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.
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.