# Plain Language Summary: Investing in Our Crops Act

This bill gives farmers money to help them manage nutrients in their soil more effectively. Specifically, it provides extra payments to farmers who are already participating in the government's Environmental Quality Incentives Program and agree to implement nutrient management practices on their land. Nutrient management is basically a farming technique where farmers carefully plan how they apply fertilizers and other nutrients to their crops—timing, amount, and method—to reduce waste and environmental pollution while keeping crops healthy.

The bill sets aside $750 million in funding for this program over two years (fiscal years 2024 and 2025). The payments farmers receive are designed to cover the actual costs of implementing these practices, but the total payment (combined with any existing government support) can't exceed 100 percent of what it costs to do the work. This means the government will help pay for the practice, but farmers won't make a profit on the payment itself. Up to 5 percent of the funding can be used to provide technical assistance to help farmers understand and implement these practices correctly.

The program runs through September 30, 2025, so it's a temporary initiative rather than a permanent change to farm policy. This bill primarily affects farmers who grow crops that benefit from nutrient management—particularly those in areas where water quality or soil health is a concern. By making these practices more affordable, the bill aims to encourage farmers to adopt methods that are better for the environment while maintaining productive farmland.

Investing in Our Crops Act

Harder, Josh

Investing in Our Crops Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide additional payments to producers under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program for implementation of a nutrient management practice. USDA must provide the payments through FY2025 and may use up to 5% of the funding to provide technical assistance.