^{nd forestry}^based^{agriculture a}^{nd forestry}^{based e}ⁿ^vironmental^{Directs USDA to work in consultation}
^{environmental se}^{rvices to promo}^te^{service markets, giving p}^{riority to developing}^{with other federal a}^{nd state gove}^rnme^nt
^://wiki^{market-based conse}^{rvation. Specifies}^{carbon storage. Directs USDA to use a}^{agencies, nongovern}^{mental intere}^{sts and}
^h^ttp^{use of USDA-funded resea}^rch,^{collaborative process with specifi}^ed^{other interested}^person^{s, as dete}^rmined
^{contracts, and award g}^{rants. E}^sta^blishes^government^{and no}^n-governme^nt^interests^{by USDA, to establish technical g}^uide-
^{a USDA-led Environmental Services}^{to develop a framework and iden}^tifies^{lines for measuri}^{ng environ}^menta^l
^{Standards Board of senior federal}^{relevant fra}^{mework compone}^nts^{services and to esta}^{blish a verific}^ation
^{officials to facil}^{itate the development of}^{(quantification, accounting, and v}^{erification).}^{process (allowing for consideration of}
^{credit markets and disseminate}^{Requires t}^{hree re}^{ports to Congr}^ess.^{third party}^{verifiers). Directs USDA to}
^performa^{nce sta}^{ndards to federal}^{Authorizes discretionary f}^unding^{of “such}^{focus initially on carbon marke}^{ts. Does}
^{agencies. Authorizes $}^{50 million i}ⁿ^{sums as a}^{re ne}^cessary.”^{[Sec. 240}^6]^{not authorize fu}^{nds, ex}^{pecting U}^{SDA to}
^{discretionary fu}^{nding, with app}^ropriated^{use available resourc}^es.^{[Sec. 2709]}
^{amounts to remain}^{available until spent.}
^{[Sec. 2407]}
^{No comparable}^provision.^{Adds income from affiliated packing and}^{No comparable}^provision.^{Deletes provision.}

^{handling operations to definition of farm}
^{income when}^{calculating adjusted gross}
^{income limitati}^{on to determine eligibil}^ity
^{for conservation}^programs.^{[Sec. 2501]}

^{Prior Law/P}^olicy
^{(P.L. 10}^7-1⁷¹⁾^{House Bill}^{Senate Amendment}^{Enacted 2008 Farm Bill}
^{(unless otherwise Indicated)}^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(P.L. 11}^0-2⁴⁶⁾
^{No comparable}^provision.^{Allows US}^{DA to encourage}^{No comparable}^provision.^{Deletes provision.}
^{development of voluntary}^sustain^able
^{practices for s}^{pecialty crops.}^[Sec^{. 2502]}
^{No comparable}^provision.^{Requires USDA to develop information}^{No comparable}^provision.^{Deletes provision.}
^{on the importa}^{nce of}^productive
^{farmland and designate at}^{least one}
^{farmland information ce}^{nter to}
^{distribute this and}^{related inform}^ation.
^{Specifies federal matching}^fu^{nds of at}
^{least $40}^0,00^{0 (not e}^{xceeding 0.}^{5% of}
^{the amou}^{nt p}^{rovided to impleme}^{nt the}
^FRPP)^.^{[Sec. 2503]}
^{No comparable}^provision.^{Requires USDA to contract with}^a^Simi^{lar to House provision, but}^p^rovided^{Adopts Senate provision.}^{[Sec. 2301]}
^pean^{ut p}^{roducer for a}^{4 yea}^{r cro}^p^{within CSP, directing USDA t}^o^provide
ⁱ^{ki/CRS-RL34557}^{rotation; authorizes appro}^{priations u}^p^{to $10 million annually (FY20}^08-^12).^additi^{onal payments to p}^roducers^{who agree}^{to adopt resource-conse}^{rving cr}^{op rotations}
^g/w^{Sec. 2504]}^{to achieve optimal crop rotations.}^[Sec.
^s^.or^2341]
^le^ak^{No comparable}^provision.^{See section 21}^{03 on}^{the Cons}^erv^ation^{Authorizes a new Com}^pre^hensiv^e^{Deletes Senate provision. Renames CSP}
^://wiki⁽^Note^{: See the Conse}^{rvation Secu}^rity^{Security Program (described a}^{bove), for}^{some related changes. For e}^xamp^{le, the}^{Stewardship In}^{centives Program}^t^o^{coordinate administration of a new}^{the Conservation Stewards}^{hip Pr}^ogram.^{[Sec. 2301]}
^h^ttp^{Program, above, in existing progr}^ams.)^{House bill defines “priority resou}^{rces of}^{Conservation Stewardship Progr}^{am (see}
^{concern;” however,}^{the House bill}^does^{above) and EQ}^{IP. Addresses defined}
^{not create a}^{new p}^rogram.^{resource co}^ncer^{ns, meets reg}^ulatory
^{demands, encourages}^conser^{vation, and}
^{promotes conser}^{vation and p}^{roduction as}
^{compatible goals.}^{[Sec. 2341]}
^{No comparable}^provision.^{No comparable}^provision.^{Authorizes a Discovery Waters}^h^ed^{Deletes provision.}
^{Demonstration Program to redu}^{ce loss of}
^nutrient^{s into su}^{rface wate}^{rs in}³⁰^small
^{watersheds in t}^{he U}^pper^{Mississippi River}
^{basin. Authorizes discretionary f}^u^{nds as are}
^necessar^y.^{[Sec. 2397]}
^{No comparable}^provision.^{No comparable}^provision.^{Authorizes an}^Emerge^{ncy La}^ndsc^ape^{Deletes provision.}

^{Restoration Program to repair landscapes}
^{damaged by nat}^{ural eve}^{nts. Replaces two}
^{others emerge}^ncy^{conservation a}^nd

^{Prior Law/P}^olicy
^{(P.L. 10}^7-1⁷¹⁾^{House Bill}^{Senate Amendment}^{Enacted 2008 Farm Bill}
^{(unless otherwise Indicated)}^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(P.L. 11}^0-2⁴⁶⁾
^{watershed programs.}^{[Sec. 2398]}
^{No comparable}^provision.^{No comparable}^provision.^{Directs USDA to assist producer}^{s who ap}^ply^{Deletes provision. Places paymen}^{t limits}
^{for programs i}^{ndirectly throug}^{h c}^ertain^{within each se}^{ction of the}^{bill and deletes}
^{organizations, if this wil}^{l increase}^{this section.}
^{participation and p}^{rogram be}^nefit^{s; payme}^nt
^{limits apply to each produc}^{er, no}^{t the}
^{organization.}^{[Sec. 2405]}
^{No comparable}^provision.^{No comparable}^provision.^{Authorizes a new Ag}^riculture^Conservation^{Adopts Senate provision, but limits}
^Exp^{erienced Service Program, s}^u^{ch that}^{individuals employed under this a}^uthority
^{USDA can enter into agr}^eement^s^with^{to providing only technical assistance}
^{organizations to provide technical assistance}^{(excluding administrative tasks).}
^{using q}^{ualified individuals 55 year}^{s or older.}^{[Sec. 2710]}
^{[Sec. 2602]}
^{No comparable}^provision.^{No comparable}^provision.^{Amends the}^{Soil Conservation and}^{Adopts Senate provision.}^{[Sec. 2802]}
ⁱ^{ki/CRS-RL34557}^{Domestic All}^{otment Act of 1}⁹³⁵^by
^g/w^{providing definitions and creates}^new^{technical assistance}^{provisions. Reauthorizes}
^s^.or^{the Soil and Water Resources C}^onservation
^le^ak^{Act of 19}^{77 t}^hroug^h²⁰^{28; re}^quir^{es a}
^{national appraisal of soil, water and related}
^://wiki^{resources to}^{be issued e}^very¹⁰^years.^[Sec.
^h^ttp^2603]
^{No comparable}^provision.^{The “sodsaver” p}^{rovision noncropland}^{Makes native sods}^{planted to an i}^nsura^ble^{Makes native sods}^{planted to an i}^nsura^ble
^{(including native grassland and}^{crop (over 5 a}^{cres) ineligible for crop}^{crop (over 5 a}^{cres) ineligible for crop}
^pastur^{eland) planted to an ins}^ura^ble^insuran^{ce and t}^he^noninsu^{red cro}^{p disaster}^insuran^{ce and t}^he^noninsu^{red cro}^p
^{crop ineligible for crop ins}^uranc^e^{for the}^{assistance p}^{rogram. Directs USDA to report}^{disaster assistance}^{program for t}^{he first}⁵
^{first 4 yea}^{rs of planti}^ng.^{[Sec. 11007]}^{within 18}^{0 days of e}^nactme^{nt, an}^{d annually}^{years of planting.}^{May ap}^{ply to vir}^gin
^thereafte^{r, on cha}^{nges in c}^roplan^{d acreage,}^{prairie converted to cro}^{pland in t}^he
^{by cou}^{nty, since}¹⁹^95.^{[Sec. 2608}^]^{Prairie Pothole National Pr}^iority^{Area, if}
^{elected by the}^state.^{[Sec. 12020]}
^{No comparable}^provision.^{No comparable}^provision.^{Requires t}^{hat no p}^{roducers in}^{Texas lose}^{Adopts Senate provision.}^{[Sec. 2901]}
^program^{benefits as}^{a res}^{ult of pa}^rticipating
^{in a study of t}^{he Ogallala Aquifer’}^{s recha}^rge
^potential.^{[Sec. 2609]}
^{No comparable}^provision.^{No comparable}^provision.^{Amends the}^{Federal Insecticide, Fungicide,}^{Adopts the Senate}^{provision on p}^ayment
^{and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)}^{[7 U.S.C.}^{of expe}^nses.^{[Sec. 14209]}^{Deletes Senate}
^136o(d)]^{to require}^{the State De}^partme^{nt to}^{provision making tech}^{nical corre}^{ctions to}

^{Prior Law/P}^olicy
^{(P.L. 10}^7-1⁷¹⁾^{House Bill}^{Senate Amendment}^{Enacted 2008 Farm Bill}
^{(unless otherwise Indicated)}^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(P.L. 11}^0-2⁴⁶⁾
^{pay ex}^pen^{ses inc}^urred^by^{EPA e}^mployees^{pesticide registration, but include}^{s a}
^{associated with certain inter}^national^{container rec}^{ycling provision.}
^activities.^{[Sec. 2610]}^{Amends sec. 33 of}^{[Sec. 14109]}
^FIFRA^{[7 U.S.C. 136w-8]}^{to all}^{ow the EPA}
^{Administrator to waive a portion of the}
^{pesticide registration service fee}^under
^{certain circu}^mstance^s.^{[Sec. 2612]}
^{Sec. 202(a) of the}^{Colorado R}^ive^r^{No comparable}^provision.^{Amends the}^{act to create a}^basin^states^{Adopts Senate provision. The Ma}^ngers
^{Salinity Control Act of 1974 a}^uth^orizes^{program impleme}^{nting sp}^{ecified salinity}^{report states}^{this p}^{rovision to be fiscally}
^{DOI to constru}^{ct, operate, and}^{control activities. Requires DOI to consult}^neutral^{both as to ap}^prop^{riations and as}
^{maintain the s}^{pecific salinity cont}^rol^{with the Colorado River Basin Sa}^linity^{to draws on the}^{basin f}^{unds. Stat}^{es there}
^{units as t}^{he initial stage of the Colorado}^{Control Advisory Council relate}^{d to}^{are no cha}^{nges to t}^{he cost s}^hare^ratios
^{River Basin salinity control program.}^{assistance in t}^{he form of g}^{rants, g}^rant^{already established in the a}^{ct; the}
^{[43 U.}^{S.C. 1592(a)]}^{commitments, or the adva}^nceme^{nt of fu}^nds^perce^{ntage split betwe}^{en t}^{he two}^funds;
^{to federal or non-federal entities. Requires a}^{or the 1}^{5% ca}^{p re}^quire^{ment on}^t^{he basin}
ⁱ^{ki/CRS-RL34557}^planning^{report to Congre}^{ss desc}^{ribing the}^{proposed progra}^{m implementati}^on;^{states cost sha}^{re derived from t}^h^e^Upper^Colorad^{o River Basin Fund.}^{[Sec. 2806]}
^g/w^{stipulates that}^{no fu}^{nds may}^{be e}^xpe^nded
^s^.or^{until 30 days}^{after t}^{he r}^{eport is s}^ubmitted.
^le^ak^{[Sec. 2611]}
^://wiki^{No comparable}^provision.^{No comparable}^provision.^{No comparable}^provision.^{Authorizes USDA to accept}^{contributions to s}^u^p^{port conser}^v^ation
^h^ttp^{programs to esta}^{blish a su}^b-acco^{unt for}
^{each USDA conservation}^progra^{m to}
^{accept cont}^{ributions of}^non-Federal
^{funds. Provides that cont}^ribution^{s of non-}
^{Federal funds re}^{ceived for a cons}^ervation
^program^{be deposited and shall b}^e
^{available to USDA}^{, without furth}^er
^approp^{riation and un}^{til expended}^.
^{[Sec. 2702]}
^{No comparable}^provision.^{No comparable}^provision.^{No comparable}^provision.^{Direct USDA to submit to Congress an}
^{annual r}^{eport r}^{egarding en}^{rollments and}
^{assistance u}^{nder con}^{servation p}^r^ograms,
^{including (1) WRP, FPP}^{, and GRP}
^payment^{s valued at $}²⁵^0,00^{0 or}^greater;
^{(2) EQIP}^payment^{s for land deter}^mined
^{to have spe}^{cial environmental}
^{significance; and (3) AWEP}^paym^ents

^{Prior Law/P}^olicy
^{(P.L. 10}^7-1⁷¹⁾^{House Bill}^{Senate Amendment}^{Enacted 2008 Farm Bill}
^{(unless otherwise Indicated)}^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(H.R. 24}¹⁹⁾^{(P.L. 11}^0-2⁴⁶⁾
^{subject to the}^{waiver of adjusted}^gross
^{income limitati}^{ons. All}^{ows for waivers}
^{granted by}^{USDA to protect}
^{environmentally se}^{nsitive land of special}
^{significance.}^{[Sec. 2705]}
^{No comparable}^provision.^{No comparable}^provision.^{No comparable}^provision.^{Amends the}^{Soil and Water Reso}^urces
^{Conservation Act of 1}⁹⁷⁷^{to re}^q^uire
^{USDA to conduct two comprehe}^nsive
^{appraisals and inv}^{entory of soil, water,}
^{and related natu}^{ral resourc}^e
^{conservation (completed by}^year^-end
²⁰¹^{0 a}^{nd 2}⁰¹^{5). Requires a r}^epo^{rt in}
^{early 20}^{12 on}^{the t}^{ypes of im}^pro^vements
^{to appraisals and}^programs.^{[Sec. 2804]}
^{No comparable}^provision.^{No comparable}^provision.^{No comparable}^provision.^{Other miscellaneous}^provisions:
ⁱ^{ki/CRS-RL34557}
^g/w^{—Names th}^{e National Plant Mat}^erials^{Center at Beltsville, MD, in honor of}
^s^.or^{Norman A. Berg.}^{[Sec. 2902]}
^le^ak
^{—Directs USDA, in consultation with the}
^://wiki^{CCC, to promulgate regulations not later}^than^{90 days}^{after t}^{he date of e}ⁿ^a^ctment,
^h^ttp^necessar^{y to implement title II.}^[S^ec.
^2904]

^T^a^dl^ock^C^o^w^aⁿ ^M^e^ga^{n St}^ub^b^s
^An^al^y^s^{t i}ⁿ^Nat^u^{ral R}^e^s^o^u^r^ces^an^{d R}^u^ral^An^al^y^s^{t i}ⁿ^Ag^rⁱ^cu^lt^u^r^{al Co}ⁿ^s^e^r^v^a^tioⁿ^aⁿ^d^Natu^r^a^l
^Dev^e^lo^p^m^eⁿ^t^Re^so^ur^c^e^{s P}^o^lic^y
^t^c^o^w^aⁿ^@^c^r^s^.l^oc.g^ov^{, 7-}⁷⁶⁰⁰^m^s^t^u^bbs@^c^rs^.l^oc.g^ov^{, 7-}⁸⁷⁰⁷
^R^eⁿ^{ée J}^ohn^s^oⁿ
^Sp^{ecialist i}ⁿ^A^g^rⁱ^c^u^lt^u^r^{al P}^o^lic^y
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