Agricultural conservation easement program

Section 1265B of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865b) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (4)(C)(iv), by striking only; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (6) Condition of assistance (A) In general As a condition of receiving cost-share assistance under this section, the owner of eligible land shall agree to have in place a conservation plan that addresses applicable resource concerns for the land subject to the easement, including soil health and greenhouse gas emissions reduction, not later than 3 years after the date on which the easement is granted. (B) Bureau of Indian Affairs Subparagraph (A) may be satisfied by having in place a conservation plan developed or recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.; and (2) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following: (d) Technical assistance The Secretary may provide technical assistance, if requested, to assist in— (1) compliance with the terms and conditions of an easement; and (2) development and implementation of a conservation plan required under subsection (b)(6), including, as applicable— (A) a conservation plan for highly erodible land required under subsection (b)(4)(C)(iv); and (B) a comprehensive conservation plan developed pursuant to subsection (e)(1). (e) Financial assistance (1) In general (A) Enrollment in CSP At the sole option of the owner of the eligible land subject to an easement, the Secretary shall provide for the automatic enrollment of the eligible land subject to the easement in the conservation stewardship program established by subchapter B of chapter 4 of subtitle D, including financial assistance for the development of a comprehensive conservation plan under section 1240L(e), if the person or entity farming the eligible land is otherwise eligible for the conservation stewardship program, as determined by the Secretary. (B) Determination of compliance In the case of eligible land enrolled in the conservation stewardship program pursuant to subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall have the sole responsibility of determining compliance with the terms of the conservation stewardship program contract. (C) Funding Funding received by an eligible entity pursuant to this paragraph shall not be considered in the calculation of costs under subsection (b). (2) Timing The owner of the eligible land subject to an easement may exercise the option under paragraph (1)(A) during the 3-year period beginning on the date on which the easement is granted..