§3812a Development and Implementation of Conservation Plans and Conservation Systems

Summary

The Secretary must set technical standards so people can use conservation systems that are technically and economically feasible, fit local resource conditions and available conservation technology, are cost-effective, and do not cause undue economic hardship. To see if erosion on highly erodible cropland has been substantially reduced, compare the estimated annual erosion now to the estimated annual erosion before the conservation measures were put in place. For measuring crop residue, the Secretary must count residue mixed into the top 2 inches of soil and the growing crop, give guidance on acceptable measurement methods, set up a certification system for third parties to take measurements, and accept data a producer voluntarily provides. Annual residue measurements from a producer or a certified third party must be used if they show the field meets the plan’s residue level. When applying for program benefits listed in section 3811, a person may certify they are following their conservation plan, and the Secretary then does not have to do a compliance review. A person may revise their plan as long as the same level of conservation is kept, and the Secretary cannot change the plan without the person’s agreement. For crop insurance premium help, the Secretary must follow the procedures in section 3821(c)(3)(E) and coordinate to avoid extra paperwork. The Secretary must provide technical help during plan development, revision, and use, may help with other lands on request, and may allow experimental on-farm practices on a trial basis if they seem likely to work.