CALL Act

The CALL Act (HR 1853) requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture to conduct a comprehensive study on barriers to conservation practice adoption on leased agricultural land. It examines factors like lease agreements, landowner awareness, and regional differences affecting farmers (who operate leased land but don’t own it) and landowners. The study will analyze existing data, including the TOTAL Survey, and assess how lease structures influence conservation efforts, with special focus on Black, Indigenous, and beginning farmers. The USDA must submit a final report by December 2026 with recommendations for improving conservation participation on leased land. This is a research-focused bill with no immediate policy changes, aiming to inform future USDA actions.