Soil CARE Act of 2023 Soil Conservation And Regeneration Education Act of 2023
Impact
This legislation is expected to have a significant impact on state laws related to agriculture and environmental conservation. By formalizing education and training on soil health, it aligns with broader efforts to address environmental issues such as soil degradation and climate change. The effective implementation of this program may also enhance awareness of regenerative agricultural practices among farmers and land managers, potentially leading to improvements in soil quality and biodiversity which could have lasting benefits for the agricultural sector and the environment alike.
Summary
SB3023, known as the Soil Conservation And Regeneration Education Act of 2023, mandates the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a comprehensive training program focused on biological soil health management systems. The bill emphasizes the importance of educating Department of Agriculture personnel and third-party providers on innovative methodologies and practices aimed at enhancing soil health on agricultural land. By requiring a structured curriculum that covers various aspects of soil management, the bill seeks to promote sustainable farming practices and improve agricultural productivity.
Contention
While the bill aims to promote positive agricultural practices, there are notable points of contention that may arise in discussions surrounding its implementation. Critics may argue that the mandate for a federally-driven training program could impose additional regulations on state agricultural departments and rural communities. Supporters, on the other hand, may view the bill as essential for equipping agricultural stakeholders with the necessary knowledge to tackle ongoing environmental challenges. Balancing the need for comprehensive training with the concerns regarding federal intervention in local agricultural practices will likely be a critical debate as the bill progresses.
Department of Education Appropriations Act, 2024 Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 2024 Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2024
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.