US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB389

Introduced
1/14/25  
Refer
1/14/25  

Caption

Southern Border Farmers and Ranchers Protection ActThis bill directs the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to provide payments to agricultural producers to implement certain conservation practices in counties at or near the Texas southern border. In general, this Department of Agriculture program provides technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers and forest landowners to address natural resource concerns.Specifically, EQIP must provide payments to agricultural producers to implement conservation practices to address and repair damage to agricultural land and farming infrastructure that is in a county at or near the Texas southern border and contributes to natural resource concerns or problems.

Impact

The proposed legislation aims to directly benefit farmers and ranchers in several counties close to the Texas southern border, which include Brewster, Cameron, Hidalgo, and others. By providing financial support for conservation practices, the bill is designed to enhance the resilience of agricultural operations against environmental challenges. This not only aims to improve local agriculture productivity but also to contribute to broader ecological sustainability efforts in the area. The funding mechanism is intended to promote quicker adoption of effective farming practices that could lead to long-term benefits both economically and environmentally.

Summary

House Bill 389, known as the Southern Border Farmers and Ranchers Protection Act, seeks to amend the Food Security Act of 1985 by authorizing payments under the environmental quality incentives program. This initiative is directed towards assisting agricultural producers situated along the southern border of Texas, specifically to implement conservation practices that will address and repair damage to agriculture-related land and infrastructure caused by various natural resource concerns. This bill underscores the importance of sustainable farming practices in regions particularly affected by environmental degradation.

Contention

While the bill may receive support from agricultural stakeholders who would benefit from the financial assistance, there may also be contention among policymakers regarding the effectiveness and scope of the proposed interventions. Concerns may arise about the adequacy of support for broader agricultural needs, transparency in funding allocation, and whether the measures sufficiently address the root causes of environmental issues. Additionally, some may question the sufficient oversight on the implementation of conservation practices funded by the program, possibly advocating for specific conditionings or repercussions tied to funding.

Congress_id

119-HR-389

Policy_area

Agriculture and Food

Introduced_date

2025-01-14

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB622

This bill increases funding for the Conservation Stewardship Program. As background, this Department of Agriculture program provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to maintain and improve existing conservation systems and to adopt additional conservation activities in a comprehensive manner on a producer's entire operation.

US SR118

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Transfer Active Agricultural Land Leases Under The Jurisdiction Of The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To The Department Of Agriculture To Support Agriculture In The State.

US SCR73

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources And Board Of Land And Natural Resources To Exempt Any Agricultural Enterprise Practicing Diversified Agriculture On Former Sugarcane Lands Within The Conservation District From Any Requirement For A Permit Or Sight Plan Approval Granted By The Department.

US SR67

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources And Board Of Land And Natural Resources To Exempt Any Agricultural Enterprise Practicing Diversified Agriculture On Former Sugarcane Lands Within The Conservation District From Any Requirement For A Permit Or Sight Plan Approval Granted By The Department.

US HB1904

Improving Coordination of Agriculture Research and Data ActThis bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish an Agriculture Climate Scientific Research Advisory Committee and a Rural Climate Alliance Network. The advisory committee, within USDA's Office of the Chief Scientist, must review and make recommendations on the agency's long-term and short-term national policies and priorities for (1) data collection for climate-specific agricultural research, extension, education, and economics; and (2) agricultural climate research.The Rural Climate Alliance Network must coordinate the provision of agriculture climate research, climate data, extension, and technical assistance for agricultural producers, the food and agricultural industry, nonprofit organizations, and researchers. The bill defines an agricultural producer as an individual who is engaged in farming, ranching, forestry, aquaculture, or another occupation relating to agriculture.USDA must also submit a report to Congress that includes a long-term strategy for responding to the challenges faced by agricultural producers that may impact agricultural producers' climate change resilience. The report must also include recommendations for further action by federal departments and agencies that are based on best practices.

US HB387

Texas Agricultural Producers Assistance Act

US LD1739

An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Support Maine's Agricultural Sector, to Create an Agricultural Buildings Property Tax Exemption and to Direct the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to Study Barriers to Its Financial Assistance Programs and Study the Potential for a Common Application for Those Programs

US SB409

To Prohibit Discrimination Of Agricultural Producers By Financial Services Providers; And To Establish The Farmer Protection Act.

US HF799

A bill for an act providing for programs and regulations related to agriculture, including crop production, animal health, agricultural processing, and agricultural marketing, providing for powers and duties of the department of agriculture and land stewardship, providing fees, and providing penalties.(Formerly HSB 143; See HF 998.)

US S02443

Authorizes industrial development agencies to provide technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers for products grown, harvested or produced within the state.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.