The Conservation for Agricultural Leased Land Act (CALL Act) would require the Secretary of Agriculture, in partnership with the Economic Research Service (ERS), to conduct a comprehensive study on barriers to adopting conservation practices on leased agricultural land. Acknowledging that a substantial portion of U.S. farmland is leased, the bill aims to identify why landowners and tenants may underutilize federal and local conservation programs and practices. The study would review existing research (including the TOTAL survey and related reports), assess extension initiatives, map current leasing relationships, analyze ownership trends, and examine how leasing structures influence conservation uptake. It would also evaluate incentives at federal, state, and local levels, regional differences, and the role of transitioning from leasing to ownership. The act emphasizes equity by considering farmers of color and beginning farmers. A final report, due by December 31, 2026, would include findings and actionable recommendations, specifying which could be implemented under existing authorities and which would require new Congressional authorization, along with outreach strategies. The Secretary may partner with a non-Federal entity to carry out the study.
Key Points
- 1Purpose: Mandate a nationwide study of barriers to conservation practice adoption on leased agricultural land, to improve participation in conservation programs and practices.
- 2Collaboration and sources: Study conducted with ERS, building on existing literature (including TOTAL) and other relevant reports, plus review of Cooperative Extension initiatives.
- 3Scope of analysis: Identify and quantify types of lease arrangements; analyze ownership trends; assess effective leasing models; consider regional variations; evaluate federal/state/local incentives; examine effects of rent competition; study what happens to practices when tenants change; and evaluate USDA communication to lessees and landowners.
- 4Equity emphasis: Deliberately consider the experiences of farmers of color (including Black and Indigenous farmers) and beginning farmers.
- 5Output and timeline: A report to Congress by December 31, 2026 with findings and recommendations, including options that can be implemented under existing law and those needing new authorization, plus outreach plans.
- 6Implementation mechanism: The Secretary may enter into an agreement with a non-Federal organization (such as a nonprofit or university) to conduct the study.
- 7Definitions: “Leased agricultural land” means land operated under a lease or rental agreement by a farmer or rancher who does not own the land; “Secretary” refers to the Secretary of Agriculture acting through the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).