FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2017
Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106
[email protected]
WASHINGTON – As U.S. House and Senate agriculture committee leadership readies a framework for the 2018 Farm Bill, the conservation community has come to a consensus on a fundamental set of provisions to strengthen the conservation title of the bill. National Farmers Union (NFU) joined 20 other prominent farm, food, wildlife and environmental organizations today in sending these recommendations to the agriculture committees.
“As we move toward reauthorization of the next farm bill, the Conservation Title programs, funding, and authorities are more critical now than ever,” wrote the coalition. “The farm conservation community, representing agriculture, wildlife, sportsmen, conservation, and environmental organizations, stands united in calling for a strengthened and expanded Conservation Title in the 2018 Farm Bill.
The coalition called on Congress to write a farm bill that ensures farmers and ranchers can both increase the productivity and sustainability of their operations and have access to a variety of tools they can choose from to conserve, manage, and enhance shared natural resources.
“We urge Congress to provide a much needed increase in conservation funding while improving program flexibility, conservation benefits, and accountability through an emphasis on program outcomes,” noted the letter.
NFU President Roger Johnson said he is hopeful the recommendations can provide a starting point for Congress to craft policy that provides farmers and ranchers with the tools and information they need to protect the environment. “Family farmers and ranchers are the original stewards of our land, and they need the flexibility and support offered in these suggestions to ensure the land, water and air is protected and productive for generations to come,” he said.
To view a copy of the consensus document, click here.
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National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.
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