Conservation Reserve Program Modernization Act

This bill modernizes the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) by updating eligibility rules and payment structures. It expands enrollment to include more grasslands, wetlands, and conservation buffers (like riparian buffers and prairie strips) that improve water quality and wildlife habitat, while setting new criteria for land based on soil capability classes. Rental payments are adjusted based on soil quality (e.g., 85% for high-quality soil, 115% for lower-quality soil), and re-enrollment payments decrease by 10 percentage points each renewal. Cost-sharing covers 50% of expenses for conservation practices like establishing vegetation, fencing, and water development to maintain enrolled land.