National Association of Conservation Districts

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONSERVATION DISTRICTS APPLAUD HOUSE PASSAGE OF THE FARM BILL

NACD President Olin Sims, a rancher from McFadden, Wyoming, today issued the following statement in response to the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the Farm Bill.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—July 27, 2007—“Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed a Farm Bill including a Conservation Title that meets the needs of farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. On behalf of the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) and the nation’s 3,000 conservation districts, I want to thank members of the House for passing this critical legislation.

“The Conservation Title is a comprehensive package that emphasizes working lands conservation and preserves the locally-led process. We appreciate the increased financial commitment to conservation. The House Farm Bill achieves many of the improvements sought by conservation districts and offers workable solutions.

“The House Agriculture Committee worked hard to write a balanced measure under severe budget limitations. NACD valued the opportunity to be involved in the process and will continue to work toward a final bill for the President’s signature.

“We encourage the Senate to act so that progress can continue toward completion of the 2007 Farm Bill.”

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The National Association of Conservation Districts is the non-profit organization that represents the nation’s 3,000 conservation districts and 17,000 men and women who serve on their governing boards. For almost 70 years, local conservation districts have worked with cooperating landowners and managers of private working lands to help them plan and apply effective conservation practices. NACD’s website is at www.nacdnet.org.