Budget cuts threaten Farmer Conservation efforts

The recent shift in government spending has significantly impacted farmers contributing to conservation efforts. The budget package passed by Congress includes a one-year extension of the federal Farm Bill but excludes billions of dollars appropriated for agricultural conservation practices. This omission jeopardizes the future of critical funding for programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, which helps farmers implement voluntary conservation and climate-smart practices.

As a result, farmers are left scrambling for resources to maintain their operations' viability and resilience. The missed opportunity to allocate already-approved funding will have far-reaching consequences for agriculture, nature, and rural communities. The lack of support for conservation programs may also hinder farmers' ability to counter threats like droughts, floods, and loss of wildlife.