SENATE PASSES 2018 FARM BILL
The Senate voted 87-13 today to pass the 2018 Farm Bill. A House vote is expected yet this week.
In addition to maintaining funding for the Conservation Title, this farm bill keeps the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) functioning as separate programs; allows more grazing opportunities and acreage to the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP); makes reasonable reforms to the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) without converting the program away from its intended function; and supports forestry management by promoting reductions of hazardous fuel loads to prevent wildfires.
“The best parts of both bills are reflected in this final product—including the National Association of Conservation District’s (NACD) primary legislative priorities,” NACD President-elect Tim Palmer said. “Successful implementation of on-the-ground conservation is made possible through conservation districts and the locally-led conservation model. Investing in conservation is an investment in the nation’s future, and this agreement continues to make that a priority. We are thankful our nation’s farmers, ranchers, and private forest landowners can continue to execute sustainable practices with the support of this bipartisan legislation.”
The NACD wrote a detailed analysis of the farm bill as a blog article, which can be found here.
The official site of the 2018 Farm Bill IS HERE.
