H.R. 6969 — Rural Investment for Producers and the Environment (RIPE) Act of 2026

This section establishes a demonstration program under which the Secretary of Agriculture enters into contracts with producers to implement selected practices (i.e., those providing environmental benefits such as improved water quality, soil health, air quality, climate resiliency, biodiversity, increased agricultural yields, or restored wildlife habitat) on eligible watersheds (i.e., those with significant agricultural production in a state or U.S. territory). The Secretary must select not more than 2 eligible watersheds per state or territory and 30 total within one year of enactment (excluding those serving Tribal lands from the per-state limit). Contracts last 3-5 years and provide direct payments to producers on a per-acre and per-animal-unit basis reflecting practice costs, income foregone, long-term management, and environmental benefits (including greenhouse gas reductions and carbon sequestration), with annual reviews and adjustments; limited-resource or socially disadvantaged producers receive payments 15% above the base rate. The Secretary must (1) implement a simple Natural Resources Conservation Service application process; (2) reserve 10% of funds for such producers; (3) set a minimum contract payment; (4) provide technical assistance for conservation plans starting in the contract's second year; and (5) authorize assistance from governments, third parties, cooperatives, or nonprofits. The Secretary must submit annual reports beginning December 30 following enactment.