Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB5951

Introduced
10/12/23  
Refer
10/25/23  

Caption

Soil CARE Act of 2023 Soil Conservation And Regeneration Education Act of 2023

Impact

If enacted, the Soil CARE Act would significantly influence agricultural practices across the United States. It emphasizes the necessity for training in biological soil health management and offers a framework for continuous education among USDA staff and agricultural advisors. The bill allocates funding for these educational efforts, thereby enabling better support and resources for farmers and agricultural professionals. Such a program could lead to improved agricultural productivity while simultaneously enhancing soil health and supporting environmental sustainability, thus potentially reshaping agricultural policies and practices at both state and national levels.

Summary

House Bill 5951, known as the Soil Conservation and Regeneration Education Act of 2023 (Soil CARE Act), seeks to establish a comprehensive training program within the Department of Agriculture. The primary goal of the bill is to enhance the understanding and implementation of biological soil health management practices among USDA personnel and third-party providers. By promoting regenerative agriculture, the bill aims to address the challenges posed by modern farming techniques and environmental degradation. The act proposes a structured curriculum focusing on various aspects of soil health, including organic production systems, diverse agricultural practices, and conservation methods that are sustainable and eco-friendly.

Contention

While the bill is endorsed by various agricultural and environmental advocacy groups, discussions around its implementation might highlight several points of contention. Critics may question the effectiveness of relying solely on federal programs to teach sustainable practices, suggesting that local agricultural conditions vary greatly and may require tailored solutions. Additionally, concerns regarding funding and program execution could emerge, especially regarding how the USDA will ensure that training reaches underserved or small-scale farmers who may not have the same access to resources as larger agricultural entities. This debate underscores the complexity of agricultural policy and the diverse needs of the farming community.

Companion Bills

US SB3023

Same As Soil CARE Act of 2023 Soil Conservation And Regeneration Education Act of 2023

Previously Filed As

US SB3023

Soil CARE Act of 2023 Soil Conservation And Regeneration Education Act of 2023

US HB7076

Innovative Practices for Soil Health Act of 2024

US HB5500

PLACE Act of 2023 Peer Learning for Agriculture Conservation Education Act of 2023

US HB6232

Coordination for Soil Carbon Research and Monitoring Act

US HB10219

Critically Endangered Animals Conservation Act of 2024

US HB2091

Chesapeake Bay Conservation Acceleration Act of 2025

US HB5922

CROP for Farming Act Conservation and Regenerative Optimization Practices for Farming Act

US HB8811

America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act of 2024

US HB5043

Healthy Soils Healthy Climate Act of 2023

US HB9180

EdCOPS Act of 2024 Educational and Career Opportunities for Public Safety Act of 2024

Similar Bills

US SB3346

Montana Headwaters Legacy Act

US HB1920

FARMLAND Act of 2025 Foreign Agricultural Restrictions to Maintain Local Agriculture and National Defense Act of 2025

US SB4069

Affordable and Secure Food Act of 2024 Strategy and Investment in Rural Housing Preservation Act of 2024

US SB2931

Protecting Future Farmland Act of 2023

US SB618

Protecting America's Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act of 2025This bill prohibits persons associated with the governments of Iran, North Korea, China, or Russia from purchasing or leasing agricultural land in the United States.Specifically, the President must prohibit any person (individual or entity) owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of these foreign governments from purchasing or leasing (1) public agricultural land that is owned by the United States and administered by a federal department or agency, or (2) private agricultural land that is located in the United States.A person that violates or attempts to violate this prohibition is subject to civil and criminal penalties. This prohibition does not require a person that owns or leases agricultural land as of the date of this bill's enactment to sell that land.Further, the President must prohibit a person associated with these foreign governments and who leases, or who has full or partial ownership of, agricultural land in the United States from participating in Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. Exceptions are included to allow for participation in USDA programs related to food safety, the health and labor safety of individuals, or certain reporting and disclosure requirements.The bill excludes U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents from these restrictions.The bill also amends the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (AFIDA) to require reporting on security interests and leases.Finally, the Government Accountability Office must submit a report to Congress on AFIDA.

US HB1438

Protecting America's Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act of 2025This bill prohibits persons associated with the governments of Iran, North Korea, China, or Russia from purchasing or leasing agricultural land in the United States.Specifically, the President must prohibit any person (individual or entity) owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of these foreign governments from purchasing or leasing (1) public agricultural land that is owned by the United States and administered by a federal department or agency, or (2) private agricultural land that is located in the United States.A person that violates or attempts to violate this prohibition is subject to civil and criminal penalties. This prohibition does not require a person that owns or leases agricultural land as of the date of this bill's enactment to sell that land.Further, the President must prohibit a person associated with these foreign governments and who leases, or who has full or partial ownership of, agricultural land in the United States from participating in Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. Exceptions are included to allow for participation in USDA programs related to food safety, the health and labor safety of individuals, or certain reporting and disclosure requirements.The bill excludes U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents from these restrictions.The bill also amends the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (AFIDA) to require reporting on security interests and leases.Finally, the Government Accountability Office must submit a report to Congress on AFIDA.

US HB3212

LAST ACRE Act of 2025 Linking Access to Spur Technology for Agriculture Connectivity in Rural Environments Act of 2025

US HB6527

JUST Act of 2023 Just USDA Standards and Transparency Act of 2023