### Question
How does AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION PROGRAM define nondegradation standard?


### Answer
Under *16 U.S.C. § 3838*, **nondegradation standard** is defined as:

> the level of measures required to adequately protect, and prevent degradation of, 1 or more natural resources, as determined by the Secretary in accordance with the quality criteria described in handbooks of the Natural Resources Conservation Service

#### Citation:
  - *16 U.S.C. § 3838*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 58-ERODIBLE LAND AND WETLAND CONSERVATION AND RESERVE PROGRAM > SUBCHAPTER IV-AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION PROGRAM > Part II-Conservation Security and Farmland Protection > subpart a-conservation security program**

