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Defenders in Action: Defenders Leads the Way for Conservation in the Farm Bill
Congress is currently considering reauthorization of the farm bill, legislation that will cost more than $170 billion over the next 10 years. Most of the bill’s funding is currently slotted for price and income support payments for rowcrops, such as soybeans, wheat and corn. However, thanks to calls and letters from Defenders of Wildlife DEN members, Congress is getting the message that farm bill dollars should be directed toward those agricultural producers who undertake conservation practices that protect wildlife, preserve open space and cause less water and air pollution.
Defenders of Wildlife provided input and support to Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Tom Harkin (D-IA), as he developed a farm bill with a strong emphasis on conservation. Defenders also worked with Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN), the senior-most Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee, towards enhanced conservation provisions. The farm bill that was ultimately approved by the Senate Agriculture Committee contained many improvements for voluntary restoration and conservation of wildlife habitat on agricultural lands.
When the farm bill hit the Senate floor, Defenders successfully lobbied for pro-conservation amendments, such as the Durbin amendment, which will prevent support payments from being given to farmers for tearing up ground not recently used to grow crops. Defenders also successfully fought anti-conservation amendments, such as the Bond amendment, which would have allowed the president to waive environmental laws if he believed federal action would impair farmers’ economic interests.
Defenders will continue to work towards the strongest possible conservation provisions as the Senate farm bill is reconciled with a far less conservation-oriented House farm bill.
