Over 220 agricultural, environmental, and water organizations sent an April 5th letter to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Subcommittees that are responsible for agricultural appropriations.
The letter was addressed to:
The Honorable Robert Aderholt, Chairman
House Agriculture Appropriations
Subcommittee
The Honorable Sanford Bishop, Ranking Member
House Agriculture Appropriations
Subcommittee
The Honorable John Hoeven, Chairman
Senate Agriculture Appropriations
Subcommittee
The Honorable Jeff Merkley, Ranking Member
Senate Agriculture Appropriations
Subcommittee
Arkansas organizations signing the letter include the Arkansas Wildlife Federation and Arkansas Public Policy Panel.
The letter asked that as the members consider agricultural appropriations legislation that they:
- Oppose reopening the farm bill
- Protect farm bill conservation program mandatory funding
- Reject President Trump’s proposal to cut NRCS field staff
- Provide at last $865 million in critical discretionary funding for Conservation Operations (including Conservation Technical Assistance)
The organizations argue that the 2014 Farm Bill (when sequestration is included) consolidated a dozen conservation programs and reduced mandatory conservation spending by $4 billion ($6 billion when sequestration is included).
They further note that:
Funding for these programs is more important now than ever, as ripple effects from the recent downturn in the farm economy are being felt across rural America. Conservation support for healthy soil, clean water, and overall farm viability is absolutely essential as farmers struggle to stay afloat.
Programs cited as needing full funding include:
- CSP
- EQIP
- Regional Conservation Partnership Program
- Agricultural Conservation Easement Program
A copy of the April 5th letter, which includes a list of over 220 organizations signing the letter, can be downloaded here.
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