Number: RL34557
Title: Conservation Provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill
Authors: Tadlock Cowan and Renee Johnson, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246), the 2008 farm bill, reauthorizes almost all existing conservation programs, modifies several programs, and creates various new conservation programs. These changes address eligibility requirements, program definitions, enrollment and payment limits, contract terms, evaluation and application ranking criteria, among other administrative issues. In general, the conservation title includes specific changes that expand eligibility and delivery of technical assistance under most programs to cover more broadly, for example, forested and managed lands, pollinator habitat and protection, and identified natural resource areas, among other expansions. Producer coverage across most programs is also expanded to include beginning, limited resource, and socially disadvantaged producers; speciality crop producers; and producers transitioning to organic production. The enacted bill also creates new conservation programs to address emerging issues and priority resource areas, and also new subprograms under existing programs.
Pages: 36
Date: July 2, 2008