US HB1853

Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, through the National Agricultural Statistics Service and in collaboration with the Economic Research Service, to conduct a study on barriers to conservation practice adoption on leased agricultural land

39% of U.S. agricultural land is leased, including 53% of cropland, yet factors limiting conservation program participation by landowners and tenants are not fully understood

Study must examine lease structures, regional variations, existing federal/state incentives, effects of cash rent competition, and how conservation practices are maintained when tenants change

Requires particular consideration of farmers and ranchers who are people of color, including Black and indigenous farmers, and beginning farmers and ranchers

Report with findings and recommendations due to Congress by December 31, 2026; Secretary may contract with non-federal entities such as nonprofits or universities to conduct the study