Press Releases

Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-NY-19) today announced the introduction of the Peer Learning for Agriculture Conservation Education (PLACE) Act. Rep. Molinaro worked with Scenic Hudson and Regenerate America to develop this bill and introduced it with U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR-6). The PLACE Act’s introduction follows Rep. Molinaro’s Farm Bill Listening Session with Scenic Hudson, which focused on soil conservation and environmental sustainability.

Soil conservation practices are crucial for maintaining viable farmland and mitigating environmental degradation. However, during Rep. Molinaro’s Farm Bill listening session, participants raised concerns about the lack of federal resources to help educate farmers about these practices and implement them.

Rep. Molinaro’s bill creates a program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Regional Conservation Partnership Program that will incentivize the creation of peer-to-peer conservation education and training networks. These networks will help regional farmers access technical assistance and expertise on effective conservation practices without the burden of having to work through overburdened USDA staff.  

Rep. Molinaro said, “My Farm Bill Listening Session shed light on the urgent need to prioritize soil health and environmental sustainability. Soil conservation is not just essential for the long-term viability of our farmland; it's a cornerstone of our environmental stewardship. Unfortunately, we recognized there's a gap in federal support for educating and implementing these crucial practices. My bipartisan bill will cut red tape and help more farmers get the help they need to implement conservation strategies.”

Ned Sullivan, President of Scenic Hudson & founder of Northeast Carbon Alliance said, "The local, family-owned farms throughout New York and Northeastern states are an indispensable resource, providing food and farm products to the nation. They also play a vital role in delivering clean water and healthy soils, and reducing and slowing the impacts of climate change. Congressman Molinaro understands the potential of supporting win-win agriculture and environmental policies. His bipartisan PLACE Act promotes soil health and brings farmers, scientists and technical service providers from the public and private sectors together to learn from one another and apply their knowledge in the field. I am proud to partner with him on the legislation."

The PLACE Act is endorsed by Scenic Hudson, Regenerate America, Great Wonder Farms, Handsome Brook Farms, Hudson Carbon / The Foundation for Agricultural Integrity, the American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN), and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).