Conservation Priorities in the Next Farm Bill

Chris Young, National Association of Conservation Districts director of government affairs talks about their farm bill priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill.

"We want to keep at least level funding for farmer conservation programs. Within an NRCS and FSA, we also are looking at integrating the investments provided by the inflation Reduction Act into the Farm Bill. And we do want to see those investments there's about $18 billion dollars included in there for NRCS Farm Bill conservation programs. We want to see that money kept within the conservation title

Young adds that it is important that money be kept for conservation programs, as there's a huge oversubscription for these programs; and many people are not eligible but would like to participate and may have the opportunity if the money is kept in the programs. In addition, Young says the NACD would like to see more streamlined processes within the programs.

"We think there are a lot of opportunities to streamline and simplify application and administrative processes. Definitely some opportunities within Rcpp. We hear continuously from members that that process is really cumbersome and needs to be simplified, saying within equip and CSP."

Furthermore, he says they would like to have more local program development. Once again, that was Chris Young National Association of Conservation Districts director of government affairs