Bipartisan bill boosts agroforestry and perennial systems
A bipartisan effort led by Representatives Mike Lawler, Don Beyer, and Chellie Pingree introduced the Innovative Practices for Soil Health Act, aiming to advance soil health and sustainability in U.S. agriculture. The bill will strengthen the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation programs to better support farmers adopting perennial systems and agroforestry practices.
“By supporting farmers in the utilization of perennial systems and agroforestry, the Innovative Practices for Soil Health Act encourages healthy soil management – improving overall farm productivity and stimulating microbial life,” said Congressman Lawler. “This is a win for farmers, a win for the environment, and a win for American families. I’m proud to join my colleagues Don Beyer and Chellie Pingree in introducing this commonsense bipartisan bill.”
“American agriculture faces many challenges today, including harmful soil erosion exacerbated by the climate crisis’ extreme weather patterns,” said Congressman Beyer. “Our bill is a significant step to support the health and sustainability of American farms by ensuring the USDA has the resources necessary to be a strong partner for farmers who prioritize perennial agriculture and agroforestry. These practices promote soil health, which not only makes the soil more resilient to extreme weather events and erosion but also improves long-term agricultural productivity and farming’s impacts on watersheds and wildlife.”
Congresswoman Pingree added that farmers face increasing climate-related threats such as droughts, floods, and wildfires. She said the legislation promotes climate-smart agriculture by investing in research, supporting greenhouse gas reduction, and strengthening long-term food security.
The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) praised the bill for supporting perennial practices through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and for establishing agroforestry centers that expand technical expertise.
Mary Olive of Carbon180 added that perennial and agroforestry systems strengthen soils, boost carbon storage, and increase biodiversity. She said, “This bill enhances NRCS programs to support farmers adopting soil-friendly production systems.”
The Innovative Practices for Soil Health Act highlights a growing bipartisan focus on advancing soil health, farm sustainability, and rural resilience.
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