Conservation Programs Targeted Again in Federal Budget Cuts, Reports American Farmland Trust

Conservation Programs Already Slashed by Billions Could Face More Cuts

Washington, D.C., October 5, 2005—Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee announced today that conservation programs will be targeted for one-third of proposed FY06 budget reconciliation cuts, according to a press release issued by American Farmland Trust.

In addition, Chambliss announced that the Conservation Security Program (CSP), a landmark, mandatory conservation program enacted in 2002, would take 75 percent of the reduction.

American Farmland Trust (AFT), the only national organization working solely to protect farms and ranches, is opposed to the cuts.

“U.S. farmers and ranchers manage one billion acres of private land in America. Congress needs to protect existing public financial support for sound management of this land,” said AFT President Ralph Grossi.

Since the 2002 Farm Bill, conservation programs have suffered $3.8 billion in cuts. Last year alone, federal conservation programs experienced a $4.3 billion backlog due to insufficient funds, preventing three out of every four applicants from receiving needed assistance.

“Cutting these programs another $1.054 billion ultimately means dirtier water, less habitat for wildlife and less clean air to breathe,” Grossi added. “It makes no sense for these critical programs to bear the brunt of budget cuts when farmers are already can’t participate in them for a lack of funds.”

The public and most farmers support stewardship-based farm policies that encourage more diverse farming systems, reduce economic and environmental risks and produce a broader array of public benefits. Public opinion surveys conducted by American Farmland Trust indicate that 85 percent of voters expect and are willing to pay farmers for those benefits, and at least 65 percent of urban-edge landowners would welcome such payments.

“In a time of record federal deficit, conservation programs prove to be a good value and a good investment for taxpayers,” said Grossi. “Furthermore, conservation programs help the United States comply with its obligations under the WTO because the programs maximize long-term environmental benefits rather than increase production.”

-News provided by American Farmland Trust (AFT), which is a national nonprofit organization working with communities and individuals to protect the best land, plan for growth with agriculture in mind and keep the land healthy. As the leading advocate for farm and ranch land conservation, AFT has ensured that more than a million acres stays bountiful and productive. AFT’s national office is located in Washington, D.C. Phone number is 202-331-7300. For more information, visit www.farmland.org.

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