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For Immediate Release
Defenders Applauds Harkin Farm Bill Amendment
WASHINGTON -- A manager’s amendment to be offered by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) to the farm bill represents a significant step forward for conservation policy and funding that helps farmers and livestock producers protect farmland, air and water quality, and wildlife habitat, according to Defenders of Wildlife. The national conservation group praised Harkin for his strong leadership in producing a farm package that is far superior to that passed by the House of Representatives.
"Defenders of Wildlife recognizes Senator Harkin’s strong efforts with his fellow senators to craft a conservation title that moves forward, not backward," said Mark Shaffer, senior vice president for programs at Defenders of Wildlife. "S. 1731 lays out a conservation package that will give us more wildlife, cleaner water, healthier rural communities, and more prosperous family farms. We also appreciate Senator Harkin’s work to promote renewable energy and efficiency on America’s farms."
Defenders also applauded the wide array of environmental policy challenges addressed by S. 1731. Chairman Harkin’s manager’s amendment significantly increases funding for a wide array of programs, including the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), Farmland Protection Program (FPP), a new Conservation Security Program, a new Grassland Reserve Program, and other key priorities.
Shaffer noted Defenders’ support for amendments by Senator Paul Wellstone (D-Minn.) to better direct Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding, by Senator Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) to discourage converting wildlife habitat into row-crop production, and several amendments to improve competition in agricultural markets.
Defenders expressed concern with a proposed amendment by Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), which would negate the senate bill’s conservation advances. "Farmers in every corner of our nation want to improve wildlife habitat, air and water quality, and secure the future of their farms against sprawling development," Shaffer said. "Chairman Harkin has clearly listened to farmers across the country, and his proposal is a major step forward. Iowans, family farmers, and conservationists across America should applaud Senator Harkin’s initiative."
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Defenders of Wildlife is a leading nonprofit conservation organization recognized as one of the nation's most progressive advocates for wildlife and its habitat. With more than 480,000 members and supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is an effective leader on environmental issues. For timely information on environmental issues, visit www.defenders.org and subscribe to DENLines, a free e-mail alert newsletter.
