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Use this page to review the types of soil health policies and their strategic value. Different policy vehicles may be appropriate at different stages of movement and program development, political climate, etc.

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Bills Establishing Healthy Soils Programs

Create state programs that promote soil health through incentives, education, and technical assistance.

Strategic Value: The “gold standard” for healthy soils policy advocacy: creates dedicated infrastructure for long-term soil health efforts including funding, TA, and outreach.

Example: CA SB859 (2016) - California Healthy Soils Program (Passed) launched the nation’s first State Healthy Soils Program, the California Healthy Soils Program

Funding Vehicles for Healthy Soils Programs

Provide public funding (one-time or, ideally, ongoing) to support healthy soils initiatives.

Strategic Value: Enables implementation. Programs without dedicated funding most often falter. This ensures viability and scale.

Example: NM HB89 (2021) – Healthy Soil Tax Refund Contribution (Passed) enables New Mexico residents who qualify for a state tax refund to voluntarily contribute all or part of their refund to the Healthy Soil Program.

Promote Specific Healthy Soils Practices

Promote or regulate land management practices that improve soil health (e.g., grazing, cover cropping).