States have advanced soil health through a wide variety of policy approaches - not just comprehensive Healthy Soils Programs. This guide introduces common categories of soil health policy, explains when each approach may be strategically useful, and provides examples from around the country. The approaches below are ordered roughly from the most widely adopted and comprehensive approaches to more specialized and emerging strategies. Most successful states combine several of these approaches, adapting them to each state's political landscape, campaign maturity, available partners, and implementation goals.

Establishing Healthy Soils Programs

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

When to Consider This Approach: Often the long-term objective of a statewide campaign. Best suited where there is sufficient political support to establish dedicated infrastructure for funding, technical assistance, and long-term program administration. Comprehensive programs can also serve as a platform for future policy expansion.

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.

When to Consider This Approach: Critical wherever implementation (not policy support) is the primary barrier. Dedicated funding can strengthen existing programs or make new legislation politically viable by identifying a sustainable funding source.

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).

When to Consider This Approach: A practical entry point for states that are not yet ready to establish a comprehensive Healthy Soils Program. Practice-specific incentives often enjoy broad producer support, demonstrate tangible benefits, and can build momentum for broader policy development.

Example: WI AB727/SB677 (2021)– Crop Insurance Rebate for Cover Crops (Passed) creates a $5-per-acre Wisconsin Crop Insurance Premium Rebate for Planting Cover Crops Program for farmers who plant cover crops.