Sponsors (5)
The bill expands USDA support for alternative manure and composting practices—promising sizable climate, soil, and local water-quality benefits and lower upfront costs for many producers—but it raises federal spending and administrative complexity, creates compliance and equity risks for some farms, and may fall short unless implemented with sufficient funding and clear rules.
Farmers and livestock operations receive direct federal payments (including up to 100% of project costs and at least 50% up front) that materially lower the upfront financial barrier to adopting alternative manure management practices.
Participating farms and nearby rural communities will reduce greenhouse gas emissions (methane and nitrous oxide), increase soil carbon and water retention, and improve local air and water quality as alternative manure management and composting scale up.
Producers gain expanded access to USDA programs, technical assistance, training, and options (including cluster/project applications), making it easier for operations—especially smaller ones—to design, apply for, and implement improved manure-management practices.
Taxpayers may face substantially higher federal spending because the bill authorizes covering up to 100% of project costs, exceptions to payment caps, and expanded contract awards and administration.
USDA, state and local agencies could face significant administrative and verification burdens (estimating/verifying GHG reductions, new standards, permitting), which may slow approvals and payments.
Some farmers—especially those unable to secure full payments—may still bear increased compliance, operational, or recordkeeping costs to meet new practice standards and program requirements.
Based on analysis of 9 sections of legislative text.
Expands and funds on‑farm composting and alternative manure management practices, authorizing up to 100% cost coverage, prioritization rules, technical assistance, and new conservation standards.
Introduced October 31, 2025 by Jim Costa · Last progress October 31, 2025
Creates a federal program to expand and fund on‑farm composting and other alternative manure management practices to reduce methane, nitrous oxide, and other environmental harms. It adds definitions, authorizes up to 100% cost‑share payments (with at least 50% upfront) for planning, materials, equipment, installation, labor, training, and maintenance, and limits contracts to three years. Requires USDA to set technical standards, publish methods for estimating carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas reductions, prioritize projects that maximize climate and public‑health benefits, and give preference to small and mid‑sized dairy and livestock operations (including beginning, limited‑resource, and socially disadvantaged producers). The bill also allows waivers of some federal payment limits where needed and directs a one‑year review and creation of an on‑farm composting conservation practice standard.