Small Farm Conservation Act

HR 5354, the Small Farm Conservation Act, creates a dedicated subprogram within the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to provide targeted conservation support for small-scale farms. It allocates $100 million annually (2024-2028) specifically for farms under 50 acres or meeting median state farm size limits, with 35% of funds for tailored technical assistance (including hiring specialized staff) and 65% for direct financial payments. Key provisions include a minimum $2,500 payment per producer, a 50% payment increase for soil health systems, and a streamlined, continuous enrollment process to reduce administrative barriers. The bill prioritizes historically underserved farmers - such as veterans, beginning farmers, and those in high-poverty areas - while requiring annual reporting on program outcomes.