Landowners, Sportsmen, Conservationists: Senate Should Strengthen Conservation Reserve Program in 2026 Farm Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee should include needed investment in and improvements to the Conservation Reserve Program in the 2026 Farm Bill. The National Wildlife Federation and 49 conservation and sporting groups and affiliates highlighted the program’s history and value for wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, soil and water quality, and outdoor recreation in a letter sent to the Senate calling for increased resources in the Farm Bill’s conservation title to provide needed investment in and improvements to the Conservation Reserve Program.

“Now in its 40th year, [the Conservation Reserve Program] remains one of USDA’s flagship voluntary conservation programs, delivering significant benefits for farmers, ranchers, wildlife, soil health, and water quality. The Senate has an opportunity to ensure that the 2026 Farm Bill provides needed investment in and updates to CRP,” the organizations said in the letter. “Since the program’s inception in 1985, CRP has served as a critical part of the farm safety net, helping producers and landowners manage risk, generate on-farm income, provide forage during extreme drought, and conserve environmentally sensitive lands. The program also restores wildlife habitat for a broad array of wildlife species, improves soil and water quality, and supports the $1.3 trillion outdoor recreation economy.

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Learn more about the Conservation Reserve Program here, and if you are a landowner interested in enrolling, find your nearest USDA Service Center here.