WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) and Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) announced the launch of the bipartisan Congressional Soils Caucus for the 119th Congress.

“I know firsthand that farmers are the best caretakers of the land because our livelihood depends on it. The soil under our feet is our nation’s most valuable resource; it grows the food we eat, the fiber we wear, and the fuel that runs our vehicles. I’m proud to help establish the bipartisan Congressional Soils Caucus, bringing together Members from across the aisle to promote the importance of soil health and soil health science. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance policies that strengthen farmers’ ability to maximize yields, reduce input costs, and protect their land, ensuring they can pass their greatest asset down to the next generation,” said Rep. Finstad.

“As a third-generation Central Valley farmer, I’ve seen firsthand how the health of our fields and the vitality of our soils shape the future of our farms, our water supplies, and our rural communities. Healthy soil is the foundation upon which productive agriculture and resilient landscapes depend. I’m proud to join Congressman Finstad in launching the bipartisan Congressional Soils Caucus to elevate soil health science, support voluntary conservation, and invest in practices that strengthen our food systems while safeguarding the environment for the next generation. Advancing these priorities — from strong farm policy to responsible stewardship — remains vital to farmers and families across the country,” said Rep. Costa.

"Soils are not just an environmental issue, they’re an economic one,” said Jim Cudahy, who serves as CEO of the Soil Science Society of America as well as the American Society of Agronomy and the Crop Science Society of America. “Devoting attention, resources, and energy to our national soils is vital. We applaud the relaunch of the Congressional Soils Caucus to provide genuine leadership to a resource that we cannot take for granted. This is the epitome of what can and should be a bipartisan effort, to showcase research, support and accelerate innovation, and ensure that our producers have access to the tools and technical assistance that will deliver higher yields, strengthen farm viability, stabilize food costs, and keep U.S. agriculture competitive on a global basis.”

“As a fourth-generation farmer, I’m passionate about soil health on our family farm because the practices we’re investing in lead to a stronger bottom line while also preserving our land for the next generation. Soil health is truly our most important asset, and we applaud Rep. Brad Finstad for his leadership in forming the Congressional Soils Caucus to promote voluntary practices that are improving our natural resources and leading to a stronger farm economy.” – Darin Johnson, President, Minnesota Soybean Growers Association

"Minnesota farmers know that healthy soil is essential to everything we do. It supports our crops, protects our water, and sustains our rural communities for generations to come. The creation of the bipartisan Congressional Soils Caucus is an important step toward elevating farmer-led, voluntary conservation practices and advancing practical, science-based policies that work on real farms. We appreciate Representatives Finstad and Costa for recognizing that strong soil health policy strengthens both agriculture and the long-term resilience of our nation’s food system,” said President Dan Glessing, Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation.

“Soil health is critical to maintaining the long-term productivity of our nation’s farmland and ensuring that farmers can produce the food and fuel consumers rely on every day. That’s why the Minnesota Corn Growers Association is proud to support efforts like the Congressional Soil Caucus that advance bipartisan, farmer-led solutions to elevate soil health science and protect natural resources. We appreciate the leadership of Congressman Finstad on this important issue and look forward to working with him and his colleagues to maintain productive agricultural land.” – Wes Beck, President, Minnesota Corn Growers Association 

“Minnesota producers know that healthy soil is the foundation of everything we do—from strong yields to clean water to the long-term vitality of rural communities. This bipartisan caucus elevates the kind of practical, science-based, farmer-led stewardship that works in the fields. By connecting research with on-farm practice, it helps turn innovation into real economic value—strengthening farm profitability while protecting the natural resources future generations will depend on.” – Brian Buhr Dean, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences Director, Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station

Congressional Soils Caucus Key Objectives:

• Advance bipartisan leadership on soil health as the foundation for productive agriculture, clean water, and resilient landscapes.
• Elevate soil health science and stewardship, recognizing soils as a vital, non-renewable natural resource essential to food, fuel, feed, and fiber production.
• Support farmer-led, locally driven conservation, emphasizing voluntary, science-based practices tailored to regional soils and cropping systems.
• Strengthen farmer economic stability by promoting soil health practices that improve yields, reduce input costs, and enhance long-term profitability.
• Protect and enhance natural resources, including water quality, wildlife habitat, and soil carbon, while keeping working lands productive.
• Increase awareness and education through bipartisan briefings and stakeholder engagement on emerging soil-related challenges and opportunities.
• Promote resilience to natural disasters and climate extremes, including droughts, floods, and wildfires, through improved soil management.
• Preserve agricultural land for future generations by ensuring farmers can protect and pass down their most valuable asset—their soil.

First Congressional Soils Caucus Event

• The Congressional Soils Caucus will host its inaugural Capitol Hill briefing on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 4:00–6:00 p.m.
• The event will feature interactive, hands-on demonstrations designed to introduce congressional staff to the importance of soil health and soil science.
• Experts from across the country will connect soil health to key policy priorities, including water quality, PFAS, human health, and agricultural resilience.
• The briefing will serve as the first official event of the bipartisan Congressional Soils Caucus, launching ongoing education and engagement on soil health issues.