Soil conservation is a big deal in agricultural states like Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas. Healthy soil supports our farms, our communities, and our regional economies, which is why several federal and state policies exist to help protect them. One of the most important is the Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA). 

Passed in 1981, the FPPA was created to limit how much federal projects contribute to the permanent loss of farmland. It doesn’t stop development or regulate private land—it simply requires federal agencies to look closely at the farmland they may impact, understand its agricultural value, and explore ways to avoid or reduce those impacts. Highways, airports, utility corridors, and water-resource projects are all examples of work that typically fall under FPPA review. 

FPPA often works together with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). While NEPA requires federal agencies to analyze environmental impacts broadly, the FPPA adds a layer of protection specifically for farmland. As part of the NEPA process, agencies must assess farmland conversions using FPPA guidance and coordinate with state and local partners to make sure their projects align with farmland preservation priorities. Every two years, federal agencies also update their internal policies to keep FPPA guidance current. 

At JEO, our environmental team is deeply involved in this process. When we prepare NEPA documents, we start by using tools like the NRCS Web Soil Survey to identify the types and percentages of farmland soils within a project area. This helps us determine whether prime farmland, unique farmland, or farmland of statewide or local importance may be affected. From there, we coordinate directly with the USDA to verify whether FPPA requirements are triggered and what steps need to follow. This collaboration helps ensure that farmland resources are evaluated carefully and responsibly throughout project planning. 

Under the FPPA, farmland is classified into three categories: 

• Prime Farmland: Soils best suited for producing crops efficiently with minimal inputs. 

• Unique Farmland: Land used for high-value specialty crops supported by specific soil or climate conditions. 

• Farmland of Statewide or Local Importance: Land identified by state or local agencies as significant for agricultural production. 

According to the 2024 FPPA Annual Report, Nebraska ranked second in the nation for important farmland acres proposed for conversion. That statistic highlights just how vital soil preservation is in our region—and why thoughtful planning, coordination, and early environmental review matter. 

By pairing FPPA guidance with the NEPA process, we can help minimize impacts, protect valuable farmland, and support the agricultural landscapes that shape our communities.