1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Soil Health and Income Protection Program Act of 2017 or the SHIPP Act of 2017 . 2. Soil health and income protection program (a) In general Chapter 5 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 is amended by inserting after section 1240M ( 16 U.S.C. 3839bb ) the following: 1240N. Soil health and income protection program (a) Definition of eligible land In this section: (1) In general The term eligible land means land that— (A) is selected by the owner or operator of the land for proposed enrollment in the program under this section; and (B) as determined by the Secretary— (i) had a cropping history or was considered to be planted during the 3 crop years preceding the crop year described in subsection (b)(2); and (ii) is verified to be less-productive land, as compared to other land on the applicable farm. (2) Exclusion The term eligible land does not include any land covered by a conservation reserve program contract under subchapter B of chapter 1 that expires during the crop year described in subsection (b)(2). (b) Establishment (1) In general The Secretary shall establish a voluntary soil health and income protection program under which eligible land is enrolled through the use of agreements to assist owners and operators of eligible land to conserve and improve the soil, water, and wildlife resources of the eligible land. (2) Deadline for participation Eligible land may be enrolled in the program under this section only during the first crop year beginning after the date of enactment of this section. (c) Agreements (1) Requirements An agreement described in subsection (b) shall— (A) be entered into by the Secretary, the owner of the eligible land, and (if applicable) the operator of the eligible land