Sustainable Agriculture

Given farmland’s environmental footprint and proximity to natural resources, sustainable agriculture provides an opportunity to reduce pollution, promote biodiversity, and protect soil health. Implementing these strategies can improve farming outcomes and save millions of dollars in a given area.

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Overview

With farmland accounting for nearly half of the total land area in the U.S. at 1.2 billion acres, the output of farms contributes $164.7 billion annually to the U.S. economy. Given the environmental footprint and proximity to natural resources, sustainable agriculture provides an opportunity to reduce pollution, promote biodiversity, protect soil health, and address climate change.

Sustainable agriculture accomplishes these goals through techniques such as crop rotation, cover crops, saturated buffers, and reduced tillage. These techniques can focus on a specific area or concern, like soil erosion or water quality, or take a wider view of the entire farm. Implementing these strategies can save millions of dollars in drinking water treatment costs, flood damages, and impacts on ecological services and recreational tourism within the Mississippi River corridor.

Point of Contact

Staff Headshots
Beatrice O’Connor
Sustainable Agriculture and Water Specialist
Contact

Key Facts

Agricultural runoff is the leading cause of water quality impacts to rivers and streams, the third leading source for lakes, and the second largest source of impairments to wetlands.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

In 2017, there were 17,741 certified organic farm operations in the U.S., an increase of 39% since 2012. Among these farms, organic commodities were valued at $7.3 billion, more than double the $3.1 billion reported in 2012.

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

27% of all farmers were considered beginning farmers in 2017, an increase of 5% over the past 5 years.

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

Current Legislation

Legislative bills
SB9: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 7 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE PROTECTION OF WETLANDS.View SourceDelawareDE Sen. Stephanie Hansen (D-DE-010)Wildlife, Oceans, WaterBiodiversity, Flood Resilience, Nature Based Solutions, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterEelgass, Seagrass, Ocean Biodiversity ProtectionEffective
H.B.2660: An Act amending Title 3 (Agriculture) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in Agriculture-Linked Investment Program, further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for general author ity of commission and for Agriculture-Linked Investment Program.View SourcePennsylvaniaPA Rep. Joe Kerwin (R-PA-125)Water, LandNutrient Pollution, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
H5433: An Act regulating the use of fertilizer in the town of WellfleetView SourceMassachusettsMA Sen. Julian Cyr (D-MA-Massachusetts Senate Cape and Islands), MA Rep. Hadley Luddy (D-MA-Massachusetts House 4th Barnstable)WaterNutrient Pollution, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
H5510: An Act to build resilience for Massachusetts communitiesView SourceMassachusettsWaterFlood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
SB367: WATER MANAGEMENT: Creates the Watershed Restoration and Conservation Fund. (8/1/26) (EN INCREASE SD EX See Note)View SourceLouisianaLA Sen. Rick Edmonds (R-LA-006)OceansCoastal Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterEffective
HF2771: A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations involving state government entities associated with agriculture, natural resources, and environmental protection, and including contingent effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 772.) Effective Date: Conditional, 07/01/2026.View SourceIowaWaterFlood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterEffective
HB3433: DNR-Flood Risk Reduc Pil ProjView SourceIllinoisIL Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-IL-003), IL Rep. Sonya Harper (D-IL-006)WaterFlood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterPassed Original Chamber
SB3227: Nitrogen Reduction IncentiveView SourceIllinoisIL Sen. Doris Turner (D-IL-048)WaterNutrient Pollution, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
SB3267: Agriculture-Dust Storm StudyView SourceIllinoisIL Sen. Laura Ellman (D-IL-021)LandSustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
SB3633: Soil Carbon SequestrationView SourceIllinoisIL Sen. Paul Faraci (D-IL-052)LandClimate Adaptation , Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
SB3721: Ag-Fall Covers Spring SavingsView SourceIllinoisIL Sen. Doris Turner (D-IL-048)Water, LandNutrient Pollution, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
HD6137: An Act regulating the use of fertilizer in the town of WellfleetView SourceMassachusettsMA Sen. Julian Cyr (D-MA-Massachusetts Senate Cape and Islands), MA Rep. Hadley Luddy (D-MA-Massachusetts House 4th Barnstable)WaterNutrient Pollution, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
HB815: Require rules on drinking water contaminants, water qualityView SourceOhioOH Rep. C. Allison "Allison" Russo (D-OH-007), OH Rep. Tristan Rader (D-OH-013)Toxic ChemicalsPFAS, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
A.1873: Requires DEP to prioritize funding for certain projects for acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes and certain environmental infrastructure projects that include, or allow for, flood mitigation projects.View SourceNew JerseyNJ Assemb. William Spearman (D-NJ-005), NJ Assemb. Clinton Calabrese (D-NJ-036), NJ Assemb. James "Jim" Kennedy (D-NJ-022)Wildlife, Water, LandBiodiversity, Flood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterPassed Original Chamber
HB5893: Environmental protection: other; grant program for farmers affected by polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS); create. Amends (MCL - ) by adding pt. 4. TIE BAR WITH:View SourceMichiganMI Rep. Jennifer Conlin (D-MI-048)Toxic Chemicals, LandPFAS, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
SB197: Virginia Community Flood Preparedness Fund; loan and grant program, deferment of interest accrual.View SourceVirginiaVA Sen. Angelia Williams Graves (D-VA-021)Oceans, WaterCoastal Resilience, Flood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterCoastal ResilienceEffective
HB4849: Inc Tax-Land ProtectionView SourceIllinoisIL Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-IL-039)Water, LandSustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterOut of Committee
HB5512: Ag-Fall Covers Spring SavingsView SourceIllinoisIL Rep. Sonya Harper (D-IL-006)Water, LandNutrient Pollution, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterOut of Committee
S.B.2110: RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.View SourceHawaiiHI Sen. Mike Gabbard (D-HI-021)Wildlife, Water, LandInvasive Species, Nutrient Pollution, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterPassed Second Chamber
AB2447: Water: Nitrogen Pollution Reduction Act.View SourceCaliforniaCA Assemb. Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-CA-016)WaterNutrient Pollution, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterOut of Committee
S3050: An Act to build resilience for Massachusetts communitiesView SourceMassachusettsWildlife, WaterFlood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & Water , Wildlife Connectivity and CrossingsConnectivity and Crossing Funding, Transportation and WildlifeOut of Committee
HB237: Va. Coastal Resilience Master Plan; identifying areas where marshes may migrate in face of sea rise.View SourceVirginiaVA Del. Alfonso Lopez (D-VA-003)Oceans, WaterCoastal Resilience, Flood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterCoastal ResilienceEffective
HF4885: Agriculture policy and funding modified, reports required, and money appropriated.View SourceMinnesotaMN Rep. Rick Hansen (D-MN-053B)LandSoil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
L.B.759: Change fees and funding for solid waste management, water wells, livestock regulation, hazardous waste management, clean water regulation, and litter reduction and recycling, change membership of a board, provide penalties and enforcement provisions for geologic storage of carbon dioxide, provide for entry upon property for the Perkins County Canal, correct references to and change jurisdiction of the Department of Water, Energy, and Environment, and require local governments to regulate operation of swimming pools, recreation camps, and mobile home parksView SourceNebraskaNE Sen. Tom Brandt (NE-032)LandOutdoor Engagement, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterEffective
AB2184: Cap-and-Invest Program: nature-based climate solutions: funding.View SourceCaliforniaCA Assemb. Lori Wilson (D-CA-011)Climate, LandClimate Accountability, Climate Adaptation , Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterCap and InvestOut of Committee
HB508: Small renewable energy projects; agrivoltaics definition.View SourceVirginiaVA Del. John McAuliff (D-VA-030)Water, Land, EnergyDistributed Solar and Batteries, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterSustainable Agriculture, AgrivoltaicsEffective
HB1902: Appropriation; Soil and Water Conservation Commission.View SourceMississippiMS Rep. C. Scott "Scott" Bounds (R-MS-044)Water, LandFlood Resilience, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterEffective
S3040: An Act fostering agricultural resilience in MassachusettsView SourceMassachusettsLandSoil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterPassed Original Chamber
SB37: make appropriations for water and environmental purposes and to declare an emergency.View SourceSouth DakotaWaterFlood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterEffective
S.B.2061: Food policy; creating the Oklahoma Food Policy Council Act. Effective date.View SourceOklahomaOK Sen. Nikki Nice (D-OK-048)LandSustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterPassed Original Chamber
HB4610: Nitrogen Reduction IncentiveView SourceIllinoisIL Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-IL-113)WaterNutrient Pollution, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
HB5593: Land Conservation ActView SourceIllinoisIL Rep. Sharon Chung (D-IL-091)LandSustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
S.B.0225: Environment - Interjurisdictional Watersheds - Flood ManagementView SourceMarylandMD Sen. Mary Washington (D-MD-043)WaterFlood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterPassed Original Chamber
H1021: An Act relative to local protection of water resources from nutrient pollutionView SourceMassachusettsMA Rep. Edward "Ted" Philips (D-MA-Massachusetts House 8th Norfolk)WaterNutrient Pollution, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterOut of Committee
SB1178: Relating to: creating the Wisconsin Climate Corps program, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)View SourceWisconsinWI Sen. Chris Larson (D-WI-007), WI Sen. Tim Carpenter (D-WI-003), WI Sen. Mark Spreitzer (D-WI-015), WI Sen. LaTonya Johnson (D-WI-006), WI Sen. Kelda Roys (D-WI-026)Climate, Water, Land, EnergyFlood Resilience, Just Transition, Outdoor Engagement, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterOutdoor Governance and Economy, Workforce DevelopmentIntroduced or Prefiled
AB1124: Relating to: creating a Mississippi River erosion control revolving loan program, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)View SourceWisconsinWI Rep. Christine Sinicki (D-WI-020), WI Rep. Jill Billings (D-WI-095), WI Rep. Russell Goodwin (D-WI-012), WI Rep. Alex Joers (D-WI-081)WaterFlood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
H5215: An Act establishing the Blue Communities ProgramView SourceMassachusettsOceans, WaterNutrient Pollution, Ocean Acidification , Sustainable Agriculture & WaterOcean AcidificationOut of Committee
A.4633: Directs DEP to develop and implement water quality, flood control, and stream restoration pilot program.View SourceNew JerseyNJ Assemb. Alex Sauickie (R-NJ-012)WaterFlood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
HF2733: A bill for an act relating to water quality, including a water quality monitoring network and the water quality initiative, an agricultural best management practices tax credit, an Iowa clean water farm program and property tax credit, and water quality practices loans, making appropriations, and including applicability provisions.View SourceIowaIA Rep. Austin Baeth (D-IA-036), IA Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell (D-IA-049), IA Rep. Rick Olson (D-IA-039), IA Rep. Ruth Gaines (D-IA-033), IA Rep. Bob Kressig (D-IA-075), IA Rep. Brian Meyer (D-IA-029), IA Rep. Amy Nielsen (D-IA-085), IA Rep. Monica Kurth (D-IA-098), IA Rep. Heather Matson (D-IA-042), IA Rep. Jennifer Konfrst (D-IA-032), IA Rep. Kenan Judge (D-IA-027), IA Rep. Tracy Ehlert (D-IA-079), IA Rep. Ross Wilburn (D-IA-050), IA Rep. Eric Gjerde (D-IA-074), IA Rep. Sean Bagniewski (D-IA-035), IA Rep. David "Dave" Jacoby (D-IA-086), IA Rep. Timi Brown-Powers (D-IA-061), IA Rep. J.D. Scholten (D-IA-001), IA Rep. Ken Croken (D-IA-097), IA Rep. Elinor Levin (D-IA-089), IA Rep. Jeff Cooling (D-IA-077), IA Rep. Mary Madison (D-IA-031), IA Rep. Josh Turek (D-IA-020), IA Rep. Larry McBurney (D-IA-044), IA Rep. Aime Wichtendahl (D-IA-080), IA Rep. Rob Johnson (D-IA-034), IA Rep. Daniel "Dan" Gosa (D-IA-081), IA Rep. Angel Ramirez (D-IA-078)LandSustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
HF2732: A bill for an act providing for water quality practices, including an edge-of-field practice tax credit and cover crop practice tax credit.View SourceIowaIA Rep. Josh Turek (D-IA-020)LandSoil Health, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
SB0817: Environmental protection: groundwater contamination; location guidelines for wastewater discharge; provide for. Amends sec. 3112 of (MCL ).View SourceMichiganMI Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-MI-013)Wildlife, WaterInvasive Species, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
SB1089: Relating to: creating a Mississippi River erosion control revolving loan program, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)View SourceWisconsinWI Sen. Mark Spreitzer (D-WI-015), WI Sen. Bradley "Brad" Pfaff (D-WI-032), WI Sen. Melissa Ratcliff (D-WI-016), WI Sen. Jeff Smith (D-WI-031)WaterFlood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
S.1529A: Establishes a carbon farming tax credit for farmersView SourceNew YorkNY Sen. Kevin Parker (D-NY-021)Land, WaterSoil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterSustainable AgriculturePassed Original Chamber
HB 2343: Protecting the public from water quality impacts of publicly owned or operated game farms.View SourceWashingtonWA Rep. Peter Abbarno (R-WA-020)Wildlife, WaterNutrient Pollution, Sustainable Agriculture & Water , Wildlife Agency Relevance and FundingPassed Original Chamber
A.4382: Provides supplemental appropriation of $500,000 for Farm Viability Study at Agricultural Experiment Station.View SourceNew JerseyNJ Assemb. Alex Sauickie (R-NJ-012)LandSustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
H.B. 214: Home Flood Protection Assistance Program; enables a locality to establish by ordinance.View SourceVirginiaVA Del. Michael Feggans (D-VA-097)Climate, WaterClimate Adaptation , Flood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
HB5646: To jumpstart the state’s State Resiliency and Flood Protection Act to allow the Resiliency Office to begin the work of assisting areas of the state prone to flooding, to undertake actions to reduce or prevent future flooding.View SourceWest VirginiaWV Del. Jeff Eldridge (R-WV-030)WaterFlood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
A.4031: Authorizes county agriculture development boards to acquire agricultural equipment for lease to new and beginning farmers.View SourceNew JerseyNJ Assemb. Alex Sauickie (R-NJ-012)LandSustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
HB 2388: Concerning the siting of distributed energy generation resources on agricultural lands.View SourceWashingtonWA Rep. Zach Hall (D-WA-005)Water, LandSustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterSustainable AgricultureOut of Committee
HB5396: Healthy Soils Task ForceView SourceIllinoisIL Rep. Daniel "Dan" Didech (D-IL-059)LandSoil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
HB5272: Appropriations from the state Revenue Shortfall Fund and the Income Tax Reserve Fund be utilized to initiate investments in flood prevention initiatives to reduce the impact of severe floodingView SourceWest VirginiaWV Del. Sean Hornbuckle (D-WV-025)WaterFlood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
SB3400: Pfas-Containing PesticidesView SourceIllinoisIL Sen. Robert "Rob" Martwick (D-IL-010)Toxic Chemicals, Wildlife, Water, LandPFAS, Pesticides, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
L.B.827: Provide for natural resources districts to create soil and water programsView SourceNebraskaNE Sen. Barry DeKay (NE-040)Water, LandSoil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterOut of Committee
SB390: Altering conditions for flood resiliency disbursementsView SourceWest VirginiaWaterFlood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterPassed Original Chamber
S.B.3318: RELATING TO RESILIENCY.View SourceHawaiiHI Sen. Mike Gabbard (D-HI-021)LandSustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
S.6286A: Establishes the agrivoltaics viability pilot program within the farmland viability programView SourceNew YorkNY Sen. Michelle Hinchey (D-NY-041)Water, Land, EnergyEmerging Energy Technologies, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterSustainable Agriculture, AgrivoltaicsPassed Original Chamber
HB 2129: Fortifying agritourism.View SourceWashingtonWA Rep. Sam Low (R-WA-039)Water, LandSustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterSustainable AgricultureIntroduced or Prefiled
H.B. 904: Va. Disaster Assistance Fund; post-disaster recovery, floodplain mitigation and resilience projects.View SourceVirginiaVA Del. Alfonso Lopez (D-VA-003)WaterFlood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
SB871: Relating to: creating a grant program for farmers who implement certain sustainable practices, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)View SourceWisconsinWI Sen. Chris Larson (D-WI-007), WI Sen. Mark Spreitzer (D-WI-015), WI Sen. LaTonya Johnson (D-WI-006), WI Sen. Bradley "Brad" Pfaff (D-WI-032), WI Sen. Melissa Ratcliff (D-WI-016), WI Sen. Jeff Smith (D-WI-031), WI Sen. Kelda Roys (D-WI-026), WI Sen. Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (D-WI-018)Toxic Chemicals, Wildlife, LandPesticides, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
SB 1386: Implementation of the Recommendations of the Blue-Green Algae Task ForceView SourceFloridaFL Sen. Carlos Smith (D-FL-017)WaterNutrient Pollution, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
HB0731: An act relating to the water quality of the StateView SourceVermontVT Rep. Amy Sheldon (D-VT-001)WaterSustainable Agriculture & Water , Water ScarcityIntroduced or Prefiled
HB4018: Enhancing Flood Resiliency DisbursementsView SourceWest VirginiaWV Speaker Roger Hanshaw (R-WV-062)WaterFlood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
HB0679: An act relating to emergency management in flood-prone municipalitiesView SourceVermontVT Rep. Edward "Teddy" Waszazak (D-VT-084)Climate, WaterClimate Adaptation , Flood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
SB 6088: Protecting the public from water quality impacts of publicly owned or operated game farms.View SourceWashingtonWA Sen. John Braun (R-WA-020)WaterNutrient Pollution, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
A.547: Requires DEP and owners of certain reservoirs to implement certain flood control measures; authorizes Office of Emergency Management to order lowering of reservoirs levels in response to severe weather events.View SourceNew JerseyNJ Assemb. Robert "Bob" Auth (R-NJ-039), NJ Assemb. Chris Tully (D-NJ-038), NJ Assemb. John Azzariti (R-NJ-039)WaterFlood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
A.1917: Establishes New Jersey Healthy Soils Program; establishes grant program for soil testing of urban agriculture sites; establishes Urban Agriculture Site Soil Testing Fund.View SourceNew JerseyNJ Assemb. Annette Quijano (D-NJ-020)Water, LandSoil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
A.2621: Establishes Municipal Flood Management Assistance Program in DEP.View SourceNew JerseyNJ Assemb. Carmen Morales (D-NJ-034)Oceans, WaterCoastal Resilience, Flood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterCoastal ResilienceIntroduced or Prefiled
HB595: relative to coastal resilience zones.View SourceNew HampshireNH Rep. Chris Muns (D-NH-New Hampshire House Rockingham 29)Climate, OceansClimate Adaptation , Coastal Resilience, Flood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterFlood Disclosures, Coastal ResilienceIntroduced or Prefiled
A.133: Establishes the office of flooding prevention and mitigationView SourceNew YorkNY Assemb. Catalina Cruz (D-NY-039)Climate, Oceans, WaterClimate Adaptation , Coastal Resilience, Flood Resilience, Nature Based Solutions, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterCoastal ResilienceIntroduced or Prefiled
A.1614: Establishes the New York state reforest, restore and sustainable agriculture commissionView SourceNew YorkNY Assemb. Deborah Glick (D-NY-066)Land, WaterSustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterSustainable AgricultureIntroduced or Prefiled
S.1829: Establishes the office of flooding prevention and mitigationView SourceNew YorkNY Sen. Shelley Mayer (D-NY-037)Climate, Oceans, WaterCoastal Resilience, Flood Resilience, Nature Based Solutions, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterCoastal ResilienceIntroduced or Prefiled
S.2249: Relates to awards of grants from the beginning farmers NY fundView SourceNew YorkNY Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-NY-014)Water, LandSustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
A.5660A: Establishes a carbon farming tax credit for farmersView SourceNew YorkNY Assemb. Didi Barrett (D-NY-106)Oceans, LandSustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
S.6381: Requires the establishment of a plant-based agriculture grant programView SourceNew YorkNY Sen. Jabari Brisport (D-NY-025)Water, LandSustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
A.7584A: Establishes the agrivoltaics viability pilot program within the farmland viability programView SourceNew YorkNY Assemb. Donna Lupardo (D-NY-123)Water, Land, EnergyEmerging Energy Technologies, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterSustainable AgricultureOut of Committee
SB0216: An act relating to ecological restoration projects on waters of the StateView SourceVermontVT Sen. Anne Watson (D-VT-011)WaterFlood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
HB0579: An act relating to establishing criteria for the application of alum to Vermont watersView SourceVermontVT Rep. Amy Sheldon (D-VT-001)WaterNutrient Pollution, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
H4854: An Act fostering agricultural resilience in MassachusettsView SourceMassachusettsWater, LandSustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterOut of Committee
A.7377: Establishes a stakeholder group in the Oswego river basinView SourceNew YorkNY Assemb. Al Stirpe (D-NY-127)WaterFlood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterSent to Executive
S566: An Act to overcome coastal and environmental acidification and nutrient pollutionView SourceMassachusettsMA Sen. Julian Cyr (D-MA-Massachusetts Senate Cape and Islands)Oceans, WaterNutrient Pollution, Ocean Acidification , Sustainable Agriculture & WaterOcean AcidificationOut of Committee
S638: Resolve establishing a coastal waters wastewater financing commissionView SourceMassachusettsMA Sen. Mark Montigny (D-MA-Massachusetts Senate Second Bristol and Plymouth)WaterNutrient Pollution, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterOut of Committee
H1000: An Act establishing a coastal waters wastewater financing commissionView SourceMassachusettsMA Rep. Christopher "Chris" Markey (D-MA-Massachusetts House 9th Bristol)WaterNutrient Pollution, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterOut of Committee
H132: An Act relative to food justice with jobsView SourceMassachusettsMA Rep. Adrian Madaro (D-MA-Massachusetts House 1st Suffolk)Toxic Chemicals, Wildlife, Water, LandPesticides, Pollinators, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterSustainable AgricultureOut of Committee
S.B.988: An Act amending Title 3 (Agriculture) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in crop insurance, further providing for definitions, for crop insurance financial assistance and for funding.View SourcePennsylvaniaPA Sen. Judith "Judy" Schwank (D-PA-011)Water, LandSoil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterSustainable AgricultureIntroduced or Prefiled
H4430: An Act promoting agriculture resilience and sustainabilityView SourceMassachusettsMA Rep. Kate Hogan (D-MA-Massachusetts House 3rd Middlesex)Water, LandSustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterSustainable AgricultureIntroduced or Prefiled
S55: An Act fostering agricultural resilience in MassachusettsView SourceMassachusettsMA Sen. Joanne "Jo" Comerford (D-MA-Massachusetts Senate Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester)Water, LandSustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
P.S.0080: Para enmendar el Artículo 2 de la Ley 49-2003, según enmendada, a los fines de cumplir con la política pública de centralizar los procesos de permisos en la Oficina de Gerencia de Permisos o la dependencia gubernamental que le sustituya y para otros fines para relacionados.View SourcePuerto RicoPR Sen. Thomas Rivera Schatz (PNP-PR-000), PR Sen. Jamie Barlucea Rodriguez (PNP-PR-005), PR Sen. Wilmer Reyes Berrios (PNP-PR-006), PR Sen. Rafael "Rafy" Santos Ortiz (PNP-PR-006), PR Sen. Brenda Perez Soto (PNP-PR-003)WaterFlood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterPassed Original Chamber
S599: An Act to overcome coastal and environmental acidification and nutrient pollutionView SourceMassachusettsMA Sen. Dylan Fernandes (D-MA-Massachusetts Senate Plymouth and Barnstable)Climate, Oceans, WaterCoastal Resilience, Nutrient Pollution, Ocean Acidification , Sustainable Agriculture & WaterOcean Acidification, Coastal ResilienceIntroduced or Prefiled
H897: An Act to overcome coastal and environmental acidification and nutrient pollutionView SourceMassachusettsMA Rep. Michelle Badger (D-MA-Massachusetts House 1st Plymouth)WaterNutrient Pollution, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
S600: An Act establishing the Blue Communities ProgramView SourceMassachusettsMA Sen. Dylan Fernandes (D-MA-Massachusetts Senate Plymouth and Barnstable)Oceans, WaterNutrient Pollution, Ocean Acidification , Sustainable Agriculture & WaterOcean AcidificationIntroduced or Prefiled
H931: An Act establishing the Blue Communities ProgramView SourceMassachusettsMA Rep. Mindy Domb (D-MA-Massachusetts House 3rd Hampshire), MA Rep. Thomas Moakley (D-MA-Massachusetts House Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket)Oceans, WaterNutrient Pollution, Ocean Acidification , Sustainable Agriculture & WaterOcean AcidificationIntroduced or Prefiled
SB195: Slow Onset DisastersView SourceAlaskaOceans, Water, LandCoastal Resilience, Flood Resilience, Ocean Acidification , Sustainable Agriculture & WaterOcean Acidification, Coastal ResilienceIntroduced or Prefiled
SB2311: Flood Control-Flood PlanView SourceIllinoisIL Sen. Laura Ellman (D-IL-021)WaterFlood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterOut of Committee
H125: An Act establishing healthy soil performance guidelinesView SourceMassachusettsMA Rep. Jessica Giannino (D-MA-Massachusetts House 16th Suffolk)Water, LandSoil Health, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
SF2458: Omnibus Agriculture, Broadband and Rural Development policy and appropriationsView SourceMinnesotaMN Sen. Aric Putnam (D-MN-014)Toxic Chemicals, Water, LandPFAS, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterSustainable AgricultureOut of Committee
HB2933: Ag-Drought & Climate-StudyView SourceIllinoisIL Rep. Sonya Harper (D-IL-006)Land, WaterClimate Adaptation , Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterOut of Committee
H867: Poultry Waste Management.View SourceNorth CarolinaNC Rep. Pricey Harrison (D-NC-061), NC Rep. Phillip "Phil" Rubin (D-NC-040), NC Rep. Julia Greenfield (D-NC-100), NC Rep. Deb Butler (D-NC-018)WaterNutrient Pollution, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
HB0054: Soil Health WeekView SourceIllinoisIL Former Sen. Dale Fowler (R-IL-059), IL Sen. John Curran (R-IL-041)Land, WaterSoil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterPassed Original Chamber
SF3249: Mississippi River Cities and Town Initiative annual meeting related costs appropriationView SourceMinnesotaMN Sen. John Hoffman (D-MN-034)WaterFlood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
SF1840: Grant program appropriation to promote certain nutrient management practicesView SourceMinnesotaMN Sen. Robert "Rob" Kupec (D-MN-004)WaterNutrient Pollution, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterOut of Committee
SF3046: Southeast regional groundwater protection and soil health initiative appropriationView SourceMinnesotaMN Sen. Liz Boldon (D-MN-025)Water, LandSoil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
HF2916: Southeast regional groundwater protection and soil health initiative funding provided, and money appropriated.View SourceMinnesotaMN Rep. Andy Smith (D-MN-025B)Water, LandSoil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
HF2708: Southeast regional groundwater protection and soil health initiative funding provided, and money appropriated.View SourceMinnesotaMN Rep. Andy Smith (D-MN-025B)Water, LandSoil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterSustainable AgricultureIntroduced or Prefiled
HB3073: Flood Resilience Grant ProgramView SourceIllinoisIL Rep. Sonya Harper (D-IL-006)WaterFlood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
HB3066: Distressed Farmers ActView SourceIllinoisIL Rep. Sonya Harper (D-IL-006)Water, LandSustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
HF1524: Agriculture grant program established to promote certain nutrient management practices, and money appropriated.View SourceMinnesotaMN Rep. Bobbie Harder (R-MN-017B)WaterNutrient Pollution, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterOut of Committee
SF2845: Southeast regional groundwater protection and soil health initiative appropriationView SourceMinnesotaMN Sen. Liz Boldon (D-MN-025)Land, WaterSoil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterSustainable AgricultureIntroduced or Prefiled
HB0469: An act relating to flood response and the duties of the Agency of Natural ResourcesView SourceVermontVT Rep. Edward "Teddy" Waszazak (D-VT-084), VT Rep. Gina Galfetti (R-VT-089)WaterFlood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
HB0468: An act relating to flood response and assistance programs for flood resilient infrastructure improvementsView SourceVermontVT Rep. Edward "Teddy" Waszazak (D-VT-084), VT Rep. Gina Galfetti (R-VT-089)WaterFlood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
HB0466: An act relating to flood response and the creation of a voluntary buy-out programView SourceVermontVT Rep. Edward "Teddy" Waszazak (D-VT-084), VT Rep. Gina Galfetti (R-VT-089)WaterFlood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
S.B.552: RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.View SourceHawaiiHI Sen. Mike Gabbard (D-HI-021)Land, WaterSoil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterPassed Original Chamber
HB0420: An act relating to tax increment financing for flood-impacted communitiesView SourceVermontVT Rep. Michael Boutin (R-VT-084)WaterFlood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
HF1206: Mississippi River basin priority lakes and streams initiative funding provided, and money appropriated.View SourceMinnesotaMN Rep. Peter Fischer (D-MN-044A)Water, LandSoil Health, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
HF985: Soil health financial assistance program funding provided, and money appropriated.View SourceMinnesotaMN Rep. Nathan Nelson (R-MN-011B)Water, LandSoil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
H.B.975: RELATING TO CARBON SEQUESTRATION INCENTIVES.View SourceHawaiiHI Rep. Nicole Lowen (D-HI-007)Wildlife, Water, LandBiodiversity, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterSustainable AgricultureOut of Committee
S.B.1562: RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.View SourceHawaiiHI Sen. Angus "Mac" McKelvey (D-HI-006)Land, WaterSustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterOut of Committee
HB0681: Soil Conservation - As introduced, enacts the "Healthy Soil Act." - Amends TCA Title 4 and Title 43, Chapter 14. Conference Committee ReportsView SourceTennesseeTN Rep. Justin Jones (D-TN-052)Water, LandSoil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
HB0146: An act relating to administration and enforcement of agricultural water quality requirements in the StateView SourceVermontVT Rep. Amy Sheldon (D-VT-001)WaterFlood Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
SF909: Clean water fund appropriation for a southeast regional groundwater protection and soil health initiativeView SourceMinnesotaMN Sen. Liz Boldon (D-MN-025)Water, LandSoil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
SF882: Soil health financial assistance program appropriationView SourceMinnesotaMN Sen. Heather Gustafson (D-MN-036)Water, LandSoil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled
HB0113: An act relating to lakes in crisis and requirements for designationView SourceVermontVT Rep. Woodman "Woody" Page (R-VT-065)WaterNutrient Pollution, Sustainable Agriculture & WaterIntroduced or Prefiled

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Issues of Interest

Related Resources

Issue Brief
Farm Bill Issue Brief
Land, Water
February 22, 2023

This Issue Brief is intended to give an overview of the Farm Bill, a package of legislation that influences how and what food is grown, commodity prices, trade, and more. The full Issue Brief includes the Inflation Reduction Act's (IRA) funding for the Farm Bill and more information about what areas the Farm Bill covers.

Issue Brief
Farm Bill Conservation Programs Issue Brief
Land, Water
March 7, 2023

The Conservation Title in the Farm Bill covers programs that help farmers and ranchers implement natural resource conservation efforts on working lands like pasture and croplands as well as land retirement and easement programs. These voluntary programs account for 7% of the Farm Bill budget and are around $30 billion.

Issue Area Soil Health
Issue Brief
Soil Health Issue Brief
Land, Water
June 19, 2026

Soil health refers to the ability of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans. Healthy soil is essential to clean air and water, diverse wildlife, abundant crops, forests, grazing lands, and vibrant landscapes. Throughout the nation, healthy soil:

Fact Sheet
Agrivoltaics Fact Sheet
Energy, Land
June 26, 2026

Agrivoltaics — pairing solar energy generation and agriculture on the same land — is emerging as a strategy for states to expand clean energy while supporting working lands and local economies. Agricultural land accounts for roughly 43% of the total land used in the lower 48 states. By combining renewable energy with agricultural operations, agrivoltaics can diversify farm income, improve land efficiency, strengthen climate resilience, and contribute to successful farmland conversion. As electricity demand grows and states pursue clean energy goals, states are adopting a range of approaches to support agrivoltaics.

Online Resources

NSAC: What is the Farm Bill?

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition provides a comprehensive farm bill overview.

Read More
NSAC: Farm Bill Conservation Programs

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition provides an overview of farm bill conservation programs.

Read More

Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Justice

The lack of land ownership and access by people of color reflects unequal opportunities for economic mobility and business growth within the agricultural industry.

Farming’s Racial Divide

White people represent 96% of farm owner-operators in the U.S. and generate 98% of all farm–related income. Less than 4% of farm owner-operators in the U.S. are farmers of color. Meanwhile, over 80% of farm laborers in the U.S. are Latinx. (nass.usda.gov)

80% of Land Lost

Since 1910, Black farmers have lost 80% of their land and represent only 0.4% of all farm acreage in the U.S. Exclusionary practices by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have disproportionately affected farmers of color in accessing funding and resources to maintain their land and economic viability. (farmingwhileblack.org)

Native Food Systems Threatened

Colonialism and climate change have reduced the agricultural range and suitability of native crops such as wild rice (manoomin), which threatens the identity and food sovereignty of First Nation communities. (wpr.org)

What Members Say

“NEC has been an incredible source of data and information as a state legislator and during my time as Indiana’s State Lead. By monitoring the actions that other state legislatures have taken to [improve sustainable agriculture] across the nation, I am better able to learn from the work of others and craft policy in Indiana that would best serve our residents.”
<p>Representative Maureen Bauer</p>

Representative Maureen Bauer

Indiana

News & Events

Events
2026 Energy Affordability Leaders Summit
December 6–9, 2026

Join NEC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from December 6-9 for a convening of energy affordability leaders.

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Events
2026 MRLC Forum Recap
October 6–8, 2026

State legislators from across seven states convened in Jackson, Mississippi, for the 2026 Mississippi River Legislative Caucus (MRLC) Forum, where they explored how to support one of the most economically and socially consequential waterways.

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Press Release
Legislators from 43 States and Territories Oppose USDA’s Effort to Rescind the “Roadless Rule”
Land
October 7, 2026

A bipartisan group of 232 state legislators from 43 states and territories submitted a formal comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) opposing the proposed rescission of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule (the “Roadless Rule”).

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