COWS Act of 2026

This bill amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to expand the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). It introduces new provisions for financial assistance for alternative manure management practices and composting practices . The primary goal is to reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions, improve water quality by reducing nitrate leaching, and enhance carbon sequestration and soil health. These practices encompass methods like converting to rotational grazing, using compost-bedded barns, and employing solid separation technologies to avoid wet handling of manure. The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to provide payments covering up to 100 percent of costs for these practices, with at least 50 percent provided in advance. Applications will be prioritized based on their potential to maximize carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas reductions, and overall environmental and public health benefits, while also ensuring geographical and scale diversity. The program specifically aims to support small and medium-sized dairy and livestock operations, including beginning, limited resource, and socially disadvantaged farmers. The Secretary must also provide technical assistance, develop new conservation practice standards for on-farm composting, and partner with third-party providers to facilitate implementation. Existing payment limitations can be waived for these projects to meet program objectives.