By Cora Fox, former staff member
The Center for Rural Affairs wants to work with you to advocate for conservation in the upcoming 2018 farm bill!
Over the next few months we will share our farm bill priorities with you – beginning with conservation.
We need to protect funding and strengthen working lands conservation programs such as the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
What does ‘working lands’ mean?
Working lands conservation programs are specifically designed for actively productive acres, rather than focused on taking land out of production.
What can working lands conservation programs do for you?
Many farmers value good stewardship on their land but struggle to find the funds to integrate conservation practices into their operations.
Working lands conservation programs provide farmers with the financial means and technical assistance to effectively implement various conservation practices on their operation. These programs address specific resource concerns on their land. Some conservation practices supported include cover crops, targeted spraying technology, no-till farming, and wildlife habitat development. These key practices have helped farmers reduce soil erosion, reduce unwanted spray drift, and increase habitat for pollinators and other wildlife on their land.
How can I get involved?
Do you care about EQIP and CSP, and want to see the important work continue? Make a quick call to your legislator’s office to let them know you support these programs. Never called your legislator before? Check out this blog with tips for how to do it. It’s easy!
Not a farmer? That’s OK! You can still call your legislator and let them know you support conservation in the farm bill.
Sign up for farm bill updates. We’ll send action alerts during the next few months. Congress is moving quickly and we’ll let you know when your voice and calls are particularly needed.
