§ 12.1 General.

(a) Scope. This part sets forth the terms and conditions under which a person who produces an agricultural commodity on highly erodible land or designates such land for conservation use, plants an agricultural commodity on a converted wetland, or converts a wetland shall be determined to be ineligible for certain benefits provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and agencies and instrumentalities of USDA. (b) Purpose. The purpose of the provisions of this part are to remove certain incentives for persons to produce agricultural commodities on highly erodible land or converted wetland and to thereby— (1) Reduce soil loss due to wind and water erosion; (2) Protect the Nation's long-term capability to produce food and fiber; (3) Reduce sedimentation and improve water quality; and (4) Assist in preserving the values, acreage, and functions of the Nation's wetlands.