HR3077119th CongressWALLET

Agriculture Resilience Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Representative Pingree

Introduced

Summary

This bill centers on achieving net-zero agricultural greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 through a broad federal strategy of on-farm changes, research, and large-scale funding. It sets interim goals including a 50% cut in agricultural emissions by 2030 and targets for soil carbon, cover crops, agroforestry, grazing, renewable energy, and food-waste reduction while directing new research hubs and breed development funding to support the transition.

Show full summary
  • Farmers and ranchers: Expands conservation programs, adds premium discounts for defined climate-smart practices in crop insurance starting with the 2026 reinsurance year, and funds on-farm projects like a $1.5 billion Alternative Manure Management Program for FY2026–2030. These changes tie payments and contracts to multi-year conservation and soil-health plans.
  • Underserved and Tribal producers: Prioritizes technical assistance and grants, requires targeted outreach, and reserves TA and grant set-asides to help beginning, veteran, socially disadvantaged, limited-resource, and Tribal producers access programs and markets.
  • Food systems and consumers: Creates mandatory standards and verification for animal-raising label claims within two years, standardizes voluntary date labels with a two-year rulemaking timeline, and funds composting and food-waste grants including $100 million annually for State projects.

*This bill would increase federal spending by authorizing multi-year mandatory and discretionary funding lines, including sizable CCC additions and program appropriations.*

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

27 provisions identified: 19 benefits, 0 costs, 8 mixed.

Grants for small meat processors

Small meat and poultry processors could apply for grants up to $500,000, for up to 3 years. Grants of $100,000 or less would have a simpler application and up to a 90% federal share; larger grants would have up to a 75% federal share. Awards made in FY2025 or FY2026 would not require a non‑federal match. The program would be authorized at $20 million a year for FY2026–FY2030, with funding notices at least 14 days before applications open.

Grants to test farm conservation ideas

The bill would create competitive grants for on‑farm conservation innovation. Partnerships could receive up to $50,000 per project. Payments would cover direct costs and lost income, and grants would last at least two years. USDA would enforce income‑limit rules, and partnerships must report yearly payments to each operation.

Manure, digester, and composting support

A new Alternative Manure Management Program would fund projects for dairy and livestock operations in FY2026–2030 with $1.5 billion from the CCC. No person or entity could receive over $825,000 in any 5‑year period, and at least 50% of payments would be advanced for certain costs. The AgSTAR program would move to USDA and could receive up to $5 million a year to support on‑farm digesters. Composting would be treated as a conservation practice, with rules for using nearby community organic waste and inclusion in CSP and EQIP.

More support for private grazing land

USDA would expand technical help and training for grazing systems, including perennial hay and silvopasture. The bill would provide $50 million a year from the Commodity Credit Corporation for FY2026–2030, and authorize $60 million a year for those years. At least 80% of funds must go to cooperative agreements, with no more than 10% for training. Grants could last up to 3 years, and partners could use up to 15% for indirect costs.

Stronger CSP payments and renewals

The Conservation Stewardship Program would run through 2033. Annual payments would be at least $4,000 per eligible participant. Payments would also cover organic and transitioning‑to‑organic activities, and producers would have a guaranteed chance to renew. A five‑year aggregate payment limit would still apply.

Big push for climate‑smart research

If enacted, this bill would put major money into farm research and breeding. At least $50 million a year would fund public cultivar and animal breed work, and at least $75 million a year would fund competitive breeding grants. Grants would run 5 years or more to help commercialization, and exclusive rights would require U.S. production. Specialty crop research would add climate topics and require at least 25% of each grant be distributed in the stated way. A new resilience initiative would get $50 million a year from the Commodity Credit Corporation starting in FY2026, plus $20 million a year authorized to NIFA through 2030.

National farm climate goals and plan

The bill would set national goals to cut farm greenhouse gases at least 50% from 2010 levels by December 31, 2030 and reach net zero by December 31, 2040. It would set targets for soil carbon, cover crops, manure handling, renewable energy, and food waste. USDA would write a national action plan, take at least 90 days of public comments, and submit the final plan within 18 months. The plan would be updated every two years, with annual public reports on progress.

Standard food date labels nationwide

If enacted, labels would use “BEST If Used By” for quality and “USE By” for discard dates. Agencies would issue final rules within 2 years and begin consumer education in 2 years. Products labeled 2 years after the final rules would need the new phrasing. Violations would count as misbranding under federal food laws.

Big boost to USDA CCC funding

If enacted, the Commodity Credit Corporation would get several new funding lines. Examples include $17 million and $70 million for FY2026–FY2030, $700 million each year for FY2026–FY2033, and separate lines of $3 billion and $4 billion each year for FY2026–FY2033. These are authorizations that could expand USDA programs, not automatic spending.

More REAP money and climate focus

If enacted, the Rural Energy for America Program would ramp up funding to $100 million in FY2026, $200 million in FY2027, $300 million in FY2028, and $400 million a year starting FY2029. The agency could use up to 15% for proven but underused technologies and up to 5% for regional demos, with admin costs capped at 8%. The program’s purpose would also explicitly include cutting greenhouse gas emissions, which could shift which projects get picked.

EQIP cap and help for new farmers

If enacted, EQIP payments to any person or entity could not exceed $450,000 total over any 5 fiscal years. At least two‑thirds of a specified EQIP allocation would be steered to grazing management through 2033, and payments could support carbon‑saving practices. Also, where practicable, 30% of conservation access funds would go to beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. These rules would change who gets help and how much.

Bigger help for organic certification

If enacted, the maximum federal cost‑share for organic certification would rise from $750 to $1,500 per operation. The Secretary would also be directed to use funds as needed to run the program. This could lower net certification costs for eligible farms and businesses.

Local food markets favor climate‑smart

Local Agriculture Market Program grants would prioritize products and projects that improve soil health or cut greenhouse gases, including new crop or grazing rotations. Related dates would be extended to 2030. The bill would also fund Farm Viability and Local Climate Resiliency Centers with a 25% non‑federal match and a 4% admin cap. Ten percent of the section’s funds would be set aside for these center grants, and USDA could favor multi‑purpose proposals that boost adoption of climate‑friendly practices.

Study farms and solar together

USDA would study agrivoltaic systems where farms and solar share land. The study would look at crops, livestock, breeding needs, land suitability, and crop insurance gaps. USDA would then issue a five‑year support plan. ARS would run regional research and demo sites.

New agroforestry and research hubs

The bill would create a National Agroforestry Center and at least three regional centers, with $25 million a year for FY2026–2030. It would set up a Long‑Term Agroecosystem Research Network funded at $50 million a year for FY2026–2030, with studies running at least 30 years and open data. Regional Agroforestry Centers could award grants for demo farms and projects. Regional climate hubs would partner with universities, Tribes, and nonprofits and would focus on measuring soil carbon and total greenhouse gases.

State and Tribal soil health grants

The bill would fund State and Tribal soil health plans using CCC money: $60 million a year in FY2026–FY2027, $80 million in FY2028–FY2029, and $100 million in FY2030 and later. Each State or Tribe could get up to $1 million a year for plan development, and up to $5 million for implementation. States could receive up to 75% federal share for development and 50% for implementation; Tribes could receive up to 100%. Admin costs would be capped, and one‑year grants could be renewed.

New climate research hubs and internships

If enacted, USDA would select five regional partner institutions within 180 days. These institutions must cover at least 20% of facility costs and 30% of operating costs and follow Davis‑Bacon wage rules for construction. The Agricultural Research Service could fund graduate internships with up to $10 million per year from FY2026–FY2030. IPM grants would also prioritize climate‑resilient, ecologically based pest management and extend planning to 2030.

More grants and training for conservation

If enacted, Conservation Innovation Grants would be funded at $50 million per year for FY2026–FY2033 and could support air‑quality and greenhouse‑gas reduction practices. On‑farm trials would also be funded, including $100 million per year for FY2030–FY2033. The bill would add $30 million per year for FY2026–FY2030 to train USDA staff and coordinators who help producers with conservation.

Easement plans and CSP fast‑track

Landowners getting ACEP cost‑share would need a conservation plan within 3 years of the easement. The plan must address soil health and cutting greenhouse gases; a Bureau of Indian Affairs plan can qualify. Owners of land under a new easement could also choose to auto‑enroll that land in CSP within 3 years, if the operator qualifies. USDA could offer planning help and technical aid.

Grassland 30 long‑term CRP contracts

USDA would keep at least 7 million acres in CRP grasslands by September 30, 2028, reserving at least 5 million acres for a 30‑year pilot. Enrolled owners would follow a conservation plan and get 30 annual payments equal to standard CRP grassland rates. Contracts must promote sustainable grazing, protect soil carbon, and support wildlife. If a contract is violated, USDA could require repayment with interest. Compatible uses like hunting would be allowed only if the plan permits them.

New rules and support for farm conservation

If enacted, USDA would update conservation definitions and erosion rules that help decide who is eligible for certain program benefits; some producers could lose eligibility while others keep it. Conservation incentive contracts would generally last 5 to 10 years, with a shorter option if you move into a stewardship contract. Approved conservation practices would count as Good Farming Practices for federal crop insurance. The Conservation Reserve Program cap would rise to 28 million acres in FY2026, then up by 1 million acres each year to 32 million acres in FY2030.

REAP loans, grants, and low‑carbon focus

If enacted, REAP loan guarantees would cover 90% of loans under $1,000,000 and 80% of larger loans. REAP grants would cover up to 50% of costs, or up to 75% for beginning, socially disadvantaged, or veteran producers. Nonprofits and ag co‑ops would be eligible to apply, and processors would be eligible for outreach and technical help. Within two years, USDA and NREL would build carbon scoring methods, and REAP would give priority to projects with much lower carbon footprints.

Cut food waste and donate more

USDA would start a Food Waste Research Program and a national website to share findings. EPA would grant $100 million a year to states to build large composting or food‑waste‑to‑energy projects if they meet EPA planning rules. The government would run national media campaigns to reduce food waste. Federal food contracts over $10,000 would need a clause to donate excess edible food, with monthly reporting and $10 million a year authorized to run the program. Digesters that use only manure would not qualify for the state grants, and preference would go to projects using nonedible food or crop waste.

Proof required for animal‑raising claims

If enacted, meat and poultry labels using claims like “grass‑fed” or “no antibiotics” would need to meet federal standards. The agency would set rules within 2 years. Starting 3 years after enactment, these claims could be used only if verified, including documents and possible audits. Knowingly selling mislabeled products could bring fines up to $10,000.

Grants to cut school food waste

If enacted, school districts in the lunch or breakfast programs could compete for grants to measure and cut food waste. Grants could fund planning, training, equipment like fridges, and student education, with a push for regional balance. The federal share could cover up to 75% of project costs; districts would need to provide the rest in cash or in‑kind. USDA would evaluate the program within 2 years and every 2 years after.

Crop insurance discounts for soil practices

Starting with the 2026 reinsurance year, the crop insurance program could offer premium discounts for proven risk‑reducing practices. Possible practices include cover crops, diverse rotations, rotational grazing, compost or biochar, and agroforestry. The program would decide which practices qualify and how big the discounts are.

More climate technical help for farms

At least 1% of CCC funds for covered programs would go to climate technical help each year from FY2025–FY2030, with priority for underserved producers. More providers could deliver help, including individuals and Tribal entities. Planning topics would expand to soil health, greenhouse gas reductions, nutrient and pest management, agroforestry, and organic transition. ATTRA outreach would add beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers, with $5 million authorized for FY2025 and $8.5 million a year for FY2026–FY2030.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Pingree

ME • D

Cosponsors

  • Huffman

    CA • D

    Sponsored 4/29/2025

  • Tonko

    NY • D

    Sponsored 4/29/2025

  • Moulton

    MA • D

    Sponsored 4/29/2025

  • Frost

    FL • D

    Sponsored 4/29/2025

  • Krishnamoorthi

    IL • D

    Sponsored 4/29/2025

  • Quigley

    IL • D

    Sponsored 4/29/2025

  • McCollum

    MN • D

    Sponsored 4/29/2025

  • Connolly

    VA • D

    Sponsored 4/29/2025

  • Hoyle (OR)

    OR • D

    Sponsored 4/29/2025

  • Pocan

    WI • D

    Sponsored 5/20/2025

  • Gottheimer

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 5/20/2025

  • Levin

    CA • D

    Sponsored 7/2/2025

  • Schrier

    WA • D

    Sponsored 8/15/2025

  • Walkinshaw

    VA • D

    Sponsored 10/8/2025

  • Jayapal

    WA • D

    Sponsored 4/29/2025

  • Brownley

    CA • D

    Sponsored 4/29/2025

  • Tlaib

    MI • D

    Sponsored 4/29/2025

  • Strickland

    WA • D

    Sponsored 4/29/2025

  • Khanna

    CA • D

    Sponsored 4/29/2025

  • Del. Plaskett, Stacey E. [D-VI-At Large]

    VI • D

    Sponsored 4/29/2025

  • Panetta

    CA • D

    Sponsored 4/29/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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