Soil CARE Act of 2026

Soil health training for producers

If enacted, the bill would require the Secretary of Agriculture to set up a Soil Health Training Program within one year. The program would offer a national online curriculum and in-person regional workshops in each NRCS region twice every two years. Cooperative agreements would fund course development with universities, nonprofits, conservation districts, consultants, and producer groups. NRCS staff and third-party providers would need to complete the online course and, when practicable, attend at least one workshop and give producers soil health materials. Curriculum would cover soil biology, soil-building practices, organic and diversified systems, Tribal and underserved producer needs, soil testing, and available conservation programs. The Secretary would update materials every two years. The bill would authorize $10 million for fiscal years 2027 through 2032 to carry out the program; this is an authorization only.