Small Farm Conservation Act
Sponsored By: Senator Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
Introduced
Summary
Small Farm EQIP Subprogram would create a dedicated stream of EQIP help for small-scale producers, with a $2,500 payment floor, bigger soil-health payments for tiny farms, and faster, continuous enrollment.
Show full summary
- Small-scale producers would get bigger, faster payments. The bill would set a $2,500 minimum payment and increase soil-health management payments by 50 percent for operations of 50 acres or less while offering continuous enrollment and a streamlined application and contract process.
- NRCS staff and technical assistance would be expanded to reach small farms. At least 35 percent of subprogram funds would pay for tailored technical help, new hires, and training, plus a national and state coordinator in each state and outreach in multiple languages.
- The subprogram would be carved out of EQIP funding and governed state-by-state. For fiscal years 2027 through 2031 not less than 30 percent of EQIP payment funds would go to the subprogram, with 65 percent of that subprogram money for direct financial assistance and eligibility based on state median farm size, herd size, and small family farm status, and a report to Congress due by May 1, 2030.
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Higher and clearer EQIP payments
If enacted, any EQIP payment would have to be at least $2,500 and used to implement approved conservation practices. The Secretary would set payment levels to address natural resource concerns on small farms. For operations of 50 acres or less, payments for soil‑health management system practices would be increased by 50 percent above the otherwise applicable amount.
Dedicated small‑farm EQIP funding
If enacted, for each fiscal year 2027 through 2031 at least 30 percent of EQIP payment funds would be used for the Small Farm Subprogram. Of that subprogram money, 35 percent would be used for tailored technical assistance (including hiring or training NRCS staff) and 65 percent would be used for direct financial assistance to producers. This funding floor would end on September 30, 2031.
New state small‑farm program and staff
If enacted, the Department of Agriculture would set up a Small Farm EQIP Subprogram in every State. NRCS would name a national coordinator and a State coordinator to do outreach and help producers apply. The agency would hire and train staff on small‑scale conservation and require outreach materials be published in English and other State‑appropriate languages. The Secretary would send Congress a report on the subprogram by May 1, 2030.
State rules on who qualifies
If enacted, each State would decide who qualifies for the Small Farm Subprogram in consultation with its State technical committee. States must consider farm size, gross sales, and NASS demographic data such as socially disadvantaged producers, limited‑resource farmers, beginning farmers, and certain veterans. For most payments, a farm would have to be no larger than the State median farm size and livestock/pasture payments would require herd size at or below the State median.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
CO • D
Cosponsors
Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]
NM • D
Sponsored 6/23/2026
Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
NM • D
Sponsored 6/23/2026
Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA]
PA • D
Sponsored 6/23/2026
Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]
NY • D
Sponsored 6/23/2026
Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT]
VT • I
Sponsored 6/23/2026
Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
OR • D
Sponsored 6/23/2026
Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT]
VT • D
Sponsored 6/23/2026
Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
CT • D
Sponsored 6/23/2026
Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
NJ • D
Sponsored 6/23/2026
Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI]
RI • D
Sponsored 6/23/2026
Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]
ME • I
Sponsored 6/23/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov