Rural Investment for Producers and the Environment (RIPE) Act of 2026

This bill would create a federal demonstration program in which the Secretary of Agriculture signs 3- to 5-year contracts that pay farmers and ranchers to use conservation practices in selected farming watersheds. Within one year, the Secretary would pick up to 30 watersheds nationwide, with no more than 2 per state or territory, not counting watersheds serving Tribal lands toward the state limit. Payments would be set per acre and per animal unit based on costs, lost income, and environmental benefits, and limited resource or socially disadvantaged producers would receive a rate 15 percent higher, with 10 percent of funds reserved for them. Producers could also take part in environmental services markets. The program would use $1 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation in fiscal year 2026 and $150 million per year for fiscal years 2027 through 2029.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Josh Riley Democrat sponsor
• 1 cosponsors