This Month in Government Information

Status and Trends of USDA Conservation Programs: 2002-2025

Much of the legal framework for U.S. agricultural and food policy is set through a legislative process that occurs approximately every 5 years, generically referred to as the “Farm Bill.” The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (“2018 Farm Bill”), was signed on December 20, 2018. It has since been extended three times to include fiscal years (FY) 2024, 2025, and 2026. Programs within Farm Bills are funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). This report provides a broad overview of major U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation programs—programs that can assist agricultural producers to improve soil health, wildlife habitat, and water and air quality (including reducing greenhouse gas emissions). We focus on Farm Bill conservation programs over the past four Farm Bills (2002, 2008, 2014, and 2018).1 Additionally, the report provides historical context regarding how these programs have been implemented under the 2018 Farm Bill, and the effects of supplemental funding provided by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

SUDOC number: A 93.73/3:49

Located: ONLINE ONLY

ONLINE version: Status and Trends of USDA Conservation Programs: 2002-2025