S. 1150: Increased TSP Access Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Increased TSP Access Act of 2025, aims to amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to enhance the delivery of technical assistance in natural resources conservation. Here are the main components of the bill:

Technical Assistance Improvements

The bill proposes changes to how technical assistance is provided under the Food Security Act, specifically under Section 1242. Key changes include:

• Expansion of Certification Methods: The bill allows the Secretary of Agriculture to certify third-party providers through both Federal and approved non-Federal entities. This will include local cooperatives and private sector organizations.
• Streamlined Certification Process: A faster certification process will be established for third-party providers with existing relevant credentials, meaning they can get certified more quickly to assist with conservation practices.
• Training and Continuing Education: Approved non-Federal certifying entities will be required to train certified third-party providers, ensuring they are equipped with the latest technical knowledge and skills related to conservation delivery.

Expanded Definition of Providers

The bill introduces the term "approved non-Federal certifying entity," allowing non-Federal organizations to be involved in certifying others who provide technical assistance. This means more entities can help provide necessary conservation services to agricultural producers.

Fair Payment Structures

It mandates the Secretary to establish fair payment amounts for technical services provided by third-party providers, taking into account various factors such as equipment and travel costs. The payments should reflect customary rates without exceeding those charged by government entities for similar services.

Transparency and Oversight

To ensure clarity and accountability, the bill requires the Secretary to make public various criteria and outcomes regarding:

• Funds allocated to third-party providers.
• Certification results, including the number of certified providers and certifying entities.
• Staff time saved as a result of utilizing third-party services.

Implementation Timeline

The Secretary is required to establish the processes for implementing these changes within specified timeframes, such as setting up the certification of non-Federal entities within 180 days of the bill's enactment.

Overall Goals

The overarching goal of this legislation is to improve the delivery of technical assistance for conservation practices aimed at enhancing agricultural and environmental outcomes. The bill seeks to facilitate the participation of additional entities and streamline the process of providing necessary technical support to agricultural producers, thereby potentially leading to better conservation efforts in the U.S.

Relevant Companies

• CAT (Caterpillar Inc.): Caterpillar might see an impact on its sales of agricultural equipment in relation to the increased focus on conservation practices and potential partnerships with certified technical service providers.
• DE (Deere & Company): As a manufacturer of agricultural machinery, Deere could benefit from increased demand for machinery tailored for conservation practices as more agricultural producers seek to implement recommended techniques.
• ADM (Archer-Daniels-Midland Company): ADM may be affected as they partner with agricultural producers who will likely need to adjust practices to align with new conservation standards and technical assistance providers certified under the bill.