The CALL Act directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study conservation practices on leased agricultural land and submit recommendations to Congress by December 31, 2026, for addressing barriers to adopting conservation practices on leased agricultural land.
Julia Brownley
Representative
CA-26
The Conservation for Agricultural Leased Land Act, or CALL Act, directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study conservation practices on leased agricultural land, including barriers to adopting such practices, especially for farmers and ranchers who are people of color, and beginning farmers and ranchers. The study will review existing research, Cooperative Extension System initiatives, and various factors affecting leasing relationships and land ownership trends. A report with findings and recommendations for addressing barriers and improving outreach must be submitted to Congress by December 31, 2026. The Secretary may partner with a non-Federal entity to conduct the study.
New CALL Act Orders Deep Dive into Conservation on Leased Farmland: Report Due to Congress by End of 2026
The Conservation for Agricultural Leased Land Act, or CALL Act, greenlights a comprehensive study on how conservation practices are—and aren't—happening on leased farmland across the US. Considering that almost 40% of agricultural land in the country is rented out, this bill aims to figure out what's stopping both landowners and tenants from adopting more sustainable practices.
Digging into the Dirt
The CALL Act isn't just another piece of paper. It directs the Secretary of Agriculture, collaborating with the Economic Research Service, to really dig into the nitty-gritty of leased agricultural land. This means looking at everything from existing research and who owns the land to how leases are structured and what kind of incentives (both federal and state) might encourage better conservation. The study also has to specifically consider the experiences of farmers and ranchers of color, as well as those just starting out. For example, how might a short-term lease affect a new farmer in Georgia trying to implement soil health practices compared to a long-term lease scenario for an established rancher in Montana?
Real-World Roots
This isn't just about data; it's about people. The study will examine real-world leasing models and regional differences. Think about it: leasing farmland in California's Central Valley is probably way different than leasing in upstate New York. The bill even asks how the Department of Agriculture communicates with farmers and landowners about conservation. Do they send emails? Hold workshops? Are they reaching the right people? It also requires examination of effective leasing models, consideration of regional variations, examination of Federal incentives, research on State and local incentive programs, research on transitioning from leasing to ownership, examination of cash rents, examination of conservation practices when new tenants take over land, and research on how the Department of Agriculture communicates with farmers/ranchers who lease land and landowners who lease out their agricultural land. (SEC. 3)
The Bottom Line
By December 31, 2026, the Secretary of Agriculture has to deliver a report to Congress. This report won't just summarize the findings; it will offer recommendations for breaking down barriers to conservation on leased land. These recommendations will cover what can be done under existing laws and what might need new legislation. The Secretary of Agriculture can even bring in a non-federal partner to help with the study (SEC. 3). This is a fact-finding mission that could lead to real changes in how we manage a huge chunk of America's farmland.