The "Small Farm Conservation Act" aims to create a dedicated subprogram under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to better serve small-scale agricultural producers. For fiscal years 2027 through 2031, not less than 30 percent of EQIP funds will be specifically allocated to this subprogram, ensuring financial and technical assistance is available. This funding is divided, with 35 percent dedicated to tailored technical assistance , including hiring and training Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff, and 65 percent for direct financial aid. The bill mandates increased payments, specifically a 50 percent increase for practices comprising a soil health management system on operations of not more than 50 acres, with a minimum payment of $2,500 for any practice. Eligibility for the subprogram will be determined State-by-State based on factors such as farm size, gross sales, and demographic data, including socially disadvantaged, beginning, and veteran farmers. The Secretary of Agriculture is required to provide a rapid and streamlined application and contract approval process for these payments. To facilitate participation, the Secretary must conduct outreach to small-scale producers and limit administrative burdens during the application process. The bill also establishes national and state subprogram coordinators within the NRCS to assist producers, distribute aid, and provide recommendations. Outreach materials must be published in English and other appropriate languages, and a report on the subprogram's results and participant demographics is due by May 1, 2030.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Small Farm Conservation Act
USA119th CongressS-4867| Senate
| Updated: 6/23/2026
The "Small Farm Conservation Act" aims to create a dedicated subprogram under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to better serve small-scale agricultural producers. For fiscal years 2027 through 2031, not less than 30 percent of EQIP funds will be specifically allocated to this subprogram, ensuring financial and technical assistance is available. This funding is divided, with 35 percent dedicated to tailored technical assistance , including hiring and training Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff, and 65 percent for direct financial aid. The bill mandates increased payments, specifically a 50 percent increase for practices comprising a soil health management system on operations of not more than 50 acres, with a minimum payment of $2,500 for any practice. Eligibility for the subprogram will be determined State-by-State based on factors such as farm size, gross sales, and demographic data, including socially disadvantaged, beginning, and veteran farmers. The Secretary of Agriculture is required to provide a rapid and streamlined application and contract approval process for these payments. To facilitate participation, the Secretary must conduct outreach to small-scale producers and limit administrative burdens during the application process. The bill also establishes national and state subprogram coordinators within the NRCS to assist producers, distribute aid, and provide recommendations. Outreach materials must be published in English and other appropriate languages, and a report on the subprogram's results and participant demographics is due by May 1, 2030.