Which act elevated wildlife to co-equal status with soil erosion and water quality?

The Federal Agricultural Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 is significant because it formally recognized the importance of wildlife conservation alongside traditional agricultural concerns such as soil erosion and water quality. This act emphasized a more holistic approach to agriculture, integrating ecological considerations with agricultural productivity. It established conservation programs that required effective management of land not just for commodities, but also for the benefit of wildlife habitats and biodiversity. This shift towards co-equal status reflects a growing understanding in agricultural policy that maintaining healthy ecosystems is essential for sustainable farming practices. This recognition of wildlife as an integral component of agricultural viability represents a pivotal moment in conservation policy within agricultural legislation.